Culture

However, there are still quite a few questions which you are not supposed to ask even in the United States. It is considered impolite to inquire a person’s age, marriage status, income, religious belief, choice in voting, and other aspects of privacy. It is, therefore, advisable to get familiar with the American idea of personal privacy before going to the States, for people in China might have quite a different concept.

然而，就是在美国也有一些问题是你不应该打听的。比如，向某人询问年龄、婚姻情况、收入、宗教信仰、投票选何人和其他个人私事，都被认为是失礼的。所以你在去美国之前，了解一下美国有关个人私事的概念是十分必要的，因为中国人对这方面的观念可能完全两样。

 In order to understand the American, or Western, idea of personal privacy, you should start by thinking of a nation’s concept of “territoriality”. A nation has borders or boundaries, and everything within those boundaries belongs to that nation and no other. And so is it in the case of a private house. If one enters a private house without asking for permission, he is likely to be accused of trespassing or even burglary. And there is, again, individual territory, even in a house: a person’s bedroom, for example, is his or her territory. Those who do not live in that bedroom must not enter without asking and must not open the closet, desk or drawer in that room. On top of the desk, there may be letters, business papers or other articles. You must not pick up one of these and read it. If a person is reading something, you must not lean over his shoulder to “share” it with him. It is his private property. The same concept is true in an office. If it is somebody else’s office, always ask, “may I come in?” and wait for an affirmative answer before entering the room.

要了解美国的或西方的“个人私事”概念，你该从国家“领土权”的概念来着手捉摸。一个国家有它的边境或边界线，在边界线内的一切都属于此国。对一间私人住宅来说，也存在着同样的问题。假如某人未经许可擅入私宅，他就会因侵入甚或盗窃行为而受到控告。同样，就在一幢房子里，个人也有他自己的领土。例如某一个人的卧室就是他或她的领土。不住在这间卧室内的人，千万别不请自入，更不能打开房内的壁橱、桌子和抽屉。桌上可能有信件、事务文件和其他文稿。你一件也不可拿起来翻阅。假如别人在阅读什么，你不可从人家背后偷看，因为这是属于他个人所有的。这种概念也同样适用于办公室。倘若要进别人的办公室，你得先问一下：“我可以进来吗？”在得到肯定回答后才能进入。

 In the United States, one’s income is the top secret. People at the same office have the faintest idea of how much each person earns, except the boss. It is also considered impolite to inquire about one’s property. If one of your American friend shows you something that he has just bought, you will, of course, say “What a nice skirt. It looks fabulous” or something like that, but don’t inquire about the price.

在美国，一个人的收入是高级机密。除老板外，各人挣多少钱就连同一办公室的同事也搞不大清楚。去了解某人的私有财产也被认为是失礼的。假如一位美国朋友，给你看他（她）刚买来的东西，你可以这样说：“多好的裙子，真是太好看了。”或类似这样的话，但千万不要打听它的价钱。

In the United States, one must not ask about the age of others. If you do, they will feel unhappy, especially ladies, young and old. Americans hate to find they are getting old. If an American lady tells you about her age, you may say “‘Oh, dear me! You don’t expect that I believe you”, or “No, really you don’t look it. “

在美国，你切不可问别人的年龄。如果你问了，他们会感到不高兴，特别是妇女、不管她年轻还是年老。美国人最不喜欢听人讲自己变老了。假如一位美国女士告诉你她的年龄，那么，你可以这样说：“呵！老天！真以为我会相信你吗？”或“不，你看来一点也不像”。

Business Mentality

– Chinese business people will expect you to be well prepared for the meeting. Make sure to have at least 20 copies of your proposal ready for handing out. Note that presentation materials should be only in black and white, avoid colours.

– Small talk is considered particularly important at the beginning of a meeting.

– They prefer to establish a strong relationship before closing a deal, so you might have to meet up several times to achieve your objectives.

– It is vital for you to maintain composure during meetings. Causing embarrassment or showing too much emotion could have a negative effect for a business negotiation.

– Regarding decision-making, the Chinese tend to extend negotiations far beyond the agreed deadline to gain some advantage. Be prepared for that: accept their delays and do not mention deadlines. Your patience will be much appreciated!

– People in China usually enter the meeting room in hierarchical order. So be careful – they will assume that the first of you walking in the room is the head of the delegation!

– Business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

– Many Chinese workers take a break between 12:00 and 2:00 pm, during which almost everything stops from working – from lifts to phone services.

– It is best to schedule an appointment during these periods: April to June and September to October.

Greetings

– Handshakes are common but wait for your Chinese counterpart to initiate the gesture.

– Regarding titles of courtesy, most people should be addressed with a title followed by their last name. Careful not to use “comrade” – unless you are a committed communist of course.

The Art of Conversation

– Chinese people will appreciate it if you use a couple of words in Chinese, but make sure you are aware of the meaning and the appropriate occasions.

– In Chinese culture, the questions “Have you eaten?” or “Where have you been?” are pleasantries equivalent to the traditional “How are you?” in the English-speaking culture. Therefore, do not take it literally and start getting into details in your answer! Simply answer “yes” if you have eaten – even if you haven’t – or simply smile and say “thank you!”.

– Popular welcome topics are themes about China: art, scenery, landmarks, climate, and geography. You can mention your travelling experiences to other countries and include your positive impressions as a tourist in China!

– Try to avoid political-related discussions, such as the Cultural Revolution or Chairman Mao, the “Tibet” and “Taiwan” questions, human rights, animal treatment.

– Chinese people are very careful about strong negative statements. For instance, negative answers are considered impolite, so find alternatives (“I’ll think about it”/”maybe”/”we’ll see”) instead of a blunt “no”.

– Similarly, if your Chinese counterparts say “Not a big issue” or “The problem is not serious”, they usually mean that there still are problems or that the problems are serious.

Body Language

– Body language and movements are things you have to be constantly conscious of when doing business in China. As mentioned above, you have to stay calm, collected and controlled.

– Body posture should always be formal and attentive as it demonstrates self-control and respectfulness.

– Be careful about what you do with your hands as well – putting your hands in your mouth, biting your nails, removing food from your teeth and similar practices are considered rude.

Business meetings and meals

– Dress code: conservative suits. Bright colours of any kind are considered inadequate.

– Punctuality is vital. Being late is a serious offence in the Chinese business culture.

– When the meeting is finished, you are expected to leave before your Chinese counterparts.

– Exchanging business cards is common practice, so make sure to bring plenty!

– It is advisable to have one side in English and the other in either Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese – depending on the region.

– Include your professional title, especially if it is important to your case. Also, if your business is the oldest, largest or has some other prestigious distinction, do include that on the card.

– Gold is the colour of prestige and prosperity, so if you print your business cards in gold ink, it will have that connotation.

– Give your card using two hands and ensure the Chinese side is facing the recipient; receive your card attentively and examine it for a few moments.

– Do not bring presents! The official policy in Chinese business etiquette forbids gifts. The gesture is considered bribery, which is illegal in the country.

– If you are invited to a business meal, wait to be seated, as there is a seating protocol based on hierarchy. Do not discuss business during the meal.

– During a meal, 20 to 30 courses can be served, so try not to eat too much at once! The trick is to try a sample of each dish.

– Scorpions, locusts, snake skin, dog meat and blood may come your way – they are considered premium delicacies.

– It is also important to know how much to eat. Leaving an empty dish signifies that you were not given enough food and not touching your food is offensive as well.

– Do not be startled if everyone starts slurping and belching – these are signs of enjoyment while eating.

– If you are invited for drinks – you have to go, as building a personal relationship (“guanxi”) during your business is very important. Sadly or not, part of this implies participating in the drinking culture existing in the country.

– It might happen that your Chinese counterpart will test your ability to handle alcohol, especially “bai jiu” (common brand names are “Mao Tai” and “Er Guo Tou”) – a powerful drink that might be compared to airline fuel! If you go for it, make sure to eat something beforehand; otherwise find a good excuse – a medical one will be accepted.

– Giving tips is generally considered an insult in China, implying the recipient needs money.

Numbers

– Always pay attention to numbers and their significance or avoid as appropriate:

– 8 is the luckiest number in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of something, consider it a gesture of good will.

– 6 is considered a blessing for smoothness and progress.

– 4 is a taboo number because it sounds like the word “death” and is considered unlucky.

– 73 means “the funeral”

– 84 means “having accidents”

Source from:  https://www.todaytranslations.com/consultancy-services/business-culture-and-etiquette/doing-business-in-china/

在中国，办事吃饭是常事，但这样的饭局往往是不好应付的，诸多的潜规则等待你去体味。为了不出丑，还是提早学习下为好。

一、座次

总的来讲，座次是“尚左尊东”、“面朝大门为尊”。若是圆桌，则正对大门的为主客，主客左右两边的位置，则以离主客的距离来看，越靠近主客位置越尊，相同距离则左侧尊于右侧。若为八仙桌，则正对大门一侧的右位为主客；如果不正对大门，则面东的一侧右席为首席。若为大宴，桌与桌间的排列讲究为首席居前居中，左边依次2、4、6席，右边为3、5、7席，根据主客身份、地位、亲疏分坐。 主人应该提前到达，然后在靠门位置等待，并为来宾引座；被邀请者则听从东道主安排入座。 一般来说，如果你的老板出席，应该将老板引至主座，然后请客户最高级别的坐在主座左侧位置，除非这次招待对象的领导级别非常高。

二、点菜

如果时间允许，应该等大多数客人到齐之后，将菜单供客人传阅，并请他们来点菜。当然，作为公务宴请，需要担心预算的问题，若要控制预算，则需要多做饭前功课。选择合适档次的请客地点是比较重要的，这样客人也能大大领会你的预算。一般来说，如果是你来买单，客人也不太好意思点菜，都会让你来作主。如果老板在酒席上，千万不要因为尊重他，或是认为他应酬经验丰富而让他／她来点菜，除非是他／她主动要求。否则，他会觉得不够体面。 如果是赴宴者，点菜时则不应太过主动，而是让主人来点菜。如果对方盛情要求，可以点一个不太贵、又不是大家忌口的菜。并且记得征询一下桌上人的意见，“有没有哪里些是不吃的？”或是“比较喜欢吃什么？”让大家感觉被照顾到了。 点菜时，一定要心中有数，可根据以下三个规则： 一看人员组成。一般来说，人均一菜是比较通用的规则。如果是男士较多的餐会可适当加量。 二看菜肴组合。一般来说，一桌菜最好是有荤有素，有冷有热，尽量做到全面。如果桌上男士多，可多点些荤食，如果女士较多，则可多点几道清淡的蔬菜。 三看宴请的重要程度。若是普通的商务宴请，平均一道菜在50元到80元左右可以接受。如果这次宴请的物件是比较关键人物，则要点上几个够份量的菜，例如龙虾、刀鱼、鲥鱼，再上规格一点，则是鲍鱼、翅粉等。 还有一点需要注意的是，点菜时不应该问服务员菜肴的价格，或是讨价还价，这样会让你公司在客户面前显得小家子气，客户也会觉得不自在。 点菜后，可以请示“我点了菜，不知道是否合几位的口味”，“要不要再来点其它的什么”等等。

三、吃菜

中国人一般都很讲究吃，同时也很讲究吃相。随著职场礼仪越来越被重视，商务饭桌上的吃和吃相也更加讲究。以下以中餐为例，教你如何在餐桌上有礼有仪，得心应手。 中餐宴席进餐伊始，服务员送上的第一道湿毛巾是擦手的，不要用它去擦脸。上龙虾、鸡、水果时，会送上一只小小水孟，其中飘著拧檬片或玫瑰花瓣，它不是饮料，而是洗手用的。洗手时，可两手轮流沾湿指头，轻轻涮洗，然后用小毛巾擦干。 客人入席后，不要立即动手取食，而应待主人举杯示意开始时，客人才能开始，不能喧宾夺主。用餐时要注意文明礼貌。夹菜时，应等菜肴转到自已面前时，再动筷子，不要抢在邻座前面，一次夹菜也不宜过多。对外宾不要反复劝菜，可向对方介绍中国菜的特点，吃不吃由他。依此类推，参加外宾举行的宴会，也不要指望主人会反复给你让菜。要是等别人给自己夹菜，就只能饿肚子。 夹菜后，细嚼慢咽，这样不仅有利于消化，也是餐桌上的礼仪要求。如果大块往嘴里塞，狼吞虎咽，会给人留下贪婪的印象。就餐时不要挑食，或是只盯住自己喜欢的莱吃，或是急忙把喜欢的菜堆在自己的盘子里。用餐的动作要文雅，夹莱时不要碰到邻座，不要把盘里的菜拨到桌上，不要把汤泼翻。嘴里的骨头和鱼刺不要吐在桌子上，可用餐巾掩口，用筷子取出来放在碟子里。掉在桌子上的菜，不要再吃。进餐过程中不要玩弄碗筷，或用筷子直向别人。不要用手去嘴里乱抠。用牙签剔牙时，应用手或餐巾掩住嘴。不要让餐具发出任何声响，或发出不必要的声音，如喝汤时“咕噜咕噜”，吃菜时嘴里“叭叭”作响，都是粗俗的表现。更不要一边吃东西，一边和人聊天。 用餐结束后，可以用餐巾、餐巾纸或服务员送来的小毛巾擦擦嘴，但不宜擦头颈或胸脯；餐后不要不加控制地打饱嗝或嗳气；在主人还没示意结束时，客人不能先离席。

四、喝酒

俗话说，酒是越喝越厚，但酒桌上也有很多学问，以下总结了一些酒桌上的小细节： 细节一：领导相互喝完后才轮到自己敬酒。敬酒一定要站起来，双手举杯。 细节二：可以多人敬一人，决不可一人敬多人，除非你是领导。 细节三：敬酒时，如果不碰杯，自己喝多少可视乎情况而定，比如对方酒量、对方喝酒态度，切不可比对方喝得少。如果碰杯，一句“我喝完，你随意”，方显大度。 细节四：多给领导或客户添酒，但不要瞎给领导代酒，除非领导或客户明确表示想找人代，并且代酒时要表现出是自己想喝而不是为了给领导代酒而喝酒。如果领导不胜酒力，可以通过旁敲侧击把准备敬领导的人拦下。 细节五：端起酒杯（啤酒杯），右手扼杯，左手垫杯底，自己的杯子永远低于别人。如果是领导，则不要放太低，给别人留点空间。 细节六：如果没有特殊人物在场，碰酒最好按时针顺序，不要厚此薄彼。 细节七：碰杯、敬酒、需要有说词。这样有举杯的理由。 细节八：桌面上不谈生意，喝好了，生意也就差不多了。 细节九：假如遇到酒不够的情况，酒瓶放在桌子中间，自拿自添。 细节十：关于敬酒的礼节：一是主人敬主宾；二是陪客敬主宾；三是主宾回敬；四是陪客互敬。记住：作客绝不能喧宾夺主乱敬酒，那样是很不礼貌，也是很不尊重主人的。

五、倒茶

倒茶的学问既适用于客户来公司拜访，同样也适用于商务餐桌。

首先，茶具要清洁。客人进屋后，先让坐，后备茶。冲茶之前，一定要把茶具洗干净，尤其是久置未用的茶具，难免会沾上灰尘、污垢，更要细心地用清水洗刷一遍。在冲茶、倒茶之前最好用开水烫一下茶壶、茶杯。这样，既讲究卫生，又显得彬彬有礼。现在一般的公司都是一次性杯子，在倒茶前要注意给一次性杯子套上杯托，以免水热烫手。 其次，茶水要适量。先说茶叶，量要适当。茶叶过多，茶味过浓；茶叶太少，冲出的茶淡而无味。如果客人主动介绍自己喜欢喝浓茶或淡茶的习惯，则按客人的口胃放置。再说倒茶，无论是大杯小杯，都不宜倒得太满，太满了容易溢出，一不小心，还会烫伤自己或客人的手脚，使宾主都很尴尬。当然，也不宜倒得太少。倘若茶水只遮过杯底就端给客人，会让人觉得是在装模作样，不是诚心实意。 再次，端茶要得法。中国倒茶的传统是双手奉茶。双手端茶时也要注意，对有杯耳的茶杯，通常是用一只手抓住杯耳，另一只手托住杯底，把茶端给客人。没有杯耳的茶杯倒满茶之后周身滚烫，双手不好接近，有的同志不管三七二十一，用五指捏住杯口边缘就往客人面前送。这种端茶方法虽然可以防止烫伤事故发生，但很不雅观，也不够卫生。 最后说到添茶。如果上司和客户的杯子里需要添茶了，可以示意服务生来添茶，或让服务生把茶壶留在餐桌上，亲自来添则更好。添茶时先给上司和客户添茶，最后给自己添。

六、离席

一般酒会和茶会的时间很长，大约都在两小时以上。也许逛了几圈，认得一些人后，你很快就想离开了。这时候，中途离席的一些技巧就需要了解。 常见一场宴会进行得正热烈的时候，因为有人想离开，而引起众人一哄而散的结果，使主办人急得直跳脚。欲避免这种煞风景的后果，当你要中途离开时，千万别和谈话圈里的人一一告别，只需悄悄地和身边的两、三个人打个招呼，然后离去便可。 中途离开酒会现场，一定要向邀请你来的主人说明、致歉，不可一熘烟便不见了。和主人打过招呼后，应该马上就走，不要拉著主人聊个没完。占用主人太多时间，会造成他（她）在其它客人面前失礼。有些人参加酒会、茶会，当中途准备离去时，会一一问所认识的人要不要一块走。结果本来热热闹闹的场面，被他这么一鼓动，一下子便提前散场了。这种闹场的事，最难被宴会主人谅解。因此，一个有风度的人，可千万不要犯下这锺错误。

无论是在职场上还是在生活当中，我们经常会遇到需要把一个人给另一个人认识的情况。而很多朋友在这个时候，会有一点犯难。就是不知道到底应该先介绍谁。事实上，在职场礼仪当中。对于如何介绍他人有着相对明确的规则与方法。今天我们就来聊一聊介绍他人时的礼节。

 沟通礼仪：让重要的人，先得到信息

 在职场礼仪上，要遵守一个原则：让更重要的人，优先获取更多的信息。其实道理很简单，拥有更多的信息本身在一场对话当中就是权力的表现。而且，让重要的人或先获得更多的信息，能够有效提升他在这场对话当中的安全感。仔细想一下，当面对一个陌生人的事。我们的心里其实都是茫然无措的，而当我们获知了对方是谁，以及对方的来意时，心里就会踏实许多。

 所以，当你摸不准应该先介绍谁的时候，就想一想这个规则，看看谁更重要，然后让更重要的人获取更多的信息。

 那么，到底判断哪位才是更重要的人呢？

 在我们的传统文化中，要遵循以下这三个原则：以主为先、以尊为先、以长为先。举例来说，有一天，你和你们公司的领导去拜会另一家公司的领导。这个时候，对方公司领导就是“主人”，您应该先向对方公司领导介绍你们公司的领导。其实除了尊敬外，还有一个很“实用”的原因，那就是作为客人，你们去拜访主人时，客人一定知道自己所拜访的主人是谁。但是主人不一定知道客人是谁，来干嘛的……

 所以，优先向主人介绍客人的身份与来意，就能够快速拉平双方之间的「信息不对等」，更顺畅的接入后面的话题。

 引荐两人认识时，要分清主次

 在生活中还有一个很常见的情况，那就是我们需要引见一个人去结识另外一个更厉害的人。比如在各种行业峰会，各种饭局上就经常会遇到这样的情况。而这个时候，被引荐人，往往是更带有“目的性”去接触对方的，因此接受引荐的那人通常就是“尊者”或“长者”。

所以，要先向尊者、长者来介绍，之后再反过来说明，因为你总不好三个人站在一起，把“更重要的那个人”先晾在一边，去跟“重要性更低”的人说话吧……

 如果把顺序弄反了，场面可能就会很尴尬。

 比如，正常情况下，引荐介绍时是这样的顺序：

 引荐人：张老师您好，这位是小刘，我的一个朋友，做新媒体运营的，虽然年轻，但是很有想法。

 张老师：哦，小刘啊，你好，你好很高兴认识你。

 小刘：张老师您好，久仰久仰，很荣幸认识您啊。

 引荐人：小刘，这位就是张老师了，咱们本地最牛的运营专家，您之前提到过的几个案例，都是张老师操刀的，有机会你可要跟张老师好好讨教一下。

 小刘：一定一定。

 张老师：哪里哪里，客气客气

 流程很顺当，也没有什么违和感，对不对？

 可是如果我们稍微调整一下顺序，你就会发现这场对话变得非常别扭。

 引荐人：小刘，这位是张老师，新媒体大咖，你可要好好跟他学习一下。

 小刘：张老师您好，久仰久仰，很荣幸认识您。

 张老师（内心OS：这是谁？干啥来的？有什么目的？）：哦，您好，我也很高兴认识你。

 引荐人：张老师，这是我朋友小刘，虽然年轻……

 张老师（内心OS：就这样啊？我还以为是啥事情呢）:哦，哦，您好，您好。

 你看如果搞错了顺序，至少在张老师的心目当中，这场对话感觉是非常别扭的。因为一直到介绍双方完毕之前，他都不清楚你是谁以及你的来意到底是什么？

 通常情况下，尊>长>主

 在一场谈话当中，一个人可能不仅仅拥有一个标签。当多个身份标签出现互相冲突的时候，应该怎么办呢？

 通常情况下，这种事我们要按“尊”比“长”重，“长”比“主”重的顺序来介绍。

 比如，你陪伴一位老者去做客时，虽然对方是主人，但你其实应该先向老者介绍主人身份，这样才算表现得体。

 又或者，有一天，总公司领导去分现场视察，那互相介绍的时候不管介绍者是领导的手下，还是公司里的人，都肯定是先向总公司领导介绍现场的负责人员，然后再反过来介绍。

 其实，这种场合下，介绍顺序特别的敏感，如果不小心搞错了顺序，那就显得非常失礼了……

 当然，也不要简单的把这件事情当做是“事多”、“摆架子”，因为除了礼节上表现尊重的原因外，同样可以用“抹平信息差”的理论来解释这个顺序。

 通常情况下……下位者肯定知道上位者是谁，而上位者对下位者的身份可能并不清楚。这个时候，显然应该先把下位者介绍给上位者，这样才能让双方获取一致的信息。

 最后，礼仪不是死板教条，要考虑现场环境与目的。当然，做事不能太死板，在少数特殊情况下，介绍顺序要根据现场环境来决定。

 举个比较特殊的例子：

 比如，当我们去探望长者或者收到救助的弱势者时，反而应该先向对方介绍探望者的身份。一来能够表现出对被探望者的充分尊敬与关怀，二来也能防止让他人觉得自己“高高在上，摆架子”。

 所以说呢，介绍顺序虽然只是一个小细节，但是小细节当中往往隐藏着很多习惯、礼节甚至沟通逻辑上的问题。实际应用中，还应当提前琢磨清楚，

“我知道了”

当下属向一些领导，提出某一问题，反映各种难处时，得到的回答往往是“我知道了”。

“知道了”只是表示，领导对你所说的事情了解了，知道有这么回事而已，而并没有别的意思。老实人不懂，以为领导“知道了”你的难处，就以为问题快解决了。你感激地期待着最好的结果，但往往等到的，却是最坏的现实。

“再说吧”

你反复向上司提出你的请求，领导沉默良久之后，说句：“再说吧!”听到这句话的时候，你是否觉得，问题终于有了解决的希望？但是，也许你高兴得太早了。

“再说”，有“下次再说”的意思，也有“不要再说”的意思。其实，上司的“再说”，就是要你“不要再说”的意思。你此时除了说“再见”，其他的实在不必“说”了。

“这事有规定”

当领导对你这样说的时候，实际是个对内的“外交辞令”，是一种委婉的推托、拒绝。如果“规定”对你有利的时候，他是不会提什么“规定”的，要提只提他对你独特的惠顾，拿有利于你的规定做个人情。

“集体决定”

当“头儿”这样对你说的时候，就完了，没有商量的余地了！因为“集体决定”就是“铁定”，接下去你要做的事，就是认倒霉。但此事再对你不住，也不是他的责任，全由“集体”扛着，你再不满意，也怨不了他。

“研究研究”

当领导说，你的问题和要求“要研究研究”时，那话音一落，结论其实就出来了，那就是“不行”。许多问题，就是这样“研究研究再研究”，也没研究出个子丑寅卯来。但是领导要研究，那你也只能让他去“研究”了。

 

With increasing globalization comes the need for more and more people to do business with the Chinese. As a result, many in the Dig Mandarin audience seek to improve their business vocabulary. While language is important in bridging an intercontinental relationship, the cultural expectations and etiquette behind the language are even more essential. Developing insights into the Chinese business culture and social etiquette of China will help you avoid miscommunication and potential misunderstandings. When it comes to Chinese business etiquette, there is just one overarching rule: When in China, do as the Chinese do!

Chinese Meeting Etiquette

1. Greetings

Nodding and smiling are very common greetings. In official business meetings, you will be offered a handshake. This handshake must be initiated by your Chinese counterpart.

Besides “你好” (nǐ hǎo – hi, hello) and “很高兴认识你 ” (hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ – Nice to meet you), you can also say “幸会” (xìng huì; I’m charmed to meet you.) or “ 久仰” (jiǔyǎng; I`ve long been looking forward to meeting you), two proper expressions which will no doubt impress! Chinese people will always appreciate it if you can use some Chinese words, but make sure you know the exact meanings and use in the appropriate situations. Here are some  Chinese greeting you need to know.

2. Addressing

Regarding a courteous address, most people should be addressed with their titles followed by their surname. For example:

王经理 (Wáng jīnglǐ; Manager Wang),

张教授 (Zhāng jiàoshòu; Prof. Zhang).

If you are not sure about the precise titles, you can also use 先生(xiānshēng; Sir, Mr.) ，小姐(xiǎojiě; miss) or 女士(nǚshì; madam) instead.

Learn more about  addressing people in Chinese.

3. Business cards

Exchanging business cards is another key part of introductions. A business card is regarded as an extension of the person, so treat the business card carefully. The polite thing to do is accept the business card with both hands and look at it carefully as you do so. A business card can also be a cheat sheet for your counterpart’s exact rank and title.

Chinese Chatting Etiquette

4. Small talk

Chinese people, much like English-speaking peoples around the world, often open conversations with small talk, which can break the ice. Questions like “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 common ice breaking pleasantries in Chinese culture. Thus, don`t feel the need to go into detail in your answer. These questions are just like “how are you?” in English-based culture.

5. Conversation topics

Do:

Climate, travel, scenery, and food are all popular and safe topics to use while talking with Chinese people. Talking about your positive impressions of China in such aspects is always welcomed.

Do Not:

Try to avoid political discussions, especially those related to Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights. It`s polite and wise to keep basic respect.

6. Save and give face （给面子in Mandarin ； 俾面 in Cantonese ）

面子 (face) is one of the key aspects of Chinese culture. A Chinese person always wants to save face, never lose it. In order to “give face,” pay attention to elders and rankings, especially when it comes to government officials.

Be careful when commenting with strong negative statements. For Chinese people, it`s impolite to give negative answers directly. The blunt “No” should be replaced by the euphemistic “maybe” or “we`ll think about it”. For more ways to politely express “no,” click  here .

Chinese Dining Etiquette

7. Seat and order

During a Chinese dinner, there is a certain order in which people must sit down. You can expect more senior business people to be seated first, then just wait for the Chinese people to show you your seat.

8. Eating

Don`t start eating before others, especially the elders and seniors as rank is very important in Chinese culture.

Don`t finish all your food. Otherwise, the Chinese people at the table will think you are still hungry and that they didn`t feed you well enough. This could result in them continuing to add food to your plate.

9. Invitation

If you invite someone to do an activity or have a meal, you are expected to pay for it. While “going Dutch” is common in the younger generation, the expectation in a business setting is still that the person who gives the invitation pays. If you do invite and pay, try not to show your money in front of your guests. Before hosting or attending a meal, you should know more about  the unwritten rule of paying bills.

10. Table manners

Never stick your chopsticks straight into your bowl. This action is reserved for funerals, so it is very really offensive to a table of live persons.

Furthermore, never tap your bowl with your chopsticks as this is associated with begging.

Chinese Gifts Etiquette

11. Accepting gifts

When you receive a gift, just as when you receive a business card, accept it with two hands. Don`t open the gift immediately unless the person who gives it to you requests that you open it right away.

12. Giving gifts

Giving gifts to your Chinese colleagues is a kind of art. What do you give? When do you give? To whom should you give? These are all questions worth discussing. However, for the sake of brevity, I will just give you an overview.

The most important thing is to take cultural taboos seriously to avoid offending others.

Do not:

Don`t give clocks, watches, green hats, or chrysanthemums as gifts. Want to know why?  Click here for details.

Gifts should not be too expensive. And if your business counterparts are government officials, make sure you don’t give them a reason to mistake your kindness as bribery.

At the end of the day, Chinese business people (especially those in the younger generation) are understanding and respectful of cultural differences. They don`t expect foreigners to be fully accustomed to their traditions. However, having a basic grasp of Chinese business etiquette and culture can not only impress your Chinese colleagues, counterparts, and clients but also help you build stronger working relationships with clear and smooth communication.

Source from: https://www.digmandarin.com/chinese-business-culture-etiquette.html

As western countries remain mired in financial turmoil, business people are looking to get a foothold in China, hoping to tap its growth and expanding middle class.

Solid economic expansion, coupled with a rapid market transformation and a series of government reforms, mean China — the world’s second-largest economy — is no longer just a country for low-cost manufacturing. It is also an increasingly attractive destination to do business.

Several western companies — including global giants such as Starbucks, Volkswagen, Boeing and Procter & Gamble — have established a presence in the country.

But despite China’s increasing influence, challenges remain for those looking to do business in the country. Intense competition, corruption, business etiquette and language are some of the barriers that can be faced.

Here are five things you should know before doing business in China. 

A mosaic of markets

China is the world’s most populous nation, with its sprawling 1.3 billion people making up a highly diverse market. 

“There is no such thing as the Chinese market,” says Martin Roll, a business and brand strategist who provides advisory to global and Asian brands on China. “You have to look at China more like a mosaic of cultures,” he adds.

There is no single consumer profile, and analysts suggest companies remain flexible and innovative, while understanding how their company would fit in each specific market.

“You need people who’ve been in the market, you talk to trade associations, you talk to trade promotion bodies, you talk to people and bit by bit you get to understand the dynamics,” says Stephen Perry, president of the 48 Group Club, an independent business network promoting business relations between China and the UK.

“There’s no simple answer in China — it depends so much upon the specific market and upon the specific characteristic of your own company,” he adds.

Business culture and etiquette

Operating in a country with a history of thousands of years — and ways of doing business that go back as far — it is valuable to develop insight into China’s business culture and social etiquette to avoid misunderstandings that could scuttle deals and harm working relationships. 

One key aspect of Chinese culture is the concept of “face.” In “China Uncovered: What you need to know to do business in China,” professor Jonathan Story describes face as a mix of public perception, social role and self-esteem than has the potential to either destroy or help build relationships. 

Story says that a foreign CEO can give face by attending meetings, accepting invitations, providing suitable expensive gifts and showing sensitivity to Chinese culture.

In contrast, entrepreneurs can lose face by insulting someone in public, refusing invitations and gifts or by behaving inappropriately, like losing their temper or crying — acts that are seen as lack of self-control and weakness.

Business outsiders can impress with their knowledge of local customs, acknowledging hierarchy, offering gifts, addressing people by their designation — especially when dealing with state representatives — and appreciating the food. Such awareness of cultural nuances illustrate respect and sincere interest, says Roll.

On the flip side, Chinese business people generally respect cultural differences and won’t expect westerners to be fully customized to their tradition, analysts say.

“At the end of the day, the Chinese are very pragmatic,” says Perry. “If you have something they want, they’ll do business with you no matter whether you can hold chopsticks or not.” 

Jack Perkowski, a Wall Street veteran who’s often referred to as “Mr China” for his entrepreneurship in the Asian country since 1993, says developing mutual trust is key to success in doing business in China. “The most important thing is, whoever you’re meeting with or whoever you’re dealing with, to treat them with respect,” he says.

Taking a market-based approach

Western businesses looking to tap the Chinese market should be aware of local preferences, and adapt accordingly.

For example, Starbucks started serving green tea lattes in a bid to get a traditionally tea-drinking nation hooked on coffee; McDonald’s adapted its menu to include items like spicy chicken wings and chicken burgers in an effort to appeal to local tastes.

“No matter how good you think your product is, no matter how well it sells in the UK, the United States or anywhere else, you need to really look at that product in the context of China and say is that the right product, is it too high-priced, do we need to do something different, do we need to adapt?” says Perkowski.

Procedures in China take time, patience and money

Western companies looking to tap China also need to show a long-term approach that will prove that they’re in the country to stay, analysts say. 

“It’s very important when a western company tries to go to China they have to realize that success in China takes time, it requires patience and it costs a lot of resources,” says Roll.

Perry says that people have got to be very open-minded about anticipating what China is going to be in the coming decades. 

“(China) is growing in the field of consumer goods and it will grow fast so people have got to find a way to match the future impact of China with the current characteristics of China,” he says.

Build a strong local team

Newcomers wanting to crack China will need to move, get someone from their organization to relocate or find an experienced group to represent them, says Perkowski, who’s also the author of “Managing the Dragon: How I’m Building a Billion Dollar Business in China.” 

“When you’re just starting, you’ve got to recognize there’s going to be a limit to what you can do travelling back and forth to China,” he adds. “You’ll never going to get a deal done [without basing yourself there].” 

Surrounding yourself with local talent can help you break deals, understand the culture and the complexities of the market as well as compensate for the language barrier for those who don’t speak Mandarin, analysts say.

“The only way you are going to ultimately be successful is by putting together a good team,” says Perkowski.

 Source from: https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/21/business/china-business-investors-culture/index.html

 

For the uninitiated, conducting business in China can be a daunting task. CNBC spoke to two etiquette experts, Sharon Schweitzer, of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, and Jaqueline Whitmore, of EtiquetteExpert.com, to get a sense of the do’s and don’ts when travelling to the country. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time visiting the country, it’s important to keep these tips in mind if you want to be successful on your trip.  Dress to Impress: Appearances and first impressions are important in Chinese business culture. Dressing conservatively and wearing high quality clothing will help to indicate both status and modesty.

Entrance: Enter the room in order of seniority. You should actively demonstrate great respect to the leader of the Chinese delegation. The person with the highest rank of your team should introduce the rest of the group.

Handshakes: Handshakes in China are not as firm as in the West — expect it to be soft and short. And keep the eye contact brief. Too much eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge.

Business Cards: Make sure you have both a Mandarin and an English side on your business card. When the time comes, present your card with two hands, with the Chinese side up and facing the other person. Receive a card with two hands, study it briefly and place it into a business card holder — never your wallet or pocket. In China, business cards are treated as extensions of the person, so you’ll want to treat any business card you receive with great respect.

Face: Losing or gaining “face” is an important Chinese concept. It can be loosely understood as your honor, your community’s honor and the honor of those you are with. Avoid self-deprecation or sarcasm. Attempt to display competence and keep your emotions under control.

Don’t Point: It’s considered rude in China to point with your finger. Instead, point with an open hand or, if possible, make eye contact and get someone’s attention without using your hands at all.

Be Prepared for More: The Chinese often prefer frequent and lengthy meetings to build trust before signing contracts. When it comes down to it, most business in China isn’t even done in the boardroom. Expect to be invited to long dinners featuring courses you may not be familiar with. Make sure you try everything. It most definitely will be rude if you don’t.

Finally, Be Yourself: The most important concept to remember when doing business in China is to be true to you. The Chinese place a high value on authenticity and have low tolerance for posturing or pretending. If you are genuine, respectful and observant, you are likely to endear yourself to your host. Otherwise, they’ll see through your facade and it will be impossible to do business.

Sharon Schweitzer’s Access to Asia can be found here:  http://www.protocolww.com/resources/books/

Jaqueline Whitmore’s Business Class can be found here:  http://etiquetteexpert.com/business-class/

Source from: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/27/etiquette-tips-for-doing-business-in-china.html