In the fast-paced world of international business, clear communication is essential, especially when working with Chinese partners in the import-export industry. For business professionals learning Chinese, one major challenge is understanding the industry-specific terms that frequently arise in trade discussions. Without this knowledge, negotiations can become unclear, and important details may be misunderstood.…
In the business world, effective email communication is paramount, particularly when engaging with Chinese partners or clients. Among the various types of emails, the business cooperation email holds a pivotal role, as it not only conveys crucial details but also sets the tone for mutual professional respect and clarity.…
Eager to make a lasting impression in your Chinese conversations? Whether you’re connecting with new friends, building professional relationships, or sealing deals with clients, mastering the art of self-introduction in Chinese is your key to success. A well-crafted introduction not only showcases your unique personality but also opens doors to new opportunities, making you memorable in social and business settings alike.…
In today’s globalized economy, mastering business Chinese is becoming increasingly essential for professionals who want to excel in international markets. Understanding key business Chinese vocabulary can enhance communication, foster better relationships with Chinese-speaking partners, and ultimately lead to successful business ventures. Below, we outline some must-know business Chinese vocabulary terms that will equip you with the linguistic tools necessary to navigate the Chinese business landscape effectively.…
“Hù lián wǎng hēi huà 互联网黑话” (Internet enterprise jargon) is a prevalent form of specialized language in the Chinese Internet industry, typically employed within large-scale Internet enterprises. Its hallmark lies in the use of sophisticated vocabulary and terminology, needlessly complicating what could be straightforward descriptions and creating an impression of being inaccessible to outsiders.…
Learn practical business Chinese vocabulary in just 10 minutes. Listen to the audio and study common Mandarin words used in the office. If you have any questions or if there are other topics you’d like to learn about, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. Click here to avail a free one-on-one online Mandarin class.…
People have a special day set aside for nearly everything it seems. For example, October 25th is World Pasta Day. Well, China also has unique special days, like Standards Day that was celebrated a few days ago on October 14. China’s Standards Day marks the anniversary of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).…
Answers: 1. C 2. B
行政部 (Xíngzhèng bù) Administration Department
人事部 (Rénshì bù) HR Department
财务部 (Cáiwù bù) General Accounting Department
市场部 (Shìchǎng bù) Marketing Department
Jīnglǐ: Lì Li, wǒ xià zhōu nǎ jǐ tiān méiyǒu xíngchéng ānpái? 经理：丽丽，我下周哪几天没有行程安排？ Manager: Li Li, which days will I have no schedule next week?…
Quick question?
What’s the one thing that’s very controversial around the office?
“Office jargon”!
Employees are constantly steering the nuances of working in environments with people from so many different walks of life.
This issue can actually get much more controversial, especially if you introduce language dynamics into this already complicated issue.…
Answer: C 请客 (Qǐngkè): to entertain guests.
敬酒 (Jìng jiǔ): to propose a toast.
发红包 (Fā hóngbāo): to give red envelopes (with cash inside).
These three activities above are good for building relationships with Chinese people. However, be careful! Never give clocks to Chinese people as a gift.…
Although some of my Mandarin Chinese students sign up for Chinese classes to impress their in-laws, enrich their cultural knowledge or just to exercise their brains, the vast majority of my students become interested in Mandarin Chinese due to its business and career applications. There is probably no other language that will open doors the way that Chinese can.…
商务问候 (Shāngwù wènhòu) Business Greetings (Beginner) (Learn Chinese Business Etiquette Lessons with our teachers!) Speaking Chinese in a business setting is often challenging. Let’s see a dialogue below.
Key Learning Points (Preview): 你 (nĭ) and 您 (nín): pron you 第一天上班 Dì yī tiān shàngbān First day of work
Lǐ Qiáng: Nĭhăo, nĭ shì xīn lái de ba?…
筷子 (kuàizi): n. chopsticks
涵养 (hányǎng): n.good behavior
As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.” But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The following list has five things you must know about the use of “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.”…
George, an American, a sports fan, comes to Beijing for the 29th Olympic Games. As George walks out of the Beijing Capital International Airport, he sees somebody holding up a sign with his name on it.
Qiáozhì: Nín hăo, wŏ shì Qiáozhì • Shĭmìsī.…
Finance
The 创业板(chuàngyèbăn),Growth Enterprise Market, occupies an important position in capital markets all around the world. Up until the beginning of 2009, China was the only country not possessing its own Growth Enterprise Market, out of the ten countries with the highest GDP.…
Business Etiquette—Showing Honor through Holding Fist Key Learning Points (Preview):
拳头 (quántou) n. fist
祝贺 (zhùhè)n. congratulations
Holding fist is a form of greeting, usually used by men, with one clenched fist cradled in the other hand and held at chest level. It is a traditional custom in China and is used to express “祝贺 (zhùhè) congratulations” and good “愿望 (yuànwàng) wishes.”…
中文书信的称呼(Zhōngwén shūxìn de chēnghū) Salutations in Chinese letters
Zhōngguó bèi yùwéi “lǐyízhībāng.” 中国 被 誉为 “礼仪之邦”。 Wúlùn zài rìcháng shēnghuó háishì shāngwù huódòng zhōng, 无论 在 日常 生活 还是 商务 活动 中， Zhōngguórén yìzhí dōu hěn zhùyì lǐyí. 中国人 一直 都 很 注意 礼仪。 China is known as the “state of ceremonies.”…
Key Learning Point:
商务用语 (shāngwù yòngyǔ) Business vocabulary
Listen to the whole passage
Look at the short business report:
Jìn jǐ nián lái, rénmínbì huìlǜ wèntí chéngwéi guónèiwài guānzhù de jiāodiǎn. 近 几年 来，人民币 汇率 问题 成为 国内外 关注 的 焦点。 In recent years, governments around the world have taken notice of China’s currency policy.…
Key Learning Points (Preview):
品牌 (pǐnpái): n. brand
吸引 (xīyǐn): v. to attract
印象 (yìnxiang): n. impression
It is important for foreign brands to have a Chinese name as it enters the Chinese market. How do companies translate their names? How do they make the names attractive?…
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett will come to China to “urge donation” (Intermediate) Key learning points (preview): 财富 (cáifù) n. fortune
捐献 (juānxiàn) v. to donate
面对面 (miànduìmiàn) adv. face to face
In June 2010, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett launched a “行动 (xíngdòng) campaign” which calls on billionaires to pledge to “捐献 (juānxiàn) donate” at least half of their “财富 (cáifù) fortunes” to “慈善事业 (císhàn shìyè) charity.”…
