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

Chēngwèi wēnhuà Fāngshì 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:

The same meaning in English 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 Chinese The same meaning in English Xi Zhuxi 习主席 President Xi Zhang Jingli 张经理 Manager Zhang Liu Zhuren 刘主任 Director Liu Ma Zhongtong 马总统 President Ma To address based on professional qualifications, which expresses respect to those being addressed: Pinyin Chinese The same meaning in English Li Jiao Shou 李教授 Professor Li Wang Lu Shi 王律师 Lawyer Wang Zhao Gong Cheng Shi 赵工程师 Engineer Zhao

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

林先生 文太太 李小姐 Lao Li 老李 Xiao Wang 小王 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: The historical importance of education in Chinese culture is derived from the teachings of Confucius  and philosophers of the middle and late Chou eras. Fundamentally, these philosophies taught that social harmony could be achieved only if humans were free from deprivation and given proper education. Confucius taught that all people possessed the same potential, and that education was the corrective means to curb any tendencies to stray from ethical behavior.  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

The same meaning in English Ni Hao 你好 Hen Gao Xing Ren Shi Ni 很高兴认识你 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 很高兴认识你 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 你气色不错 You look very well today! Chi Le Ma 吃了吗 Have you had your meal? 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 家人都好吧？ How is your family? Qu Na'er 去那儿啊？ Where are you going? Shang Ban Qu Ma 上班去吗？ 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.