Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== nǐmen: 你们 - You (plural) ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** nimen, ni men, nǐmen, 你们, you plural in Chinese, how to say you all in Chinese, Chinese pronoun, second person plural, HSK 1 Chinese, learn Chinese pronouns, 你 vs 你们 * **Summary:** Learn how to say "you" (plural) in Mandarin Chinese with **你们 (nǐmen)**. This DokuWiki entry covers the core meaning, character breakdown, and cultural context of this essential HSK 1 pronoun. Discover practical examples, common mistakes, and the difference between the standard **你们 (nǐmen)** and the formal **您们 (nínmen)** to master addressing groups of people in any situation. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** nǐmen * **Part of Speech:** Pronoun * **HSK Level:** HSK 1 * **Concise Definition:** "You", used when speaking to two or more people. * **In a Nutshell:** **你们 (nǐmen)** is the direct and standard way to say "you" to a group of people in Mandarin. If you know that **你 (nǐ)** means "you" (one person), just think of the **们 (men)** as the "plural-maker" for people. It's the equivalent of saying "you all," "y'all," or "you guys" in English to make it clear you're not just talking to one individual. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **你 (nǐ):** This character means "you" (singular). It is composed of the person radical `亻` on the left, indicating it relates to a person, and the character `尔 (ěr)` on the right, which provides the sound and originally also meant "you". * **们 (men):** This is a crucial suffix in Chinese that indicates plurality for pronouns and nouns referring to people. It features the person radical `亻` and the character `门 (mén)`, meaning "door," which here serves mainly a phonetic purpose. It essentially functions like adding "-s" to a noun in English, but specifically for pronouns and people (e.g., wǒ/I -> wǒmen/we; tā/he -> tāmen/they). Combining them, **你 (you) + 们 (plural suffix for people) = 你们 (you, plural)**. It's a very logical construction. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== While **你们 (nǐmen)** is a straightforward pronoun, its usage highlights a key feature of the Chinese language: **clarity in social address**. Unlike the English "you," which can be ambiguously singular or plural, **你们 (nǐmen)** is *always* plural. This removes any guesswork. The most significant cultural aspect arises when comparing **你们 (nǐmen)** to its polite counterpart, **您们 (nínmen)**. * **你们 (nǐmen):** This is the default, neutral, and universally appropriate way to address a group. It can be used with friends, colleagues, family, or strangers. It carries no specific tone of formality or informality on its own. * **您们 (nínmen):** This is the plural form of **您 (nín)**, the polite "you". It is used to show a high level of respect when addressing a group of elders, teachers, honored guests, or high-level clients. For example, a student might address a group of visiting professors with **您们 (nínmen)**. This distinction is crucial. Using **你们** when **您们** is expected can seem slightly impolite, while using **您们** in a casual setting can sound overly formal and create distance. This direct encoding of respect into pronouns is a fundamental aspect of Chinese social etiquette that differs from English, where politeness is often conveyed through tone and supplemental words ("Sirs," "Ladies and Gentlemen"). ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **你们 (nǐmen)** is one of the most common words you'll hear and use in China. * **Casual Conversation:** This is the go-to term for addressing friends, family, or any group of peers. * //"What are you guys up to this weekend?"// * `你们这个周末干什么？(Nǐmen zhège zhōumò gànshénme?)` * **In the Classroom:** Teachers constantly use **你们** to address their students. * //"Class, please open your books."// * `同学们，请你们打开书。(Tóngxuémen, qǐng nǐmen dǎkāi shū.)` * **Business and Service:** It's used in meetings, presentations, and service encounters to address a group of customers or colleagues. * //"Do you all have any questions?"// * `你们有什么问题吗？(Nǐmen yǒu shé me wèntí ma?)` * **Online and Social Media:** In group chats or comment sections, **你们** is used to reply to multiple people at once. The term is neutral and its formality is determined by the context and the words surrounding it. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * **你们**好！ * Pinyin: **Nǐmen** hǎo! * English: Hello everyone! / Hello! (to a group) * Analysis: This is the standard greeting for more than one person, equivalent to `你好 (nǐ hǎo)` for a single person. It's one of the first phrases any beginner learns. * **Example 2:** * **你们**是哪国人？ * Pinyin: **Nǐmen** shì nǎ guó rén? * English: What country are you all from? * Analysis: A common and direct question when getting to know a group of foreigners. The use of **你们** makes it clear the question is for the entire group to answer. * **Example 3:** * 老师想知道**你们**的答案。 * Pinyin: Lǎoshī xiǎng zhīdào **nǐmen** de dā'àn. * English: The teacher wants to know your (plural) answers. * Analysis: This demonstrates the possessive form, `你们的 (nǐmen de)`, which means "your" or "yours" when referring to something belonging to a group. * **Example 4:** * **你们**在聊什么？这么开心！ * Pinyin: **Nǐmen** zài liáo shénme? Zhème kāixīn! * English: What are you all talking about? You seem so happy! * Analysis: A natural, friendly way to join a conversation. It shows genuine interest in the group's activity. * **Example 5:** * 我请**你们**吃饭，怎么样？ * Pinyin: Wǒ qǐng **nǐmen** chīfàn, zěnmeyàng? * English: How about I treat you all to a meal? * Analysis: `请 (qǐng)` here means "to treat" or "to invite". This is a common social phrase, and **你们** is the object of the invitation. * **Example 6:** * 这件事，**你们**自己决定吧。 * Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì, **nǐmen** zìjǐ juédìng ba. * English: Regarding this matter, you all decide for yourselves. * Analysis: `自己 (zìjǐ)` means "oneself". `你们自己 (nǐmen zìjǐ)` emphasizes that the decision should be made by the group, without outside interference. * **Example 7:** * 如果**你们**需要帮助，随时告诉我。 * Pinyin: Rúguǒ **nǐmen** xūyào bāngzhù, suíshí gàosù wǒ. * English: If you all need help, let me know anytime. * Analysis: A helpful and polite offer. This sentence structure is very common in both professional and personal contexts. * **Example 8:** * **你们**两个别吵了！ * Pinyin: **Nǐmen** liǎng ge bié chǎo le! * English: You two, stop arguing! * Analysis: This shows that **你们** can be used for a group as small as two people. `两个 (liǎng ge)` specifies the number. * **Example 9:** * 非常感谢**你们**的到来。 * Pinyin: Fēicháng gǎnxiè **nǐmen** de dàolái. * English: Thank you all very much for coming. * Analysis: A formal expression of gratitude, often heard at the beginning or end of an event, speech, or meeting. * **Example 10:** * **你们**的计划听起来很棒！ * Pinyin: **Nǐmen** de jìhuà tīng qǐlái hěn bàng! * English: Your (plural) plan sounds great! * Analysis: A positive and encouraging response to a proposal made by a group. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **Mistake 1: Using 你 (nǐ) for a Group.** The most common error for English speakers is to use the singular `你 (nǐ)` when addressing multiple people, because "you" is plural in English. * `*Incorrect:*` (To a group of friends) `你好！` * `*Reason:*` `你好` is for one person only. It can feel like you are singling someone out. * `*Correct:*` (To a group of friends) `你们好！` * **Mistake 2: Confusing 你们 (nǐmen) and 您们 (nínmen).** While **你们** is the all-purpose plural "you", using it when deep respect is required can be a faux pas. * `*Context:*` A young entrepreneur presenting to a board of senior investors. * `*Slightly Impolite:*` `欢迎你们！(Huānyíng nǐmen!)` - Welcome! * `*More Respectful:*` `欢迎您们！(Huānyíng nínmen!)` - Welcome! (with respect) * `*Note:*` Some argue `您们 (nínmen)` is grammatically awkward, and prefer using `各位 (gèwèi)` (everyone/ladies and gentlemen) in formal settings. However, `您们` is still widely understood and used to convey respect to a group. * **False Friend: "You"** * While **你们** translates to "you" (plural), remember that the English "you" can be singular. Always check if you're addressing one person (`你/您`) or multiple people (`你们/您们`) before speaking. This is a distinction Chinese forces you to make that English does not. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[你]] (nǐ) - The singular, informal/neutral "you". The basis of **你们**. * [[您]] (nín) - The singular, formal/polite "you". Used to show respect to one person. * [[您们]] (nínmen) - The plural, formal/polite "you". The respectful version of **你们**. * [[我们]] (wǒmen) - We / us. The first-person plural pronoun. * [[他们]] (tāmen) - They / them. Used for a group of all males or a mixed-gender group. * [[她们]] (tāmen) - They / them. Used for a group of all females. * [[它们]] (tāmen) - They / them. Used for a group of inanimate objects or animals. * [[大家]] (dàjiā) - Everybody / everyone. A common, friendly alternative to **你们** when addressing a crowd, e.g., `大家好! (dàjiā hǎo!)`. * [[各位]] (gèwèi) - Ladies and gentlemen / everyone. A more formal alternative to **你们** or **大家**, often used to begin a speech, e.g., `各位来宾 (gèwèi láibīn)` - "distinguished guests".