Life in China is filled with opportunities to reconnect with old contacts and meet new friends. But what should you say to make a good impression, especially at special events? Check out this simple list of Chinese idioms, and you’ll have something to say on any occasion!
Effective communication is essential when working with the Chinese, but a lack of foreign language skills on both sides can impair progress. Enter Chinese idioms, steeped in Chinese culture, they can easily communicate complex ideas quickly and succinctly. Learning a few key idioms can do wonders for your ability to communicate in China, and increase your respect (face) among the Chinese as well.
There are many tensions and misunderstandings between China and Western countries. However there are other ways of thinking besides those which Westerners were brought up with. By broadening their cultural understanding Western countries and individuals can create a stronger bilateral relationship with the Chinese.
Social media in China has a huge potential to either help or disrupt Western businesses. The Chinese idiom “it only takes three people to create a tiger,” provides information and insights on how quickly information can spread, and the negative power of rumors in China.
Understanding Chinese idioms can offer insights into the Chinese mindset. The idiom “beating the grass and startling the snake” provides a good lesson on why you should guard your China market entry plans closely, lest local competitors beat you to the punch.
The idiom “building a cart behind closed doors” serves as a useful reminder of the dangers of entering the Chinese foreign without ample preparation. Without on-the-ground research and analysis of consumer needs and preferences, it is all too easy to make disastrous missteps in China.
For many Chinese people, life and work are a constant struggle. The Chinese idiom “struggling to get ahead and fearing to be left behind” accurately captures this facet of daily life in China and can help Westerners better understand the Chinese.
