您

nín
你 + 心
HSK 2.0Level 2
HSK 3.0Level 1

Definitions

nín (pronoun) you (polite)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 你 represents the sound.

About

您 is a phonosemantic compound: 你 (the second-person pronoun "you") sits above 心 ("heart"/"mind"), giving the sound and suggesting the meaning. This vertical arrangement conveys deep respect, as though the speaker holds the addressee in their heart or elevates them in their mind. Relatively recently coined, it was created to fill the need for a formal, courteous pronoun, unlike characters rooted in ancient agrarian or ritual imagery. It is used exclusively to express deference, politeness, and formality toward an elder, superior, or respected individual.

Example Sentences Hide

您最近好吗？

Nín zuìjìn hǎo ma?

How have you been recently?

请您稍等一下。

Qǐng nín shāo děng yīxià.

Please wait a moment.

您能帮我一个忙吗？

Nín néng bāng wǒ yī gè máng ma?

Can you help me with a favor?

您觉得这个计划怎么样？

Nín juéde zhège jìhuà zěnmeyàng?

What do you think of this plan?

您需要我为您做什么？

Nín xūyào wǒ wèi nín zuò shénme?

What do you need me to do for you?

您是否同意这个建议？

Nín shìfǒu tóngyì zhège jiànyì?

Do you agree with this suggestion?

您可以在表格上签名吗？

Nín kěyǐ zài biǎogé shàng qiānmíng ma?

Can you sign on the form?

您是否考虑过我们的提议？

Nín shìfǒu kǎolǜ guò wǒmen de tíyì?

Have you considered our proposal?

Related Characters

Component: 你

心 想 意 总 感 必 思 怎 息 念 态 志 愿 急

Example Words

您好