12 Tips for Understanding Chinese Business Etiquette and Culture
As the world becomes more globalized, more and more people are doing business with China. To improve business relations, many of you in the DigMandarin audience are seeking ways to better communicate with Chinese partners. But it’s not just about language – understanding the cultural expectations and etiquette is crucial.
By gaining insights into Chinese business culture, you can prevent miscommunication and misunderstandings. Remember, the main rule of Chinese business etiquette is to adapt to the local culture. When in China, do as the Chinese do!
Chinese Meeting Etiquette
1. Essential Chinese Greetings for Business Meetings
Chinese people commonly greet each other by nodding and smiling. During official business meetings, your Chinese counterpart will initiate the handshake.
You can use greetings like “你好” (nǐ hǎo; hi, hello) and “很高兴认识你” (hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ; Nice to meet you). Alternatively, you can say “幸会” (xìng huì; I’m charmed to meet you) or “久仰” (jiǔyǎng; I`ve long been looking forward to meeting you), which are proper expressions that will impress them.
It’s appreciated if you can use some Chinese words, but make sure to use them correctly and in appropriate situations. Here are some Chinese greetings you should know.
2. Proper Ways to Address People in Chinese
Most people in China are addressed by their surname followed by their job title, such as 王经理 (Wáng jīnglǐ; Manager Wang) or 张教授 (Zhāng jiàoshòu; Professor Zhang).
If you’re unsure about their title, you can use 先生 (xiānsheng; Sir, Mr.), 小姐 (xiǎojiě; Miss), or 女士 (nǚshì; Madam) instead. To learn more about addressing people in Chinese, keep reading here!
3. Exchanging Business Cards in Chinese Business Culture
When doing business in China, exchanging business cards is essential. To show respect, you should accept the card with both hands and examine it.
Chinese people consider business cards as an extension of themselves, so treat them with care. Additionally, the card can help you identify your counterpart’s rank and title.
Chinese Chatting Etiquette
4. Small Talk in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, small talk is common and serves as an ice breaker.
Questions such as “你吃了吗?” (Nǐ chīle ma? Have you eaten?) or “你去哪儿了？” (Nǐ qù nǎr le? Where have you been?) are commonly used. These questions are similar to “How are you?” in English culture, and a brief answer is sufficient.
5. Do’s and Don’ts of Chinese Business Small Talk
Do:
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.
Do Not:
Avoid political discussions, especially those related to sensitive topics like Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights. It’s important to show basic respect and steer clear of potentially contentious issues.
6. What it means to “save face” in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, the concepts of “saving” and “giving” face, known as 给面子 in Mandarin and 俾面 in Cantonese, are highly important.
Chinese people value their face and do not want to lose it. To give face, it is important to show respect to elders and people of higher rank, particularly government officials.
It is important to be cautious when expressing negative opinions, as it is impolite to be direct. Instead of a blunt “No,” it is more appropriate to use euphemistic language such as “maybe” or “we’ll think about it.” Finding out more for additional tips on how to politely decline.
Chinese Dining Etiquette
7. Seating Etiquette at a Chinese Dinner
When having a Chinese dinner, the seating arrangement is important. Senior business people are seated first, and Chinese people will guide you to your seat.
8. Dining Etiquette in Chinese Culture
Do not start eating before others, particularly elders and seniors, as Chinese culture places high value on respecting rank.
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 to your plate.
9. Cultural Expectations of Paying for Activities and Meals in China
When inviting someone to an activity or a meal in China, it’s customary to pay for it.
In a business setting, the person who extends the invitation is expected to foot the bill. While splitting the bill is common among younger people, it’s still considered polite to pay for the entire meal.
If you do pay, avoid showing off your money. It’s essential to learn about the local customs of paying bills before hosting or attending a meal.
10. Etiquette tips for using chopsticks in China
When eating in China, it is important to be mindful of chopstick etiquette.
One rule is to never stick your chopsticks straight into your bowl, as this is a gesture reserved for funerals and can be seen as offensive.
Similarly, tapping your bowl with your chopsticks is associated with begging and is also considered impolite.
It’s important to keep these cultural customs in mind when dining with Chinese people.
Chinese Gifts Etiquette
11. Accepting Gifts in Chinese Culture
When someone gives you a gift in Chinese culture, it is customary to accept it with both hands as a sign of respect.
Avoid opening the gift immediately, unless the giver requests that you do so.
12. Giving Gifts in Chinese Culture
When giving gifts to Chinese colleagues, it’s important to be aware of cultural taboos to avoid offending others.
Avoid giving clocks, watches, green hats, or chrysanthemums as gifts.
Additionally, gifts should not be too expensive, and if your counterparts are government officials, be careful not to give the impression of bribery.
For more information on gift-giving etiquette in China, click here.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding and respecting Chinese business etiquette and culture can go a long way in building strong working relationships with Chinese colleagues, partners, and clients. While it may be impossible to master all the intricacies of Chinese business culture, having a basic grasp of the customs and traditions can impress your Chinese counterparts and make communication smoother.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can navigate Chinese business etiquette with ease and confidence, helping you achieve success in your business endeavors in China.
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Doing business in China requires you learn a very specific subset of the country’s culture. Traditional Chinese business etiquette and customs are different than those of Western culture, so you need to brush up on them if you plan to visit the People’s Republic for professional purposes. Why? Because understanding Chinese business etiquette is vital so you avoid slipping up and offending your Chinese business partners (no one wants that).