Zhnggu de chngwi wnhu Chinese forms of address

中国的称谓文化 Zhōngguó de chēngwèi wēnhuà Chinese forms of address Many western countries accept hugs and kisses as a popular form of greeting although a handshake is still the formal way of greeting people. In China, a handshake or a simple and kind salutation is common. TSAIR LIN

称谓文化方式 Chēngwèi wēnhuà Fāngshì Forms of address A form of address is to some extent a reflection of social climate. In China, various forms of address are used according to circumstances. Choosing the appropriate and correct form shows your wit and high respect to others. Generally, for Chinese people it should be in accord with convention and care much about the personal favor of the people being addressed. There are four main categories:

Job Title: You can call someone directly by his job title or put it before his surname or full name. This is often used in the workplace and on more formal occasions: Chinese Pinyin Xi Zhuxi Zhang Jingli Liu Zhuren Ma Zhongtong Chinese The same meaning in English President Xi Manager Zhang Director Liu President Ma � 主席 ��理 刘主任 马总统 To address based on professional qualifications, which expresses respect to those being addressed: Pinyin Li Jiao Shou Wang Lu Shi Zhao Gong Cheng Shi Chinese 李教授 王律� � 程� The same meaning in English Professor Li Lawyer Wang Engineer Zhao

An address based on educational qualifications is helpful to emphasize the academic authority of the people being addressed: Pinyin Yang Bo Shi Gao Shuo Shi Ma Xue Shi Chinese The same meaning in English Dr. Yang Master Gao Bachelor Ma �博士 高�士 �学士 To address based on professions: Pinyin Wang Lao Shi Zhang Yi Sheng Liu Jing Guan Chinese 王老� �医生 刘警官 The same meaning in English Teacher Wang Doctor Zhang Officer Liu

Generally, you can call others by their family name or full name by putting the Mr. or Ms. in front. This is the general address most widely used in company, hotels, stores, restaurants, karaoke, bars and other places. 林先生 文太太 李小姐 You can use a person's full name or family name when addressing acquaintances, good friends and colleagues, or only the surname proceeded by an informal title which indicates his age: Pinyin Chinese Meaning in English Note Lao Li 老李 Elder Li A person older than yourself Xiao Wang 小王 Younger Wang A person younger than yourself

Phatic Communion A smile, good eye contact and politeness are expressions of sincerity. These are the beginning of communication. Just like westerners, the Chinese usually pass the time of day with one another as a precursor to getting to the point of a conversation or presentation. Different conditions require different styles in which conversational greetings may be exchanged. When you meet someone for the first time, the most commonly-used words are: Chinese Pinyin Chinese The same meaning in English Ni Hao 你好 Hello/Hi Hen Gao Xing Ren Shi Ni 很高���你 Glad to see you. / Nice to meet you. Xing Hui (more formal ) 幸会 How do you do? Hao Jiu Bu Jian 好久不见 Long time no see! Ni Qi Se Bu Cuo Chi Le Ma 你气色不错 吃了吗 You look very well today! Mang Shen Me Ne 忙什么呢？ What are you busying doing these days? Zui Jin Ru He 最近如何？ How are you doing recently? Shen Ti Zen Me Yang 身体怎么样？ How are you feeling? / How are you? Jia Ren Dou Hao Ba Qu Na'er Shang Ban Qu Ma 家人都好吧？ 去那儿啊？ 上班去吗？ How is your family? Have you had your meal? Where are you going? You are going to work?

This phatic communion is a salutation without expectation of a response, the question being rhetorical. However, it should be compact, friendly and respectful. It is improper to ask about the personal affairs of other people, for delving into another's privacy is considered to be discourteous. Remember always to be active, passionate, natural and attentive when greeting others.