China is one of India’s largest trade partners, with a significant portion of business dealings occurring in trade fairs, manufacturing hubs, and factories. While English is used in some international dealings, Mandarin remains the dominant language in business negotiations, production discussions, and supplier communications. For Indian business travelers attending trade fairs in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Yiwu, a basic command of Mandarin can be a crucial asset.
This guide outlines essential Mandarin phrases, communication strategies, and cultural etiquette to help Indian professionals navigate business environments in China.
A. Introductions & Greetings
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-wun gway gong-suh shrr shun-muh hahng-yeh duh?) – May I ask what industry your company is in?
B. Discussing Business & Products
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 Prices & Terms
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?
Trade fairs such as the Canton Fair, China Hi-Tech Fair, and Yiwu Market are key locations where Indian traders and businesspersons interact with Chinese suppliers. To maximize efficiency, follow these communication strategies:
Use Business Cards (名片 – Míngpiàn – ming-pyan) – Exchange business cards with both hands as a sign of respect.
Speak Clearly & Use Simple Mandarin – Avoid slang or complex sentences.
Confirm Orders in Writing – After verbal agreements, ask for a written quotation to avoid misunderstandings.
Follow Up with WeChat – Most Chinese suppliers prefer WeChat for ongoing communication rather than emails.
When visiting factories in industrial zones like Shenzhen, Suzhou, or Dongguan, clear communication ensures smooth production processes. Here are critical Mandarin terms:
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-yeeguy-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-yaojr-lyahng jyan-tsuh bao-gao) – We need a quality inspection report.
Understanding Chinese business culture is just as important as learning Mandarin phrases. Here are key etiquette rules:
✔ Address senior officials with respect – Use “您 (nín – neen)” instead of “你 (nǐ – nee)” for politeness.
✔ Avoid sensitive topics – Do not discuss politics, Taiwan, or Tibet in business meetings.
✔ Gift-Giving is Common – Small gifts (like Indian tea or handicrafts) are appreciated but avoid clocks (associated with bad luck).
✔ Business Meals Are Important – Deals are often finalized over dinner. Let the host order and do not start eating before them.
Conclusion: Why Learning Mandarin is a Game-Changer for Indian Business Travelers
For Indian professionals engaging in manufacturing, imports, or business negotiations in China, knowing basic Mandarin gives a competitive edge. Even simple phrases can build rapport, reduce miscommunication, and speed up deal-making.
Investing in Mandarin learning not only enhances business opportunities but also fosters stronger partnerships with Chinese suppliers.
Want to communicate effectively in China? Join our Business Mandarin Course today and gain the skills you need!
