Speaking • Social & Introductions
Introducing Yourself in Mandarin Chinese
First impressions matter in Chinese culture. Whether you're meeting someone casually or at a formal business event, having the right introduction phrases at hand builds confidence and respect. This page covers basic, formal, and question-form introductions.
Basic Introductions — Name, Nationality, Occupation
| 汉字 Chinese | 拼音 Pīnyīn | English |
|---|---|---|
你好，我叫… | nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào… | Hello, my name is… (casual) |
我的名字是… | wǒ de míngzi shì… | My name is… (slightly more formal) |
我是…人 | wǒ shì… rén | I am from… (nationality — e.g. 英国人 Yīngguó rén = British) |
我来自… | wǒ lái zì… | I come from… (city or country) |
我是…（职业） | wǒ shì… (zhíyè) | I am a… (occupation — e.g. 老师 lǎoshī = teacher) |
我在…工作 | wǒ zài… gōngzuò | I work at / in… (company or industry) |
我今年…岁 | wǒ jīnnián… suì | I am … years old this year |
很高兴认识你 | hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ | Nice to meet you (standard) |
Formal Introductions
| 汉字 Chinese | 拼音 Pīnyīn | English |
|---|---|---|
您好，我叫… | nín hǎo, wǒ jiào… | Hello (formal), my name is… (您 = polite 'you') |
请多关照 | qǐng duō guānzhào | Please look after me / I'm in your care (formal self-introduction ending) |
幸会幸会 | xìnghuì xìnghuì | Honoured to meet you (very formal, often repeated) |
我在…任职 | wǒ zài… rèn zhí | I hold a position at… (professional context) |
我的职务是… | wǒ de zhíwù shì… | My role / title is… (business meeting) |
这是我的名片 | zhè shì wǒ de míngpiàn | This is my business card |
久仰大名 | jiǔ yǎng dà míng | I've long admired your reputation (Taiwan: 久仰大名) |
Asking Others' Names and Details
| 汉字 Chinese | 拼音 Pīnyīn | English |
|---|---|---|
你叫什么名字？ | nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? | What is your name? (casual) |
您贵姓？ | nín guì xìng? | What is your honourable surname? (formal/polite) |
你是哪里人？ | nǐ shì nǎlǐ rén? | Where are you from? |
你做什么工作？ | nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò? | What do you do for work? |
你在哪里工作？ | nǐ zài nǎlǐ gōngzuò? | Where do you work? |
你今年多大？ | nǐ jīnnián duō dà? | How old are you this year? (casual, between peers) |
你是学生吗？ | nǐ shì xuésheng ma? | Are you a student? |
你是第一次来吗？ | nǐ shì dì yī cì lái ma? | Is this your first time here? |
Usage Notes
请多关照 is typically said at the end of a formal self-introduction. It literally means 'please take good care of me' but functions as a polite acknowledgement that you are new and seek the goodwill of those around you. It is common in workplaces and schools.
When meeting someone older or more senior, use 您贵姓 ('honourable surname') rather than 你叫什么名字. The word 贵 (guì, meaning 'honourable') is a form of respectful address. Replying with just your surname (e.g. 免贵姓李 miǎn guì xìng Lǐ — 'my humble surname is Li') is the traditional polite response.
When exchanging business cards (名片 míngpiàn) in China, offer and receive cards with both hands. Take a moment to read the card before setting it down respectfully. Never write on it or shove it in your pocket immediately — this is considered rude.