Here's a breakdown of the word:
* 你 (nǐ): You
* 好 (hǎo): Good
So, literally, "nǐ hǎo" translates to "good you". It's a polite greeting used in most situations, like saying "hello" or "good morning" in English.
There are other ways to say hello in Mandarin, depending on the context:
* 早上好 (zǎoshang hǎo): Good morning (literally "morning good")
* 下午好 (xiàwǔ hǎo): Good afternoon (literally "afternoon good")
* 晚上好 (wǎnshang hǎo): Good evening (literally "evening good")
* 您好 (nín hǎo): More formal greeting, used when addressing someone older or in a position of authority (literally "you good")
Remember, the most important thing is to be polite and respectful when greeting people in any language!