Introduction: The Importance of Mandarin in Business
China is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and a key trade partner for entrepreneurs worldwide. If you are sourcing products, working with suppliers, or visiting factories in China, understanding basic Mandarin can improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and help you build stronger business relationships.
While many suppliers speak some English, Mandarin remains the primary language in business negotiations, production discussions, and logistics coordination. This guide provides essential phrases, strategies, and cultural insights to help entrepreneurs communicate effectively in Chinese business settings.
1. Key Mandarin Phrases for Business Communication
A. Greetings & Introductions
A polite introduction can set the tone for a productive business relationship.
- 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?
B. Talking About Products & Orders
When discussing products, quality, and orders, these phrases will be useful:
- 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 yonah-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-wundzway-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-foh bao-kwor yoon-fay?) – Does this price include shipping costs?
C. Negotiating Terms & Payments
- 这个价格可以优惠吗? (Zhège jiàgé kěyǐ yōuhuì ma? – juh-guh jya-guh kuh-yee yo-hway ma?) – Can this price be discounted?
- 请提供发票 (Qǐng tígōng fāpiào – ching tee-gong fa-pyao) – Please provide an invoice.
- 我们可以长期合作吗? (Wǒmen kěyǐ chángqī hézuò ma? – wor-mun kuh-yee chang-chee huh-dzwor ma?) – Can we establish a long-term partnership?
- 可以用信用证付款吗? (Kěyǐ yòng xìnyòng zhèng fùkuǎn ma? – kuh-yee yong sheen-yong jung foo-kwan ma?) – Can payment be made via Letter of Credit?
2. Communicating in Factories & Inspections
When visiting a factory, it is important to discuss production timelines, quality control, and logistics.
A. Quality Control & Production
- 这个产品符合标准吗? (Zhège chǎnpǐn fúhé biāozhǔn ma? – juh-guh chan-peen foo-huh byao-jwun ma?) – Does this product meet the standards?
- 请提供样品 (Qǐng tígōng yàngpǐn – ching tee-gong yahng-peen) – Please provide a sample.
- 这个工艺可以改进吗? (Zhège gōngyì kěyǐ gǎijìn ma? – juh-guh gong-yee kuh-yee guy-jin ma?) – Can this production process be improved?
- 我们需要质量检测报告 (Wǒmen xūyào zhìliàng jiǎncè bàogào – wor-mun shoo-yao jr-lyahng jyan-tsuh bao-gao) – We need a quality inspection report.
B. Shipping & Logistics
- 生产需要多长时间? (Shēngchǎn xūyào duō cháng shíjiān? – shung-chan shoo-yaodwor chang shrr-jyan?) – How long will production take?
- 可以安排海运/空运吗? (Kěyǐ ānpái hǎiyùn/kōngyùn ma? – kuh-yee an-pai high-yoon/kong-yoon ma?) – Can you arrange sea/air freight?
- 请提供包装规格 (Qǐng tígōng bāozhuāng guīgé – ching tee-gong bao-jwahng gway-guh) – Please provide packaging specifications.
- 出口清关需要什么文件? (Chūkǒu qīngguān xūyào shénme wénjiàn? – choo-koching-gwan shoo-yao shun-muh wun-jyan?) – What documents are required for export customs clearance?
3. Business Etiquette When Dealing with Chinese Suppliers
✔ Use “您 (nín – neen)” instead of “你 (nǐ – nee)” when addressing business partners for politeness.
✔ Exchange business cards with both hands and take a moment to read the card before putting it away.
✔ Be patient in negotiations – Chinese suppliers prefer long-term relationships over quick transactions.
✔ Gift-giving is common – A small token, such as Indian tea, is appreciated in business meetings.
✔ Follow up on WeChat – Most suppliers prefer WeChat over email for quick communication.
Conclusion: Why Learning Mandarin Can Help Your Business
For entrepreneurs working with Chinese suppliers and factories, basic Mandarin can make negotiations smoother, ensure clear communication, and help build trust. Even a small effort to learn key phrases can go a long way in securing better deals and creating lasting business partnerships.
Want to improve your business Mandarin? Join our course today and gain the skills to communicate with confidence!
