💡 Introduction: Thanking, Responding, and Saying Goodbye

This lesson has three small but very practical functions: saying thanks, responding to thanks, and saying goodbye.

In Chinese, “谢谢” (xièxiè - “thanks”) is the basic way to say thanks. You can add “你” (nǐ - “you”) or “您” (nín - “you, formal”) depending on who you are talking to. For example, “谢谢你” (xièxiè nǐ - “thank you”) is common in daily conversation, while “谢谢您” (xièxiè nín - “thank you, formal”) sounds more polite and formal, especially with teachers, elders, or people you do not know well.

When someone thanks you, common responses include “不客气” (bú kèqi - “you’re welcome”), “不用谢” (búyòng xiè - “no need to thank me”), and “没事” (méi shì - “it’s nothing / no problem”). They all can respond to thanks, but they feel different: “不客气” (bú kèqi - “you’re welcome”) is more standard and polite, while “不用谢” (búyòng xiè - “no need to thank me”) and “没事” (méi shì - “it’s nothing / no problem”) sound more relaxed.

For goodbyes, “再见” (zàijiàn - “goodbye”) is the basic form. You can also use a time word before “见” (jiàn - “see”), such as “明天见” (míngtiān jiàn - “see you tomorrow”), “星期一见” (xīngqīyī jiàn - “see you on Monday”), or “下次见” (xià cì jiàn - “see you next time”).