Remember learning your ABC’s when you were younger? Now multiply those 26 characters by 150 and you’re on your way to learning the Chinese language. To have a functional knowledge of the language, one must know 3,000 – 4,000 characters!
As the oldest system of writing in the world and the primary language of one-fifth of the world’s population, learning Chinese is becoming popular around the world – especially for business. More and more companies are expanding to China and savvy business people are learning the language to understand correspondence better, travel easier and develop stronger bonds with Chinese decision makers.
Will you be traveling to a China on business in the near future? Try practicing a new word or phrase each week to prepare. And be sure to read up on the cultural differences – including using full names and titles in introductions, applauding when greeting, pointing with an open palm rather than index finger and avoiding business talk over meals.
Here are a few words you may see on the negotiating table…
Deal
交易
[jiāo yì]
Invest
投資
[tóu zī]
Cost
價格
[jiàgé]
Distribution
分配
[fēnpèi]
…and a few you may want to avoid!
Fired
射擊
[shèjí]
Stupid
笨
[bèn]
Steal/embezzle
盜取
[Dào qǔ]
Extra cultural tip: As a sign of respect, present and receive business cards with both hands on the card.
Tell us in the comments below: Do you want to learn Chinese and how would you use it?
