你 stroke order 你 chinese writing meaning 你 chinese character tattoos


When you start learning Chinese, one of the very first characters you'll encounter is 你 (nǐ). Meaning "you," this simple yet essential word is the key to starting almost any conversation. If you've ever wondered "How to write hello in Chinese," you've already seen this character, as it's a core part of the most fundamental greeting: 你好 (nǐ hǎo). This article will dive deep into the meaning, history, and usage of the Chinese character for "you."

The Meaning and Pronunciation of 你 (Nǐ)

The Chinese character 你 (nǐ) is the standard, informal second-person pronoun. It's used to address a single person, whether they are a friend, a peer, a family member, or someone of a similar age or status. Its pronunciation, the third tone, features a distinctive dipping and rising pitch.

It's important to distinguish it from its homophone:

  • 你 (nǐ): You (informal, general)

  • 您 (nín): You (formal, showing respect). This is used for elders, superiors, teachers, or in formal customer service situations.

The existence of these two forms highlights the nuanced nature of respect within the Chinese language and culture.

How to Write the Chinese Character 你

Learning how to write hello in Chinese begins with mastering the character for "you." The character 你 is composed of several parts, which tell a story about its meaning.

  1. Left Radical (亻): This is the key component. It is the simplified form of the radical 人 (rén), which means "person" or "human." Its presence immediately tells you that the character is related to a person.

  2. Right Component (尔 - ěr): This part primarily provides the phonetic hint, as its pronunciation in classical Chinese is similar to "nǐ." However, it also carries a meaning of "you" or "thou" in ancient literary Chinese.

When combined, the structure creates a logical meaning: a character related to a person (亻) that signifies "you" (尔). This makes 你 one of the easier characters to remember and learn for beginners.

The Role of 你 in Essential Phrases: Starting with "Hello"

You cannot learn how to write hello in Chinese without understanding the character 你. The most basic greeting in Mandarin is:

  • 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello (Literally: "You good")

This phrase perfectly demonstrates the function of 你. It directly addresses the other person, wishing them well. As you progress, you'll find 你 in countless other essential phrases:

  • 谢谢你 (Xièxie nǐ) - Thank you.

  • 你叫什么名字？(Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) - What is your name?

  • 你是哪国人？(Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?) - Which country are you from?

Cultural Context: The Importance of "You" in Communication

Understanding when to use 你 (nǐ) versus 您 (nín) is a crucial step in mastering polite Chinese conversation. Using 你 with a stranger or superior in a formal context can be seen as overly familiar or even rude. Conversely, consistently using 您 with a close friend might create an unnecessary sense of distance. A good rule of thumb is to start with 您 in formal situations and switch to 你 only when the other person invites you to do so, often by saying, "咱们就说你吧" (Let's just use "你").

Conclusion: Your Gateway to Chinese Conversation

The Chinese character 你 (nǐ) is far more than just a pronoun; it is the foundation of interpersonal communication in Mandarin. From the first time you learn how to write hello in Chinese to building complex sentences, this character will be your constant companion. By understanding its structure, meaning, and the cultural nuance behind its formal counterpart, you take a significant first step toward speaking Chinese naturally and respectfully.


你的笔顺【Writing order】ノ丨ノフ丨ノ丶

"你" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Interpretations

A tattoo of "你" is uncommon and deeply personal. It is not a declaration about the self, but a dedication to, or a contemplation of, another person or the very concept of connection.

1. Core Symbolic Meanings

  • Dedication to a Specific Person: This is the most powerful and likely meaning. The tattoo can be a permanent, silent dedication to a profoundly important person in your life—a partner, a child, a parent, or a lost loved one. It says, "My story is inextricably linked with you." It points away from the self and towards the other.

  • The Power of Relationship: The tattoo can symbolize the importance of human connection itself. It's a recognition that we are defined not in isolation, but through our relationships with others. "你" represents the bridge between "我" (I) and the world.

  • A Memory or a Longing: It can be a poignant tribute to someone who is no longer present, a constant reminder of a "you" that is deeply missed. In this context, it embodies memory, love, and loss.

  • A Philosophical Statement: Drawing from Martin Buber's philosophy, the tattoo can represent a commitment to engaging with the world in an "I-Thou" manner—seeing others not as objects to be used ("I-It"), but as subjects with their own unique presence and soul.

2. Personal Interpretations

  • For a Soulmate: It can symbolize that your identity and life's journey are completed by your partner. "My life is for you."

  • For a Child: A parent might get this tattoo to signify that their world now revolves around their child. "Everything I do is for you."

  • As a Memorial: A way to keep a loved one's memory alive, as if speaking directly to them: "I will always remember you."

3. Aesthetic Appeal

The character "你" has a balanced and visually interesting structure.

  • Complex yet Familiar: It is more complex than "我" (I) or "人" (person), giving it a unique visual weight.

  • Balance of Components: The left-radical (亻) and the right-component (尔) create a harmonious balance.

  • Calligraphic Potential: It works well in various calligraphic styles, from clean and modern prints to flowing cursive scripts.

Very Important Considerations Before Getting the Tattoo

  1. Extreme Specificity: A "你" tattoo is inherently ambiguous to an outside observer. It begs the question: "Who is 'you'?" The power of the tattoo is entirely in the personal, untold story behind it. You must be comfortable with this ambiguity or be prepared to explain its meaning.

  2. Permanence of Relationships: Tattooing a pronoun that refers to another person carries a risk. Relationships can change. It is a permanent mark dedicated to a relationship that may not be permanent. This makes it a very bold and committed choice, often best suited for the most unconditional of bonds, like that with a child.

  3. It's Not About You: Unlike a tattoo of "我" (I) or "力" (strength), this tattoo points outward. It signifies that a significant part of your identity, motivation, or love is located in another person.

Summary of Tattoo Meanings:

  • Primary Meaning: You.

  • Symbolic Meanings: Dedication, Love, Connection, Memory, and the Philosophy of the "Other."

  • Aesthetic Meaning: A balanced and structurally complex character that signifies the complexity of human relationships.

In conclusion, a "你" tattoo is for a deeply relational person. It is for someone who believes that the most important parts of life are found not within themselves, but in the space between themselves and another. It is a silent, powerful, and deeply intimate declaration that forever points to someone else.

你字意思【meaning】

你字基本字义解释【Basic meaning】

你nǐ（ㄋ一ˇ）

⒈  称对方，多称指一个人，有时也指称若干人：你厂。你方。

⒉  泛指任何人：你死我活。

你的异体字【Variant】

  • 伱

  • 伲

  • 儞

  • 妳

  • 您

你字汉英互译【Chinese-English Translation】

you、thee、thou

相关字词【Related words】

您

造字法【Character Creation】

形声：从亻、尔声

你的英文翻译【English Translation】

you, second person pronoun

你字组词【Word Grouping】

你老子;迷你裙;马你子;你每;你儜;你侬;你等;你门;你们;你老;你那;你敦;管你;迷你;干阿你;

chinese characters

Chinese words