Sage-Tips

How do you respond to a Chinese compliment?

We are usually taught that it’s impolite and considered arrogant in Chinese culture to just say “thanks” when you receive a compliment. That’s why beginners often learn that a more appropriate response to a compliment is “nǎ lǐ, nǎ lǐ (哪里，哪里), ” which is easy to pronounce and remember.

How do you accept compliments in Mandarin?

Chinese Vocabulary | 4 ways to respond to compliments or flattery

1. 1) 没有没有 (méi yǒu méi yǒu – “no, no”)
2. 2) 没有那么厉害 (méiyǒu nàme lìhài – “no I’m not that awesome”)
3. 3) 哪里哪里 (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ – “no, not at all”)
4. 4) 过奖 (guò jiǎng – “you speak too highly of me”)
5. 过奖 (guòjiǎng)
6. 你过奖 (nǐ guòjiǎng)
7. 过奖了 (guòjiǎng le)
8. 你过奖了 (nǐ guòjiǎng le)

Is it rude to accept compliments in China?

While Westerners openly accept compliments with a simple “thanks”, in Chinese culture it’s viewed as impolite and arrogant. Chinese people refuse to accept praise to show modesty and politeness.

How do you formally accept a compliment?

How to Accept a Compliment

1. “Thank you, it makes my day to hear that.”
2. “I really put a lot of thought into this, thank you for noticing.”
3. “Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to express that.”
4. “Thank you, I am happy to hear you feel that way!”

How do you respond to a compliment in Cantonese?

6. What to Expect After Giving Compliments

1. “Thank you.”: Saying 多謝 (do1 ze6), or “thank you” in Cantonese, is the most common response after receiving a compliment.
2. “Nah.”: Some people may say 邊度係呢 (bin1 dou6 hai6 ne1) or 唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) to brush off compliments.

How do you respond to no you’re the best?

A few common responses to compliments are “you’re welcome”, “no problem”, “my pleasure” or “glad I could help”. The best of all is ” My Pleasure”.

How do you give a compliment in Chinese?

11 Compliments Chinese People Give Their Friends

1. 1: 你太棒了！ nǐ tài bàng le！ “You’re awesome!”
2. 2 : 你真牛B！ nǐ zhēn niú B！ “You’re freaking awesome!”
3. 3: 你真漂亮！ nǐ zhēn piào liàng！
4. 4: 你好美哦! nǐ hǎo měi ó！
5. 5: 你好帅！ nǐ hǎo shuài！
6. 6: 今天你真帅！ jīn tiān nǐ zhēn shuài！
7. 7: 穿衣服真配你！ chuān yī fú zhēn pèi nǐ！
8. 8: 你对我真好！ nǐ duì wǒ zhēn hǎo！

How do you express admiration in Chinese?

hěn pèifu nǐ Used when you want to express your admiration or commendation for something someone has done.

How do you compliment someone in Cantonese?

1. You’re so handsome. 你好靚仔。 nei5 hou2 leng3 zai2.
2. You’re so beautiful. 你好靚。 nei5 hou2 leng3.
3. You look great today. 你今日好精神。
4. Great job! 做得好！
5. Your inside is even more beautiful than your outside. 你嘅內在美仲靚過你嘅外在美。
6. You make me want to be a better person. 你令我想成為一個更加好嘅人。
7. That jacket looks nice on you. 你件外套好襯你。
8. You’re smart! 你好叻！

How do you respond to a compliment in Chinese?

If you are the one receiving a compliment, you may need to learn how to respond in the way that Chinese people do. In Chinese culture, modesty is highly prized and if someone was to give you a compliment, you shouldn’t say ‘thank you’ because, in Chinese culture, this would be egotistical.

How to be a polite person in China?

Being Polite in Chinese: Watch Out for These 3 Important Things 1 Compliments Everyone likes to hear compliments. This can be how you start your conversation and make the person you are speaking to happy. 2 Invitations Invitations are one way of expressing politeness in Chinese culture. 3 Giving Commands or Asking for a Favour

Why don’t Chinese people say thank you?

In Chinese culture, modesty is highly prized and if someone was to give you a compliment, you shouldn’t say ‘thank you’ because, in Chinese culture, this would be egotistical. Although, it is fair to say that more and more Chinese people are accepting the more western way of receiving compliments, however.

How do you respond to 不會bù Hùi?

You can respond by simply saying, ‘not really 不會bù hùi’, ‘not really 哪里哪里 Nǎli nǎli’ or ‘you’re welcome !Kèqì! 客氣’. Always downplay it a little and remember, do not continue the topic by showing off because claiming your own achievements can be viewed as rude and proud.