How to Speak Mandarin for Business & Trade Fairs in China

Why Learning Mandarin for Business is a Game Changer

So, you’re heading to China for a trade fair or business meeting. Maybe it’s your first time, or maybe you’ve been before but felt lost in translation. Either way, learning even a little Mandarin will make a huge difference in how smoothly your trip goes.

The good news? You don’t need to be fluent to make an impact. Just knowing a few key phrases and understanding basic etiquette can help you build relationships, negotiate deals, and avoid awkward misunderstandings.

Let’s dive into some essential Mandarin phrases and insider tips to help you make the most of your business trip to China!

1. Greetings & First Impressions Matter

First impressions are everything in business. A friendly greeting in Mandarin can instantly build rapport with your Chinese partners or suppliers.

• 你好! (Nǐ hǎo! – nee how!) – Hello!
• 很高兴见到你! (Hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nǐ! – hun gaow-shing jyen-daow nee!) – Nice to meet you!
• 我是来自印度的… (Wǒ shì láizì Yìndù de… – wor shrr ly-zuh yin-doo duh…) – I am from India.
• 请问贵公司是什么行业的? (Qǐngwèn guì gōngsī shì shénme hángyè de? – ching-wungway gong-suh shrr shun-muh hahng-yeh duh?) – What industry is your company in?

Pro Tip: Always greet with a firm but respectful handshake and hand over your business card with both hands as a sign of respect.

2. Asking About Products & Prices

• When visiting a trade fair or discussing business, these phrases will help you ask about products, prices, and specifications.
• 请提供产品目录 (Qǐng tígōng chǎnpǐn mùlù – ching tee-gong chan-peen moo-loo) – Please provide a product catalog.
• 这个产品有哪些规格? (Zhège chǎnpǐn yǒu nǎxiē guīgé? – juh-guh chan-peen yo nah-shyeh gway-guh?) – What specifications does this product have?
• 请问最低起订量是多少? (Qǐngwèn zuìdī qǐdìng liàng shì duōshǎo? – ching-wun dzway-dee chee-ding lyahng shrr dwor-shaow?) – What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
• 这个价格是否包括运费? (Zhège jiàgé shìfǒu bāokuò yùnfèi? – juh-guh jya-guh shrr-fohbao-kwor yoon-fay?) – Does this price include shipping costs?

Pro Tip: If you’re negotiating, be polite but firm. Chinese suppliers appreciate long-term business relationships over quick deals.

3. Negotiating Like a Pro

Negotiation is an art in China. You’ll need to balance respect and persistence to get a good deal. Here are some handy phrases:

• 这个价格可以优惠吗? (Zhège jiàgé kěyǐ yōuhuì ma? – juh-guh jya-guh kuh-yee yo-hwayma?) – Can this price be discounted?
• 我们可以长期合作吗? (Wǒmen kěyǐ chángqī hézuò ma? – wor-mun kuh-yee chang-cheehuh-dzwor ma?) – Can we establish a long-term partnership?
• 请提供发票 (Qǐng tígōng fāpiào – ching tee-gong fa-pyao) – Please provide an invoice.
• 可以用信用证付款吗? (Kěyǐ yòng xìnyòng zhèng fùkuǎn ma? – kuh-yee yong sheen-yongjung foo-kwan ma?) – Can payment be made via Letter of Credit?

Pro Tip: If you hear “这个价格已经最低了” (Zhège jiàgé yǐjīng zuìdī le – juh-guh jya-guhyee-jing dzway-dee luh) – “This is already the lowest price,” it’s a sign they might not budge much further.

4. Understanding Business Etiquette

Business in China is as much about relationship-building as it is about transactions. Follow these do’s and don’ts to make the right impression:

✔ Use “您 (nín – neen)” instead of “你 (nǐ – nee)” when addressing senior businesspeople –It’s more respectful.

✔ Avoid sensitive topics like politics or Taiwan. Keep conversations
business-focused.

✔ Gift-giving is common! If invited to a business meeting, bringing a small gift (like Indian tea or handicrafts) is a thoughtful gesture.

✔ Business dinners matter. A lot of deals are sealed over meals, so if invited, accept and participate.

5. Following Up & Building Long-Term Relationships

Business doesn’t end when the trade fair is over—it’s just beginning! Chinese suppliers prefer WeChat over emails, so make sure to add key contacts before leaving.

• 可以加您的微信吗? (Kěyǐ jiā nín de Wēixìn ma? – kuh-yee jya neen duh way-shin ma?) – Can I add you on WeChat?
• 我会发邮件跟进 (Wǒ huì fā yóujiàn gēnjìn – wor hway fa yo-jyan gun-jin) – I will send a follow-up email.

Pro Tip: Keep the conversation going after the trade fair by staying in touch and showing interest in long-term collaboration.