You don't need thousands of Chinese phrases to succeed in business. You need the right ones—phrases that work in real meetings, supplier calls, and professional introductions.
Many learners start by collecting vocabulary lists. But business Chinese is not about how many words you know. It is about knowing which phrase fits the situation, the relationship, and the tone.
Focus on frequency, not volume
Master a small set of high-frequency phrases first: greetings, introductions, meeting openers, clarification, agreement, and follow-up.
Learn phrases in context
A phrase alone is just words. A phrase with context becomes a professional communication tool.
This guide focuses on high-frequency, low-risk business Chinese phrases you can use immediately. Each phrase includes Chinese, pinyin, English, and a clear when-to-use explanation.
Scenario
Greetings and First Contact
First impressions matter in Chinese business culture. Use these to open conversations professionally and respectfully.
您好，很高兴认识您。
Nín hǎo, hěn gāoxìng rènshi nín.
Hello, nice to meet you.
When to use
First-time introduction in formal business settings. Use with clients, partners, or senior professionals.
您好，久仰大名。
Nín hǎo, jiǔyǎng dàmíng.
Hello, I've heard a lot about you.
When to use
Meeting someone you've heard about through reputation or referrals. Shows respect and recognition.
您好，请问您是……？
Nín hǎo, qǐngwèn nín shì... ?
Hello, may I ask if you are...?
When to use
Clarifying someone's identity at networking events or when you are unsure who you are speaking with.
很高兴见到您。
Hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nín.
Very glad to meet you.
When to use
A slightly warmer professional greeting for second meetings or enthusiastic first contact.
Scenario
Self-Introduction and Company Introduction
Keep your introduction concise, professional, and focused on how your company can work with the other party.
我叫[Name]，是[Company]的采购经理。
Wǒ jiào [Name], shì [Company] de cǎigòu jīnglǐ.
My name is [Name], and I'm the purchasing manager at [Company].
When to use
A standard self-introduction when meeting suppliers, partners, or clients for the first time.
我们公司主要从事[Industry]业务。
Wǒmen gōngsī zhǔyào cóngshì [Industry] yèwù.
Our company primarily works in [Industry] business.
When to use
Introducing your company's core business. Replace [Industry] with your sector.
我们对贵公司的产品很感兴趣。
Wǒmen duì guì gōngsī de chǎnpǐn hěn gǎn xìngqù.
We are very interested in your company's products.
When to use
Opening a supplier conversation. Guì gōngsī is a polite way to refer to the other party's company.
我想介绍一下我们的合作意向。
Wǒ xiǎng jièshào yīxià wǒmen de hézuò yìxiàng.
I'd like to introduce our intention for cooperation.
When to use
Use after introductions when moving toward potential partnership or collaboration.
Scenario
Meetings and Discussion
Business meetings often have structured openings and closings. These phrases help you participate with confidence.
很高兴参加这次会议。
Hěn gāoxìng cānjiā zhè cì huìyì.
Very glad to participate in this meeting.
When to use
An opening remark at the start of a meeting that shows appreciation for being included.
我想确认一下，接下来我们讨论什么？
Wǒ xiǎng quèrèn yīxià, jiēxiàlái wǒmen tǎolùn shénme?
I'd like to confirm, what will we discuss next?
When to use
Seeking clarification on a meeting agenda when the structure is not clear.
我同意您的看法。
Wǒ tóngyì nín de kànfǎ.
I agree with your view.
When to use
A simple, direct, and professional way to express agreement.
关于这一点，我有几个问题想请教。
Guānyú zhè yīdiǎn, wǒ yǒu jǐ gè wèntí xiǎng qǐngjiào.
Regarding this point, I have a few questions I'd like to ask.
When to use
Politely raising questions. Qǐngjiào adds humility and respect.
Scenario
Follow-Up and Next Steps
Professional follow-ups maintain relationships and move business forward after a meeting, call, or email exchange.
谢谢您的时间，期待进一步沟通。
Xièxie nín de shíjiān, qīdài jìnyībù gōutōng.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to further communication.
When to use
Closing a first meeting or call while signaling continued interest.
我们会后会把会议记录发给您。
Wǒmen huìhòu huì bǎ huìyì jìlù fā gěi nín.
We will send you the meeting notes after the meeting.
When to use
Ending a formal meeting and clarifying a next step.
请问什么时候方便再联系？
Qǐngwèn shénme shíhou fāngbiàn zài liánxì?
May I ask when it would be convenient to contact you again?
When to use
Scheduling follow-up contact while respecting the other party's time.
稍后我会发邮件跟进。
Shāohòu wǒ huì fā yóujiàn gēnjìn.
I'll send a follow-up email shortly.
When to use
Use when you promise to follow up by email later the same day.
Scenario
Supplier and Pricing Communication
Supplier conversations require a balance of clarity, politeness, and negotiation awareness.
请问这个产品的报价是多少？
Qǐngwèn zhège chǎnpǐn de bàojià shì duōshǎo?
May I ask what the quote is for this product?
When to use
Asking for price in a direct but polite way.
这个价格能再优惠一点吗？
Zhège jiàgé néng zài yōuhuì yīdiǎn ma?
Can this price be discounted a bit more?
When to use
A polite negotiation phrase that opens room for discussion without sounding aggressive.
我们需要了解一下交货周期。
Wǒmen xūyào liǎojiě yīxià jiāohuò zhōuqī.
We need to understand the delivery lead time.
When to use
Asking about production or shipping timelines for logistics planning.
可以提供产品样品吗？
Kěyǐ tígōng chǎnpǐn yàngpǐn ma?
Can you provide product samples?
When to use
Requesting samples before placing an order or qualifying a supplier.
Professional tone
How to sound professional, not textbook
Why direct translation fails
Word-for-word translation often sounds too direct. Instead of commanding a meeting, ask whether a time is convenient. Tone matters as much as vocabulary.
Politeness markers to know
- Nín (您): polite you
- Guì (贵): honorable, used for another company
- Qǐngwèn (请问): may I ask
- Máfan nín (麻烦您): sorry to trouble you
Common mistakes when using business Chinese phrases
Memorizing without situations
Always pair each phrase with a real business scenario and relationship context.
Using casual language formally
Prefer nín and guì gōngsī when speaking with clients, seniors, or new contacts.
Translating English word for word
Business Chinese often softens requests and questions more than English.
Ignoring hierarchy and etiquette
Start more formal. You can adjust down as the relationship becomes closer.
AI Role-Play
Practice: Introduce yourself to a Chinese supplier
Reading phrases is not enough. In this role-play, you practice greeting, self-introduction, purpose of contact, interest in products, and a polite follow-up.
Your role
An overseas purchaser or business manager contacting a Chinese supplier for the first time.
AI feedback covers
Clarity, professional tone, phrase fit, and cultural appropriateness.
Continue learning with the right next step
Learn Business Chinese for Beginners
Build the foundation before diving deeper into specific phrases.
Review Essential Business Chinese Vocabulary
Expand the word bank behind your most useful phrases.
Practice a Business Greeting Scenario
Use greetings, introductions, and follow-up phrases in an interactive scene.
See How to Learn Business Chinese Step by Step
Follow a practical learning method from beginner to intermediate.
FAQ: Common questions about business Chinese phrases
What are the most useful business Chinese phrases for beginners?+
Start with phrases you use repeatedly: formal greetings, self-introductions, meeting openers, clarification questions, and polite closings. Master 15-20 phrases across introductions, meetings, follow-ups, and supplier conversations before expanding.
Do I need to learn Chinese characters to use business Chinese phrases?+
No. Pinyin lets you pronounce and practice phrases from day one. Characters become useful as you start reading emails, quotes, product specs, and business documents, but you can begin speaking with pinyin first.
How can I remember business Chinese phrases more effectively?+
Learn phrases in context, not as isolated flashcards. Pair each phrase with a business scenario, repeat it in role-play, and practice choosing the right phrase for the relationship and tone.
What is the difference between business Chinese phrases and general Chinese phrases?+
Business phrases are more formal, structured, and situation-specific. They use politeness markers such as nín, guì, qǐngwèn, and máfan nín, while general phrases can sound too casual in professional settings.
Can I practice business Chinese phrases with AI role-play?+
Yes. AI role-play is effective because it makes you use phrases in realistic conversations, receive feedback, and build recall before speaking with clients, partners, or suppliers.
Which business Chinese phrases should I use in meetings?+
Useful meeting phrases include Hěn gāoxìng cānjiā zhè cì huìyì, Wǒ xiǎng quèrèn yīxià, Wǒ tóngyì nín de kànfǎ, and Guānyú zhè yīdiǎn, wǒ yǒu jǐ gè wèntí xiǎng qǐngjiào.
