Chinese phrases
How to say ok in Chinese
OK in Chinese is 好的 (hǎo de) or just 好 (hǎo). To say “OK, that works,” people also say 行 (xíng) and 可以 (kě yǐ).
好的
OK; will do
Ways to say ok
好的
EverydayOK; will do
The safe OK for anyone: a colleague, a waiter, a friend’s plan. Softer and fuller than 好 alone.
好
EverydayOK
Quick agreement to a suggestion or a request: 走吧? 好.
行啊
With friendssure, why not
Relaxed and willing. 行 alone means “that works.”
可以
Everydayfine; that works
When a time, a price or a plan is acceptable to you. It also gives permission.
好嘞
Everydayyou got it!
Cheerful and quick. Waiters, drivers and delivery riders say it when they take your request.
收到
Textinggot it
In work chats, to show that you read a message. Many people also just type OK.
嗯嗯
Textingmm-hm
The friendly nod in chats. One 嗯 alone can look cold.
Common mistakes
Saying 好吧 to sound casual
好吧 and 行吧 sound reluctant: “fine, if I have to.” For a happy OK, say 好的, 好啊 or 行啊.
A lone 哦 in a chat
In messages, 哦 or a single 嗯 on its own can read as cold or annoyed. Write 好的, 嗯嗯 or 好嘞.
A fast 行行行
Three quick 行 in a row sound impatient: “yes, yes, fine, stop.” One 行 is enough.
Making plans
晚上一起吃火锅？
Qiqi: Hotpot together tonight?
好啊！几点？
Leon: Sure! What time?
七点，地铁站见。
Qiqi: Seven, see you at the metro station.
好的！
Leon: OK!
