【Learn Chinese】Write a Postcard in Chinese

Sending a postcard (明信片, míngxìnpiàn) is a beautiful way to practice Chinese. It's short, personal, and fun. Plus, your friends will be surprised to receive a message written in Chinese! Here is how to do it in 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Start with a Greeting
Begin by addressing the person. Use their name plus a friendly word.
亲爱的 (Qīn'ài de) – Dear (warm and common)
你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello (simple and polite)
Example:
亲爱的安娜 (Qīn'ài de Ānnà – Dear Anna)

Step 2: Write 1–2 Sentences About Your Trip or Day
Keep it short. Here are useful phrases:
我在… (Wǒ zài…) – I am in (place)
天气很好 (Tiānqì hěn hǎo) – The weather is nice
风景很美 (Fēngjǐng hěn měi) – The scenery is beautiful
我玩得很开心 (Wǒ wán de hěn kāixīn) – I am having a lot of fun
Example sentence:
我在北京。天气很好，风景很美。(Wǒ zài Běijīng. Tiānqì hěn hǎo, fēngjǐng hěn měi.) – I am in Beijing. The weather is nice, and the scenery is beautiful.

Step 3: End with a Closing
Finish warmly. Don't forget your name!
祝好 (Zhù hǎo) – Best wishes
想念你 (Xiǎngniàn nǐ) – Miss you
再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye
Example closing:
祝好，小明 (Zhù hǎo, Xiǎo Míng) – Best wishes, Xiao Ming

Don’t forget to add the address (地址, dìzhǐ) and a stamp (邮票, yóupiào).

Complete Postcard Example (Short & Sweet):
亲爱的朋友，
我在上海。我玩得很开心。天气很暖和。
祝好，小林

Pinyin:
Qīn'ài de péngyou,
Wǒ zài Shànghǎi. Wǒ wán de hěn kāixīn. Tiānqì hěn nuǎnhuo.
Zhù hǎo, Xiǎo Lín

Can you guess the meaning in English?