## Greeting Etiquette
### Handshakes
– Common in business settings
– Light grip, not too firm
– Wait for senior to initiate
– Use both hands (respectful)
### Verbal Greetings
| Phrase | Usage |
|——–|——-|
| Ni hao | General hello |
| Zao shang hao | Good morning |
| Chi le ma | Casual (have you eaten) |
| Zai jian | Goodbye |
### Business Cards
– Present with both hands
– Text facing recipient
– Examine card carefully
– Place on table or in holder
– Never write on cards
## Dining Etiquette
### Seating Arrangements
– Host faces entrance
– Guest of honor: host right
– Wait to be seated
– Seniors seated first
### During the Meal
| Do | Dont |
|—-|—-|
| Wait for host to start | Start eating first |
| Use serving chopsticks | Use personal chopsticks |
| Try all dishes | Leave food untouched |
| Toast elders first | Toast randomly |
### Toasting (Ganbei)
– Stand when toasting seniors
– Clink glasses below theirs
– Drink completely (if possible)
– Return the favor
– Never toast with empty glass
## Gift Giving
### Appropriate Gifts
| Occasion | Gift Ideas |
|———-|———–|
| Home visit | Fruit, tea, snacks |
| Business | Quality pens, local items |
| Wedding | Red envelope (money) |
| Festival | Mooncakes, specialty foods |
### Gift Taboos
| Item | Reason |
|——|——–|
| Clocks | Sounds like death |
| White flowers | Funerals |
| Sharp objects | Cutting relationship |
| Shoes | Sounds like evil |
| Green hats | Infidelity implication |
### Presentation
– Wrap in red or gold
– Present with both hands
– Recipient may refuse 2-3 times
– Open later (not in front)
– Reciprocate appropriately
## Public Behavior
### Appropriate Behavior
| Situation | Expected Behavior |
|———–|——————|
| Queuing | Wait patiently |
| Public transport | Offer seat to elderly |
| Elevators | Let others exit first |
| Meetings | Arrive early |
### Taboos
– Public displays of affection (excessive)
– Pointing with one finger
– Discussing sensitive politics
– Losing temper in public
– Disrespecting elders
## Home Visits
### As a Guest
– Bring small gift
– Remove shoes
– Wait to be seated
– Accept offered tea
– Compliment the home
– Leave at appropriate time
### As a Host
– Prepare extra food
– Offer tea immediately
– Show guests around
– See guests off at door
– Prepare return gift
## Communication Norms
### Indirect Communication
| Direct | Indirect Chinese |
|——–|—————–|
| No | Maybe, well see |
| Disagree | Interesting perspective |
| Problem | Some challenges |
| Expensive | A bit high |
### Face-Saving
– Never criticize publicly
– Allow graceful exits
– Praise in public
– Correct in private
– Avoid confrontation
## Age and Hierarchy
### Respect for Elders
– Speak when spoken to
– Use honorific language
– Serve first at meals
– Offer assistance
– Seek their advice
### Organizational Hierarchy
– Address by title
– Wait for seniors to speak
– Follow chain of command
– Show appropriate deference
– Never contradict publicly
## Regional Differences
| Region | Characteristics |
|——–|—————-|
| Beijing | Direct, political |
| Shanghai | Business-oriented |
| Guangzhou | Practical, trading |
| Chengdu | Relaxed, lifestyle |
| Rural areas | Traditional, conservative |
## Modern vs Traditional
### Urban Youth
– More westernized
– Casual dress acceptable
– Direct communication increasing
– Traditional values still important
### Older Generation
– Traditional values strong
– Formal behavior expected
– Hierarchy important
– Face critical
Understanding and respecting etiquette enhances relationships in China.