{"id":7869,"date":"2016-10-08T08:44:48","date_gmt":"2016-10-08T08:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/?p=7869"},"modified":"2024-10-29T04:21:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T04:21:49","slug":"chinese-business-culture-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/chinese-business-culture-etiquette.html","title":{"rendered":"12 Tips for Understanding Chinese Business Etiquette and Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In an increasingly connected and globalized economy, more and more companies are opting to do business with China. Mutual respect and understanding are the foundation of a positive business relationship, so it\u2019s essential to have a basic understanding of Chinese culture and etiquette if you want to forge a successful partnership. Even if you don\u2019t speak a word of Chinese, there are still numerous ways that you can connect with people on a cultural level and express your goodwill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When in China, do as the Chinese do! This guide will provide you with 12 essential insights into Chinese business etiquette, including how to conduct yourself in meetings, everyday communication, going out to eat, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n
Chinese people commonly greet each other by nodding and smiling. When you meet someone in a very formal setting, it\u2019s often polite to let the other person initiate the handshake. For the most part, this is all you need to start things off on the right foot. If you\u2019d like to take things a step further, here you can step out of your linguistic comfort zone and give them a genuine Chinese greeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use simple greetings like \u201c\u4f60\u597d\u201d (n\u01d0 h\u01ceo; hi, hello) and \u201c\u5f88\u9ad8\u5174\u8ba4\u8bc6\u4f60\u201d (h\u011bn g\u0101ox\u00ecng r\u00e8nsh\u00ed n\u01d0; Nice to meet you). Alternatively, you can say \u201c\u5e78\u4f1a\u201d (x\u00ecng hu\u00ec; Charmed to meet you) or \u201c\u4e45\u4ef0\u201d (ji\u01d4y\u01ceng; I’ve long been looking forward to meeting you), which are proper expressions that will truly impress them. It\u2019s always appreciated when you make the extra effort to use some Chinese words, but make sure to use them correctly and in the appropriate situations. Here are some other Chinese greetings you should know<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people in China are addressed by their surname followed by their job title, such as \u738b\u7ecf\u7406 (W\u00e1ng j\u012bngl\u01d0; Manager Wang) or \u5f20\u6559\u6388 (Zh\u0101ng ji\u00e0osh\u00f2u; Professor Zhang).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re unsure about their title, you can use \u5148\u751f (xi\u0101nsheng; Sir, Mr.), \u5c0f\u59d0 (xi\u01ceoji\u011b; Miss), or \u5973\u58eb (n\u01dash\u00ec; Madam) instead. To learn more about addressing people in Chinese, keep reading here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n Exchanging business cards is an important step when trying to establish business relationships in China. Many people consider their business cards as an extension of themselves, so exchanging them almost becomes ritualistic. It\u2019s important to accept the card with both hands and carefully examine it before putting it away. This will also give you an opportunity to quickly learn more about the person you\u2019re talking to, such as their name, rank, and title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Chinese culture, small talk is common and serves as an icebreaker both around the office and before or after meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will commonly hear questions such as \u201c\u4f60\u5403\u4e86\u5417?\u201d (N\u01d0 ch\u012ble ma? Have you eaten?) or \u201c\u4f60\u53bb\u54ea\u513f\u4e86\uff1f\u201d (N\u01d0 q\u00f9 n\u01cer le? Where have you been?). While these are a bit more specific than the English \u201cHow are you?\u201d They serve a similar purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at a question that frequently throws people off: \u201c\u4f60\u5403\u4e86\u5417?\u201d (N\u01d0 ch\u012ble ma? Have you eaten?). Many English speakers mistake this for an invitation to go eat, but in reality, Chinese people use this as a simple greeting. You only need to provide a simple yes\/no answer. In some cases, it\u2019s even more polite to say that you have eaten even if you haven\u2019t. Think about all the times in business that you tell someone you\u2019re doing well, even if that\u2019s not necessarily true.<\/p>\n\n\n Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When conversing with Chinese people, it is safe to discuss topics such as climate, travel, scenery, and food. Sharing positive impressions of China in these aspects is always welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do Not:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Engage in political discussions, especially those related to sensitive topics like Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights. It\u2019s important to show basic respect and steer clear of potentially contentious issues.<\/p>\n\n\n In Chinese culture, the concepts of \u201csaving\u201d and \u201cgiving\u201d face, known as \u7ed9\u9762\u5b50 in Mandarin and \u4ffe\u9762 in Cantonese, are highly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chinese people value their \u201cface\u201d and do not want to lose it. To give face means to show respect to elders and people of higher rank, particularly government officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to be cautious when expressing negative opinions, as it is often perceived as impolite to be direct. Instead of a blunt \u201cNo,\u201d it is more appropriate to use euphemistic language such as \u201cmaybe\u201d or \u201cwe\u2019ll think about it.\u201d Here you can find more tips on how to politely decline<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n When having dinner with Chinese colleagues or business partners, the seating arrangement is of the utmost importance. Typically, the most senior people are seated first. If you feel unsure about when you should seat yourself or where you should sit, it\u2019s perfectly okay to let someone else guide you to your seat.<\/p>\n\n\n Do not start eating before others, particularly elders and seniors, as Chinese culture places a high value on respecting rank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid finishing all your food, as it may give the impression that you are still hungry and that the host did not provide enough food. This may result in them adding more food that you don\u2019t want to your plate.<\/p>\n\n\n When inviting someone out to do an activity or have a meal in China, it\u2019s customary to pay for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a business setting, the person who extends the invitation is expected to foot the bill. While splitting the bill is becoming more and more common among younger people, it\u2019s still considered polite to pay for the entire meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n
2. Proper Ways to Address People in Chinese<\/h3>\n\n\n
3. Exchanging Business Cards in Chinese Business Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n
Chinese Small Talk Etiquette<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
4. Small Talk in Chinese Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n
5. Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Chinese Business Small Talk<\/h3>\n\n\n
6. What it means to \u201csave face\u201d in Chinese culture<\/h3>\n\n\n
Chinese Dining Etiquette<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
7. Seating Etiquette at a Chinese Dinner<\/h3>\n\n\n
8. Dining Etiquette in Chinese Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n
9. Who Pays for the Meal in Chinese Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n