别来无恙？
Have you been well?
Literalmente: Don't (别) come (来) without (无) illness/trouble (恙).
Use this elegant greeting to reconnect with someone you haven't seen in months or years.
En 15 segundos
- A sophisticated way to say 'Have you been well?'
- Best used for people you haven't seen in a long time.
- Implies a wish for the person's continued health and safety.
Significado
It is a poetic way to ask someone if they have been safe and healthy since you last met. It translates to 'I hope you have been without trouble or illness.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Meeting an old high school friend
老同学，别来无恙？
Old classmate, have you been well?
Emailing a former business partner
张总，别来无恙？最近生意好吗？
Manager Zhang, have you been well? How is business lately?
Running into a former neighbor
好久不见，别来无恙？
Long time no see, I hope you've been well?
Contexto cultural
This expression dates back to ancient China when 'yang' (恙) referred to a specific type of parasite or illness. Staying 'without illness' was the ultimate blessing in a world without modern medicine. Today, it remains one of the most elegant ways to reconnect with someone from your past.
The Time Gap Rule
Only use this if it's been at least 6 months since you last spoke. Using it sooner makes you sound like a character in a period drama.
Don't over-explain
The phrase is a complete question on its own. You don't need to add 'Are you healthy?' after it; the phrase already says that!
En 15 segundos
- A sophisticated way to say 'Have you been well?'
- Best used for people you haven't seen in a long time.
- Implies a wish for the person's continued health and safety.
What It Means
别来无恙 is a beautiful, classic greeting. It is much deeper than a simple 'How are you?' It literally asks if you have stayed healthy and safe. It implies a long gap since your last meeting. You are checking if life has been kind to them. It feels warm, respectful, and slightly nostalgic.
How To Use It
You usually say it right after seeing someone. It works as a standalone greeting or a conversation starter. You can add a name or title before it. For example, 王先生，别来无恙？ It sounds elegant and polished. Use it when you want to show you care about their well-being. It is like a warm hug in word form.
When To Use It
Use this when you haven't seen someone for months or years. It is perfect for an old classmate you run into. It works great for a former colleague at a networking event. If you are writing a letter or a thoughtful email, use it. It shows you have a good command of the language. It makes you sound sophisticated and sincere.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with people you see every day. If you saw your roommate this morning, it sounds ridiculous. It is too heavy for a quick 'hi' to the barista. Avoid using it if the person is currently in a crisis. It assumes a period of 'no news,' so don't use it if you talk daily. It can feel overly dramatic if used in a very casual setting.
Cultural Background
This phrase has roots in ancient Chinese literature and history. In old times, a simple illness could be life-threatening. Asking if someone was 'without illness' was a serious inquiry. It reflects the traditional Chinese value of health and peace. It carries a sense of 'the passage of time.' It is often used in movies when two rivals meet after years.
Common Variations
You might hear 别来无恙啊 to make it sound softer. In very formal writing, people use 别来无恙乎 for a classical vibe. Most people just stick to the four characters. It is a 'Chengyu' (idiom), so it is best kept as is. It is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits in the 'formal' to 'neutral' register. It is perfect for showing respect to elders or maintaining professional distance while being warm. Avoid using it with your spouse or daily best friend unless you are being intentionally theatrical.
The Time Gap Rule
Only use this if it's been at least 6 months since you last spoke. Using it sooner makes you sound like a character in a period drama.
Don't over-explain
The phrase is a complete question on its own. You don't need to add 'Are you healthy?' after it; the phrase already says that!
The 'Yang' Secret
In ancient times, 'Yang' was actually a tiny insect that bit people. So you're literally asking if they've avoided the bugs!
Ejemplos
6老同学，别来无恙？
Old classmate, have you been well?
Adds a touch of nostalgia to a reunion.
张总，别来无恙？最近生意好吗？
Manager Zhang, have you been well? How is business lately?
Professional yet warm and respectful.
好久不见，别来无恙？
Long time no see, I hope you've been well?
A standard, polite way to restart a conversation.
多年不见，你别来无恙啊。
We haven't met for years; I trust you are still well.
The 'a' at the end adds a sigh of relief or irony.
老师，别来无恙？学生给您拜年了。
Teacher, have you been well? Your student sends New Year greetings.
Shows great respect and remembrance.
大忙人，别来无恙啊？
Hey busy person, survived the week?
Using a formal phrase for a short absence is sarcastic.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to greet a teacher you haven't seen in three years.
王老师，好久不见，___？
`别来无恙` is the most respectful and appropriate choice for a long-term reunion.
Which word in the phrase refers to 'illness' or 'trouble'?
别来无___？
`恙` (yàng) specifically means illness or ailment in classical Chinese.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of Reconnecting
Friends you see often
最近怎么样？
General acquaintances
好久不见！
Respectful reunion
别来无恙？
When to say '别来无恙'
Class Reunion
Talking to old friends
Business Letter
Opening a formal email
Old Mentor
Visiting a teacher
Historical Drama
Two heroes meeting
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! While it is formal, young people use it to show respect or to add a bit of 'class' to a reunion. It sounds much more thoughtful than a basic 你好.
Yes, it is very common in WeChat messages when reaching out to someone after a long silence. It helps break the ice gracefully.
You can say 托你的福，一切都好 (Thanks to you, all is well) or simply 我很好，你呢？ (I'm fine, and you?).
In modern times, it covers your general life situation, including work and family. It's about your overall well-being, not just a doctor's report.
Yes, it is a very safe and polite way to greet a boss you haven't seen in a while. It shows you are cultured.
最近好吗 is 'How have you been lately?' and is very casual. 别来无恙 is more poetic and implies a much longer duration of absence.
If you know they were ill, it might be better to ask specifically about their recovery. 别来无恙 assumes you haven't heard any news at all.
Yes, it is a standard idiom (Chengyu) recognized and used by Mandarin speakers everywhere.
Yes, adding 你 (you) makes it slightly more personal, though the four-character version is more common.
Both! It is equally at home in a spoken greeting and the opening of a formal letter.
Frases relacionadas
好久不见 (Long time no see)
近况如何 (How are things lately?)
身体健康 (Wishing you good health)
一切顺利 (Everything is going smoothly)
平安无事 (Safe and sound)
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