Polite Greetings and Everyday Courtesies

New Words and Phrases (in English)

Here are core polite greetings and courtesies in Spanish, French, and Mandarin that you will hear and use every day as a respectful traveler.

Language Pattern (in English)

1. Formal vs. informal greetings

In all three languages, there is a difference between talking to friends and talking to strangers, staff, or older people.

1. Spanish

• Informal "you": tú (to friends, family, young people)
• Formal "you": usted (to staff, older people, in shops/hotels)
• Example:
• Informal: "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" (Hello, how are you? – to a friend)
• Formal: "Hola, ¿cómo está?" (Hello, how are you? – to a waiter / hotel staff)

1. French

• Informal "you": tu (friends, family, children)
• Formal "you": vous (polite, or plural "you")
• Example:
• Informal: "Salut, ça va ?" (Hi, how’s it going?)
• Formal: "Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?" (Hello, how are you? – to staff)
• In French shops, always greet when you enter:
• "Bonjour" in the daytime, "Bonsoir" in the evening.

1. Mandarin

• Pronoun 你 nǐ (nee) is common and usually fine for travelers.
• Extra-formal 您 nín (neen) exists, but 你好 nǐ hǎo is widely acceptable for polite greetings.
• Example:
• "你好" (Hello – neutral/polite)
• More formal: "您好" nínhǎo (neen how) – very respectful.

2. Levels of apology: light vs. strong

Use different words for small interruptions vs. serious apologies.

1. Light "excuse me" (to get attention, pass by)

• Spanish: Perdón
• "Perdón, ¿dónde está el baño?" (Excuse me, where is the bathroom?)
• French: Pardon
• "Pardon, madame." (Excuse me, madam.)
• Mandarin: 不好意思 bù hǎo yìsi (soft, very common)
• "不好意思，我要过去。" (Excuse me, I need to get through.)

1. Stronger "I’m sorry" (for mistakes)

• Spanish: Lo siento
• "Lo siento, llego tarde." (I’m sorry, I am late.)
• French: Je suis désolé(e)
• "Je suis désolé, c’est ma faute." (I’m sorry, it’s my fault.)
• Mandarin: 对不起 duìbuqǐ
• "对不起，我弄错了。" (I’m sorry, I made a mistake.)

3. Cultural norms for greetings

1. In shops and restaurants

• Spanish-speaking areas: a friendly "Hola" or "Buenos días" is appreciated.
• French-speaking areas: greeting is expected. Say "Bonjour" (day) or "Bonsoir" (evening) to staff when you enter.
• Mandarin-speaking areas: "你好" is polite but not always required in small shops; still, using it with a smile is positive.

1. Saying "please" and "thank you"

• Always add:
• "Por favor" / "Gracias" in Spanish.
• "S’il vous plaît" / "Merci" in French.
• "请" / "谢谢" in Mandarin.
• Example (ordering politely):
• Spanish: "Una mesa para dos, por favor. Gracias." (A table for two, please. Thank you.)
• French: "Une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît. Merci." (A table for two, please. Thank you.)
• Mandarin: "请给我菜单。谢谢。" (Please give me the menu. Thank you.)

1. Time-of-day greetings

• Spanish: "Buenos días" (morning), "Buenas tardes" (afternoon/evening), "Buenas noches" (night / good night).
• French: "Bonjour" (day), "Bonsoir" (evening/night).
• Mandarin: "你好" works almost anytime; "晚上好" is a clear "good evening" but less common in casual shops.

Practice Dialogue (in English)

You are entering a small hotel in the evening to check in. Practice greeting the receptionist, being polite, and saying goodbye in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Check Your Understanding (in English)

Choose the most appropriate polite phrase for this situation: You enter a French shop in the evening and want to be polite to the staff.