Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to you (polite) with 您 (nín)

    Emphasis
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    您 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The pronoun 您 (nín) is the polite form of 你 (you) and is used to show respect when addressing elders, superiors, or strangers. It is used in the same grammatical positions as 你 but conveys a more formal and courteous tone.

    Examples

    • 您好，请问您找谁？

      nín hǎo, qǐngwèn nín zhǎo shéi?

      Hello, may I ask who you are looking for?

    • 您先请坐，我去倒茶。

      nín xiān qǐng zuò, wǒ qù dào chá.

      Please have a seat first, I'll go pour some tea.

    • 请问您贵姓？

      qǐngwèn nín guì xìng?

      May I ask your surname?

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Referring to you (polite) with 您 (nín) | Chinese Grammar