I have been learning Chinese for 2 months and I still can't figure out who exactly should I call them 您. I'm guessing those who are older than 20yr+ than me are supposed to be called 您, but I don't know if my guess is right.
#To who should i say 您?
reef ocean
mortal stratus
I have been learning Chinese for 2 months and I still can't figure out who exact...
I'm guessing those who are older than 20yr+ than me are supposed to be called 您
Age is one factor, but not the only one. For example, if you're in the business of serving high net-worth individuals, you should address your clients as 您, even if they're trust fund kids who're younger than you.
What you should be asking is: do I need to show deference to the person being addressed? If so, use 您. Thus, for example, you wouldn't normally say 您 to the old lady you've already befriended for many years, because it implies distance where there is none.
terse kernel
In formal situations, such as business conversation, you can use 您 to show respect to clients and bosses. In the family, you can use 您 for grandparents. In general, use 您 for anyone you respect.
Fun fact: in native Chinese situations, southerners will not use 您 to anyone, while northerners will use 您 to anyone.🤭🤭