你

nǐ pron.

A second-person pronoun referring to the person being addressed. You (singular, informal); also generic "you" meaning anyone or people in general.

You, the intimate or standard singular listener.

你 creates direct, personal eye contact between the speaker and the other human being.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 你来了 — you made it / you arrived!
  • 您们好 你们好 / 各位好

    您 has no standard plural 您们 in standard Chinese.

How do Chinese speakers decide when to use 你 (informal you) vs 您 (respectful you)?

Chinese social etiquette: younger people use 您 for elders, while elders use warm 你 for youth.

Using 您 shows respect to the elder shopkeeper; the elder using 你 shows warm, affectionate paternal familiarity.

Appears in Stories 23 stories

Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.

《这样子好吗?》 (The Clever Child Who Asked for More) HSK 2
~3 min read 189 chars
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In this funny HSK 2 story, a boy asks his father for money every day. When his father tries to teach him a lesson, the boy's clever reply will make you laugh.

  • 钱老师说:“ 你 已经十岁了,已经是个大孩子了。

  • 昨天 你 找我要五块钱,今天 你 再要五块钱,明天是不是还要再要五块钱。

《星期七》 (The Week Without Seven) HSK 1
~2 min read 82 chars
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Before you read, try clapping the rhythm. This poem introduces the days of the week and a fun secret: Chinese has two names for Sunday, but no 'Week Seven'!

  • 你 想知道星期几,可以问他星期几。

《你也在想我吗》 (Do You Miss Me Too?) HSK 1
~2 min read 128 chars
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This short, soothing piece is about missing someone on a rainy night. The sentences are simple and repeat often, so you can practice reading while feeling the warm emotion.

  • 我看着电脑,写下了几个字:小雨,我想 你 。

  • 今天, 你 那里下雨了吗?

《我们一家》 (A Family Dinner at the Restaurant) HSK 2
~6 min read 401 chars
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In this warm dialogue, a parent introduces their family at a restaurant. A teacher gently corrects common mistakes about family words and names, making it perfect for HSK 2 learners.

  • 你 也来这家饭店吃饭?

  • B:左边那两个小朋友是 你 的孩子?

《五块钱》 (The Five-Yuan Gift) HSK 1
~6 min read 414 chars
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This heartwarming story shows how a small act of kindness can be passed on. Follow Gao Xianming as he learns an important lesson about generosity in his new city.

  • 有人没有钱坐车, 你 给他这五块钱吧。”

  • 安小语非常高兴,对高先明说:“谢谢 你 !

《热面条》 (Hot Noodles on a Cold Night) HSK 1
~5 min read 399 chars
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Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.

  • 老先生对大中说:“ 你 来了!

  • 今天外边太冷了,我给 你 做热面条。”

《饥饿的深意》 (The Hidden Meaning of Hunger) HSK 7
~11 min read 1243 chars
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Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.

  • 对面做服装的老总接话说,那 你 还撑什么。

  • 他说:“货款拖了四个月了,再不给,这周我就停了 你 的货!”

《我的家人(1)》 (My Family Members) HSK 1
~2 min read 116 chars
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Before you read, meet the grandparents! This rhyming chant helps you practice the different names for maternal and paternal grandparents in Chinese. Listen to the beat and repeat.

  • 宝宝,宝宝,我问 你 ,爸爸的爸爸叫什么?

  • 宝宝,宝宝,我再问 你 妈妈的爸爸叫什么?

《我的家人(2)》 (My Family Members) HSK 1
~2 min read 141 chars
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This playful rhyme helps you learn family words in Chinese. Practice saying who's who with simple questions and answers!

  • 小朋友,我问问 你 ,这个小朋友,他是谁?

  • 小朋友,我再问 你 ,这个女孩子,她是谁?

《三号病房的苹果》 (The Apple in Ward Three) HSK 1
~3 min read 191 chars
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Enjoy this simple story about a patient and a mysterious apple. It shows how a small act of kindness can make someone feel at home, and you'll learn key words for feelings and daily life.

  • 是二号房间的老先生给 你 的。

  • 老先生说, 你 一个人在中国。

《大学者和小人物》 (The Scholar and the Cookie Seller) HSK 5
~8 min read 882 chars
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Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.

  • 信中说:“ 你 提出的问题太大,我不能给 你 一个可以使我自己认为满意的解释。

  • 我只能说, 你 说的英国制度和美国制度其实没有什么不一样。

《谢谢您请》 (The Day 'Please' Stayed Home) HSK 1
~2 min read 132 chars
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Everyday greetings are a gateway to natural Chinese. Practice time-based hellos like “早上好” and “晚安,” learn to address teachers with the respectful “您,” and see how families skip formalities to speak warmly at home.

  • 你 好!

《一到十二月》 (Twelve Months of Love) HSK 1
~2 min read 108 chars
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Welcome! This short poem helps you practice the months, weekdays, and mealtimes in Chinese. Read it aloud and notice the rhythm. You already know many of these words!

  • 一年十二月,爱 你 也想 你 。

  • 星期一到六,天天喜欢 你 。

《哪里哪里!》 (Where is 'Where'?) HSK 1
~6 min read 432 chars
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Chat about where friends study Chinese while exploring 哪儿 and 哪里 across Beijing and Shanghai. Practice asking “where”, talking about “here” and “there”, and using the modest reply 哪里哪里 to accept a compliment.

  • 你 在哪儿学汉语?

  • 小米: 你 呢?

《问问题》 (Asking Questions) HSK 1
~2 min read 107 chars
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Before you read, think about the questions you ask every day. This simple poem shows you how to ask age, price, time, and more in friendly Chinese.

  • 问同学, 你 多大?

  • 问小孩儿, 你 几岁?

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