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How to respond naturally to Chinese small talk starters visualisation

How to respond naturally to Chinese small talk starters

Connect through Chinese Small Talk - Engage with Locals: How to respond naturally to Chinese small talk starters
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Here are natural ways to respond to common Chinese small talk starters:

  1. To “你最近怎么样?” (Nǐ zuìjìn zěnmeyàng? - How have you been recently?), a natural reply is:

    • “我很好，谢谢，你呢?” (Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè, nǐ ne?) - I’m good, thank you, how about you?

  2. For “你吃饭了吗?” (Nǐ chī fàn le ma? - Have you eaten?), you can answer:

    • “吃了” (chī le) - I have eaten.
    • Or “还没” (hái méi) - Not yet.

  3. If asked “你在干嘛?” (Nǐ zài gàn má? - What are you doing?), a simple response about what you are doing is good, like:

    • “我在工作” (Wǒ zài gōngzuò) - I’m working.
    • Or just a casual reply like “没什么” (méi shénme) - Nothing much.

  4. When greeted with “你好” (Nǐ hǎo - Hello), a common response is:

    • “你好” (Nǐ hǎo) or “我很好，谢谢” (Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè) - I am good, thank you.

  5. When someone compliments you in Chinese, a humble and culturally appropriate reply is:

    • “哪里哪里” (Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ) meaning “Not at all” modestly.
    • Or “谢谢夸奖” (Xièxiè kuājiǎng) meaning “Thank you for the compliment.”

Overall, responding with polite affirmations like “是的” (Shì de - Yes), encouraging continuation with “真的吗?” (Zhēn de ma? - Really?), and showing interest by asking back, e.g., “你呢?” (Nǐ ne? - How about you?) makes the conversation flow naturally in Chinese small talk.

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