您

nín pron.

A respectful form of address formed by combining 你 (you) with 心 (heart). The standard polite/formal "you" in modern Mandarin, used for elders, superiors, and formal occasions.

The honorific "You"—carrying respect in the heart (你 + 心).

Adding 心 (heart) under 你 creates 您. It is the ultimate verbal bow to elders and teachers.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 谢谢您 — thank you, sir (respectful)
  • 对朋友说您 对朋友说你

    Using 您 with close friends creates weird, awkward distance.

When is it mandatory to use 您?

When speaking to seniors, customers, bosses, and elderly strangers.

Calling the old cook 您 shows proper traditional manners and genuine gratitude for his care.

Appears in Stories 7 stories

Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.

《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.

  • 他姓钱,我们都喜欢叫他“老钱”, 您 可以叫他“小钱”。

《七号桌的客人》 (The Guest at Table Seven) HSK 1
~5 min read 396 chars
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This heartwarming story reveals the quiet devotion of a father. As you read, notice the repeated actions and how a simple cup of tea becomes meaningful.

  • 大中问:“老先生, 您 天天坐在这儿看外边, 您 在看什么呢?”

  • 他对老先生说:“老先生, 您 来了!

《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.

  • 大中吃好面条,都对老先生说:“谢谢 您 ,面条很好吃。”

  • 大中问老先生:“老先生,十点多了, 您 怎么还没回家?”

《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.

  • 副总说 您 尝尝,趁热,今天的肉不错。

  • 我问他 您 刚才饭桌上怎么不吃东西。

《找“大白”》 (Looking for Big White) HSK 1
~5 min read 361 chars
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A young man helps an old man look for his cat. But the real surprise is why the old man wanted to find the cat. Read on to learn about kindness and friendship.

  • 白天明问:“老先生, 您 家里有大白猫, 您 怎么还要找大白猫呢?”

  • 白天明对老先生说:“老先生,我天天都来这里和 您 说话。

《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.

  • 您 好!

  • 先生、女士也说“ 您 ”。

《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.

  • 高先明对老先生说:“谢谢 您 !

  • 我明天给 您 钱。”

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