Many languages do not use “How are you?” as a standard greeting. Mandarin speakers usually say “Ni hao,” which word-for-word means “You good.” It’s not a question; the question form would be “Ni hao ma?”, and is not used as a greeting at all.
My father, who spent a couple years in Thailand decades ago, says that the Thai phrase meaning “How are you?” was invented (or at least popularized) in response to Westerners’ demand for such a phrase. Does anyone have any information supporting or undermining this?
My father, who spent a couple years in Thailand decades ago, says that the Thai phrase meaning “How are you?” was invented (or at least popularized) in response to Westerners’ demand for such a phrase. Does anyone have any information supporting or undermining this?
My wife confirms that is the case for the Chinese phrase at least.
Many languages do not use “How are you?” as a standard greeting. Mandarin speakers usually say “Ni hao,” which word-for-word means “You good.” It’s not a question; the question form would be “Ni hao ma?”, and is not used as a greeting at all.
My father, who spent a couple years in Thailand decades ago, says that the Thai phrase meaning “How are you?” was invented (or at least popularized) in response to Westerners’ demand for such a phrase. Does anyone have any information supporting or undermining this?
My wife confirms that is the case for the Chinese phrase at least.