Etiquettes you should know when meeting Chinese

With increasing globalization comes the need for more and more people to do business with the Chinese. As a result, many in the Dig Mandarin audience seek to improve their business vocabulary. While language is important in bridging an intercontinental relationship, the cultural expectations and etiquette behind the language are even more essential. Developing insights into the Chinese business culture and social etiquette of China will help you avoid miscommunication and potential misunderstandings. When it comes to Chinese business etiquette, there is just one overarching rule: When in China, do as the Chinese do!

Chinese Meeting Etiquette

1. Greetings

Nodding and smiling are very common greetings. In official business meetings, you will be offered a handshake. This handshake must be initiated by your Chinese counterpart.

Besides "你好" (nǐ hǎo – hi, hello) and "很高兴认识你" (hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ – Nice to meet you), you can also say "幸会" (xìng huì; I'm charmed to meet you.) or "久仰" (jiǔyǎng; I`ve long been looking forward to meeting you), two proper expressions which will no doubt impress! Chinese people will always appreciate it if you can use some Chinese words, but make sure you know the exact meanings and use in the appropriate situations. Here are some Chinese greeting you need to know.

2. Addressing

Regarding a courteous address, most people should be addressed with their titles followed by their surname. For example:

王经理 (Wáng jīnglǐ; Manager Wang),

张教授 (Zhāng jiàoshòu; Prof. Zhang).

If you are not sure about the precise titles, you can also use 先生(xiānshēng; Sir, Mr.)，小姐(xiǎojiě; miss) or 女士(nǚshì; madam) instead.

Learn more about addressing people in Chinese.

3. Business cards

Exchanging business cards is another key part of introductions. A business card is regarded as an extension of the person, so treat the business card carefully. The  polite thing to do is accept the business card with both hands and look at it carefully as you do so. A business card can also be a cheat sheet for your counterpart's exact rank and title.

Chinese Chatting Etiquette

4. Small talk

Chinese people, much like English-speaking peoples around the world, often open conversations with small talk, which can break the ice. Questions like "你吃了吗?" (Nǐ chīle ma? Have you eaten?) or "你去哪儿了？" (Nǐ qù nǎr le? Where have you been?) are common ice breaking pleasantries in Chinese culture. Thus, don`t feel the need to go into detail in your answer. These questions are just like "how are you?" in English-based culture.

5. Conversation topics

Do:

Climate, travel, scenery, and food are all popular and safe topics to use while talking with Chinese people. Talking about your positive impressions of China in such aspects is always welcomed.

Do Not:

Try to avoid political discussions, especially those related to Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights. It`s polite and wise to keep basic respect.

6. Save and give face （给面子）

面子 (face) is one of the key aspects of Chinese culture. A Chinese person always wants to save face, never lose it. In order to "give face," pay attention to elders and rankings, especially when it comes to government officials.

Be careful when commenting with strong negative statements. For Chinese people, it`s impolite to give negative answers directly. The blunt "No" should be replaced by the euphemistic "maybe" or "we`ll think about it". For more ways to politely express "no," click here .

Chinese Dining Etiquette

7. Seat and order

During a Chinese dinner, there is a certain order in which people must sit down. You can expect more senior business people to be seated first, then just wait for the Chinese people to show you your seat.

8. Eating

Don`t start eating before others, especially the elders and seniors as rank is very important in Chinese culture.

Don`t finish all your food. Otherwise, the Chinese people at the table will think you are still hungry and that they didn`t feed you well enough. This could result in them continuing to add food to your plate.

9. Invitation

If you invite someone to do an activity or have a meal, you are expected to pay for it. While "going Dutch" is common in the younger generation, the expectation in a business setting is still that the person who gives the invitation pays. If you do invite and pay, try not to show your money in front of your guests. Before hosting or attending a meal, you should know more about the unwritten rule of paying bills.

10. Table manners

Never stick your chopsticks straight into your bowl. This action is reserved for funerals, so it is very really offensive to a table of live persons.

Furthermore, never tap your bowl with your chopsticks as this is associated with begging.

Chinese Gifts Etiquette

11. Accepting gifts

When you receive a gift, just as when you receive a business card, accept it with two hands. Don`t open the gift immediately unless the person who gives it to you requests that you open it right away.

12. Giving gifts

Giving gifts to your Chinese colleagues is a kind of art. What do you give? When do you give? To whom should you give? These are all questions worth discussing. However, for the sake of brevity, I will just give you an overview.

The most important thing is to take cultural taboos seriously to avoid offending others.

Do not:

Don`t give clocks, watches, green hats, or chrysanthemums as gifts. Want to know why? Click here for details.

Gifts should not be too expensive. And if your business counterparts are government officials, make sure you don't give them a reason to mistake your kindness as bribery.

At the end of the day, Chinese business people (especially those in the younger generation) are understanding and respectful of cultural differences. They don`t expect foreigners to be fully accustomed to their traditions. However, having a basic grasp of Chinese business etiquette and culture can not only impress your Chinese colleagues, counterparts, and clients but also help you build stronger working relationships with clear and smooth communication.

Surprises first-time visitors may not know about China

You might think you know what to expect if you head to China: ancient temples, mushrooming skyscrapers, crazy crowds, and an oppressive communist atmosphere. However, not everything is as it seems in the Middle Kingdom and, if you're on your first visit, there will be plenty of surprises in what is not only one of the world's great travel destinations, but one of the world's fastest-changing and most optimistic societies.

如果你打算去中国，你可能会考虑自己的期待——古老的寺庙、雨后春笋般的摩天大楼、疯狂的人群和压抑的共产主义气氛。但这个中央王国并非一切都如它的表象一般。如果你第一次去中国，这个国家——它不仅是世上最佳旅游地之一，还是世上变化最快、最乐观的国度，定会给你很多惊喜。

Ni hao! to some 有些人听得懂"你好"

It's nice to say ni hao (hello), but you might strain your ears to hear the Standard Chinese greeting thanks to wildly different dialects. It comes out as nei ho in Cantonese, nong ho in Shanghainese and li haw in Hunanese. And that's before you've even grasped the tones.

China is empty 中国很空

True, there are more than a billion people, yet half of China is virtually empty. Visit regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, and find wild, rugged landscapes, vast skies, and only scattered towns and villages. Even the most populated coastal provinces have mountains and national parks.

中国有一半的地方事实上是空的。到西藏、新疆和内蒙古等地去旅游，你能找到荒凉粗犷的地貌、广阔的天空和零星散落的城镇与村庄。

You can't see the Great Wall from space 在太空上看不到长城

Sorry, you can't see anything from the moon 384,000km away, and Buzz Aldrin himself has tried to put an end to this persistent schoolchild rumour. Good news is that this mighty structure is mighty impressive up close, with easily visited sections just outside Beijing.

Not everyone eats rice … 并不是人人都吃大米。只有少数人吃蛇。

Rice is only the staple in southern China, where the sub-tropical climate south of the Yangtze River suits rice growing. North of the Yangtze wheat prevails, and you'll be tucking into pancakes, noodles, steamed dumplings, and baked sweet potatoes. In Xian, shredded meat between steamed bread (roujiamo) is the local answer to a hamburger. 

… and only some people eat snake

If you imagine every table in China features snake, scorpion, or monkey brain, stop worrying: the worst you might encounter is offal or chicken's feet. Though the Chinese do eat peculiar creatures, it's becoming increasingly gimmicky these days, and the vast majority have never eaten dog – nor want to.

Opinions flourish 各抒己见

China isn't a country of repressed people afraid to have their own opinions. You'll find plenty of locals willing to discuss big issues and engage you in lively debate, and many Chinese are well educated in international affairs. Don't be afraid to ask questions – just be diplomatic when you do so.

中国并不是人们害怕表达观点的国家，你会发现很多人愿意讨论天下大事。

The Chinese are ethnically diverse 多民族的国家

OK, I'll give you one thing: practically everyone in China has black hair. But southerners are short and stocky, northerners tall and pale, and there are 100 million people from 55 ethnic minorities that range from Tibetans to Moslem Hui, and the southern Dai people who have much in common with Thais.

China is hot – and cold 有冷的地方，也有热的地方

Consult your climate charts before travelling, because China can be stifling in summer. Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing are nicknamed the Three Furnaces for their heat and humidity. In winter, the north is frigid, although Harbin has a marvellous ice festival. Consider spring and autumn for the best weather.

The trains are fast. Really fast 火车真快

Move over Japan, because the world's fastest trains run on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway and have reached speeds of 487kmh in trials, though they commonly travel at 300kmh, outpacing bullet trains or France's TGV. As for the magnetic Maglev that operates between Shanghai's Pudong airport and the city, it tops 430kmh.

火车很快，真的很快。世界上最快的火车正在京沪高铁上飞奔。

Bicycles are so yesterday 自行车已成过去式

"There are nine million bicycles in Beijing, that's a fact," sang Katie Melua in her breakthrough single. That was in 2005. Cars have now edged out the mass cyclists who once made Chinese cities so agreeable. Most cycling is confined to back streets and car-free zones such as Beijing's Back Lakes district.

China isn't cheap 中国物价并不便宜

If you think China is one of those bargain Asian destinations you'd be partly right, providing you're willing to travel like a backpacker – or a local. But if you're checking into international-brand hotels, looking for a Western meal (or just a fancy one) and haunting cafes and nightclubs, prepare for a shock.

The best treasures are in Taiwan 最好的宝贝在台湾

Don't get me wrong, China has museums crammed with remarkable artefacts from thousands of years of history. But for the best, you'll have to head to the National Palace Museum in Taipei, where the most fabulous pieces, collected by Chinese emperors, ended up after China's civil war in the 1940s.

中国大陆的博物馆塞满数千年历史的文物，但要想看最好的，那得去台湾。

China isn't all cities 中国并非只有城市

Though that's what we mostly see on TV, China has the varied landscapes and environments of any huge country. You can explore steamy rainforest in Yunnan Province, high mountains in Tibet, hot desert in Xinjiang and cold desert in Inner Mongolia. Some places such as mountainous Huangshan and the Yangtze Gorges are staggeringly beautiful.

Abandon your social media 把你的社交媒体放一边

Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are among social media platforms banned in China. Use your holiday as a detox from twitching thumbs. But don't imagine the country does without. More people use social media in China than anywhere else, though on Chinese platforms such as Weibo and Tudou.

　　　　

The exchange rate doesn't change 汇率不变

It changes from day to day and week to week, but you needn't bother shopping around for the best rate. Whether you're at an airport exchange or a high street bank, Chinese currency has a fixed exchange rate set by the government. One less travel problem to worry about.

Everyone holidays at once 所有人一起休假

The largest human migrations in history come twice yearly to China when 590 million people take to public transport during peak local holidays known as Golden Weeks, which fall over Chinese New Year and National Day in early October. Good luck getting a train or hotel room, or seeing the sights.

历史上最大的人口流动每年在中国发生两次，分别是春节和国庆节假期。

China is highly developed 中国很发达

Don't get me wrong, this is still a Third World country. But big urban pockets of it – and many places visited by tourists – are well organised and wealthy. Expect impressive airports, opulent hotels, sleek streets, and shops that far outdo any in New Zealand.

You won't get 'Chinese restaurant' food 你吃不到"中国餐馆"的食物

Most Chinese restaurants in New Zealand feature Cantonese cuisine adapted to Western tastes. You won't find pineapple, carrot, or onion in any stir-fry in China. But you'll discover a thousand new delicious regional dishes: salty in the north, spicy in the centre, sweet and sour near Shanghai, light and seafood-rich in the south.

新西兰多数中国餐馆的菜是根据西方口味改良的。你在中国找不到将菠萝、洋葱爆炒的菜。但中国有1000多种地方美味菜肴。

You can ski 你可以滑雪

China doesn't exactly spring to mind as a winter destination – yet. But the country is developing some 70 ski resorts, of which Yabuli in the northwest is the most impressive and host of international snowboarding championships. It has all the assets of an international resort, such as runs across three mountains, multilingual instructors, and ski lodges.

China is a cheerful place 中国是一个快乐之地

If you believed everything in the news, you'd be put off China as a place of social unrest, political clamp-downs, and a wrecked environment. It has those problems, but is also a nation of forward-looking, optimistic people whose lives have been vastly improved over the past two decades. It's a marvellous place to visit.

中国存在一些问题，但那里的民众向前看、很乐观，他们的生活在过去20年里得到大幅改善。这是一个值得一去的神奇国度。

Are you among the "剁手党" (duò shǒu dǎng)?

"剁手党" (duò shǒu dǎng) 并不是指人们要剁掉自己的手，而是专指沉溺于大量网络购物的人群，以女生居多，他们会在网购后自嘲要把自己的手剁掉，因此得名。它指的是"购物狂"。来看看你属于哪种购物狂？明天就是光棍节了，你会“剁手”吗？

"Hands-chopping people" doesn't mean that people chop their hands. The term refers to the big online spenders (mostly female) who self-mockingly say that they would like to chop their hands off after buying too much online. It means "shopaholic". There are different types of shopaholics, check which one you belong to. The Singles Day is coming tomorrow, will you "chop your hands"? 

Fauxsumerism 假消费主义 jiǎ xiāo fèi zhǔ yì

"Fauxsumerism" refers to those who don't really want to buy items, but just enjoy window-shopping. They consider window-shopping a great joy. 

"假消费主义"指的是逛商店或关注某个品牌的商品但却没有购买的打算。"假消费主义"的主要表现就是只逛不买，年轻人认为"纯逛"能带来无穷的乐趣。

Backseat buyer 后座购物者 hòu zuò gòu wù zhě

A backseat buyer is the one that feels excited for what others are buying or planning to buy. They like picking items for others, and for them, shopping for others is as happy as shopping for themselves. They are usually crazy shoppers themselves. 

"后座购物者"会因为他人即将要购买或现在要购买东西而感到兴奋。他们喜欢帮助别人挑选东西，对他们而言，帮别人购物和给自己购物一样快乐。他们自己通常也是狂热的购物者。

  

Deshopper 买完就退的买家 mǎi wán jiù tuì de mǎi jiā

In many developed countries, it's much easier than thought to cancel an order. Any item you bought can be returned to the seller within one month, as long as there are no major damages, and the seller won't ask you the reasons. Some people take the advantage of it, and return the item to the seller for refund after using it for some time. Such shoppers are called deshoppers. 

在许多发达国家，退货比你想象的要容易得多，你买了任何东西，只要没有太大损坏，在一个月内都可以退，而且售货员基本也不会问你什么。正因为如此，有些人就钻这个空子，买来用用就退掉，这种人就叫作deshoppers。

Transumer 旅游购物狂 lǚ yóu gòu wù kuáng

Walking along the busy commercial street, you'll always see travelers carrying packages stuffed with items. They are vulnerable to a wide varieties of items in shops. For some of them, big spending in the journey has become a habit or life style. These consumers that readily buy items anywhere are called transumers. 

行走在熙熙攘攘的商业大街上，你总能看见那些大包小包拎了一堆的游客。橱窗里琳琅满目的商品让他（她）们完全失去了抵抗力。对他们中的有些人来说，在旅游途中大量购物已经成了一种习惯或生活方式，这些随处都能潇洒购物的人就叫transumer。

The article is translated and editted by Chinlingo. Please indicate the source for any use, reproduction or transfer. 

本文由Chinlingo编译后发布，如需转载，请标明来源。

Meet the Sweden sinologist Cecilia Lindqvist

Cecilia Lindqvist, the 84-year-old Swedish Sinologist was in Beijing to receive the Special Book Award of China.

84岁的瑞典汉学家林西莉在北京接受中国特别图书贡献奖。

Characters Kingdom has been translated into 14 languages, including Chinese.

她的书《汉字王国》已被译成14中语言，包括汉语。

A new edition specifically for children came out recently, the eighth one since it was first published in China in 1998. And a new edition of Qin will reportedly to come out soon.

最近出来了一个新的儿童版本，这是自1998年出版以来第八版。据报道，《琴》的新版本也很快会出来。

Another World, based on her life in Beijing in the early 1960s, has also been translated into Chinese.

她的另一本书《另一个世界》，写自她在60年代初期在北京的生活，也被译成汉语。

Although she now uses a walking stick due to knee surgery, and was exhausted by a long and tight schedule when she was in Beijing, she was full of passion when speaking at an event about Chinese characters in her book, the guqin (a seven-stringed plucked instrument similar to the zither) and her other experiences in China.

林西莉膝盖做了手术走路要拄拐杖，加上在北京的行程很紧张，她看起来很疲倦。不过，活动中，当她讲起书中的汉字、古琴以及她在中国其他经历的时候，她依然充满激情。

One of the written Chinese characters she spoke about was 竹 (bamboo).

其中她讲到的一个汉字是"竹"字。

First, she mimicked the sound that is created when a strong wind blows through bamboo.

一开始，她模仿强风穿过竹林的声音。

Later, she says: "Bamboo is very strong. When the wind blows, the bamboo just leans. But big trees like oak fall because they fight the wind. Bamboo does not. The Chinese say when times are difficult, lie low and wait, and better times will come."

然后，她说："竹子很坚韧。风吹过的时候，竹子会倾斜。诸如橡树这样的大树会倒掉，因为它们会顶风作战，但竹子不会。中国人讲，困难之时，放低姿态等待，日子会好起来的。"

Lindqvist, who spoke mainly English peppered with some Chinese, apologized to her listeners that she could not speak Chinese as fluently as before because it was a long time since she had spoken the language.

林西莉讲英语夹杂着中文，她向观众道歉说因为很久没讲汉语所以说的不流利了。

Her interest in China was first sparked at the age of 5 or 6, when her mother showed her an oiled-paper umbrella brought to Sweden by a friend from the Far East.

她五六岁的时候，母亲拿出一把朋友从远东带回的油纸伞给她看，她由此对中国产生了兴趣。

Since the age five, she has learned to play the piano, and at 23, she started learning to play the Lute.

她自5岁起开始学钢琴，到23岁开始学鲁特琴。

Later, during a nine-year period spent at university, she attended lectures by famous Swedish Sinologist Bernhard Karlgren on ancient Chinese philosophers, such as Confucius and Laozi.

后来，她大学念了九年（瑞典大学不收学费，她学了很多东西），期间她上了瑞典著名汉学家高本汉的中文课，学习孔子、老子等中国古典哲学家的经典理论。

Karlgren often showed his students how a Chinese character was written on oracle bones and bronze ware in ancient times, and how the characters had developed through history.

高本汉上课的时候会向学生展示在古代汉字是怎么刻到的甲骨和铜器上的，讲述汉字在数千年历史中的演变。

Karlgren's strong interest in the structure of characters influenced Lindqvist greatly.

高本汉对于汉字结构的浓厚兴趣深深影响了林西莉。

So, in 1961, when Lindqvist's husband was posted at the Swedish embassy in China, she traveled along and enrolled in Peking University.

1961年，林西莉的外交官丈夫被派驻中国，她一同前往，在北京大学念书。

At the university, her Chinese teachers told her to memorize everything, instead of telling her why, so she tried to seek solutions herself.

在北大，中文老师的基本教学方法就是死记硬背，不讲背后的逻辑，所以她只好自己想办法。

However, her life changed when she started learning to play the guqin at the Beijing Guqin Research Association in a courtyard beside the Huguo Temple.

然而，当她开始在北京护国寺旁的北京古琴研究会学古琴时，她的人生有了变化。

There were 11 masters there and she was the only student because at that time the guqin was seen as outdated.

研究会共有11名古琴大师（包括管平湖等），但是由于当时古琴是过时的乐器，所以只有林西莉一个学生。

Recalling those masters, she says: "They were the most elegant and cultured people I've ever met."

林西莉说："这群大师是我一生遇到过的最优雅最有才学的人。"

In 1962, Lindqvist returned to Sweden as her husband's posting in China ended.

1962年，丈夫任期结束，林西莉也要回瑞典了。

But, before she left - in order to continue studying the guqin in Sweden - she bought a recorder from Hong Kong and the 11 teachers recorded 23 pieces of guqin music for her. They also gave her a guqin from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1683) because it was impossible to buy one anywhere.

走之前，为了回国后还能继续学习古琴，林西莉从香港买了一台录音机，大师们给她录了23首古琴经典曲目。大师们就将一把明代的琴送给她，因为没地方能买到了。

In 1971, Linqvist started teaching Chinese at a high school in Sweden. Like her teacher, Karlgren, she told the students about the origin, development and structure of Chinese characters by showing them pictures of oracle bones and bronze scripts.

1971年，林西莉开始在瑞典的高中教汉语。和她的老师高本汉一样，她上课也讲汉字的结构、起源和演变，并给学生们看甲骨文和金文的图片。

But during her teaching stint she often found the existing material was very limited and could not answer many of her questions. So she kept a close eye on the new archeological discoveries then being made in China.

不过在教学中，她常常发现现有材料有限，无法解答很多问题，所以她一直关注中国的考古发现。

In the 1970s and 1980s, China was on a building spree, and many archeological sites were being discovered as the ground was being excavated for the new structures.

上个世纪七八十年代，中国四处在铺路建设，因此在挖掘路基的时候发现了很多古代遗迹。

Lindqvist then returned to China to visit some of the sites to see how the new discoveries related to her studies.

林西莉得到消息后就返回中国去考古现场看一看那些与她研究相关的新发现。

How to talk about shopping spree in Chinese

The annual Chinese Singles' Day is just around the corner, do you have any shopping list? Well, let's learn some Chinese phrases about shopping spree first.  

疯狂购物、去"扫货"fēng kuáng gòu wù; qù "sǎo huò"

Go on a shopping spree; go on a shopping binge 

wǒ yǒu qù fēng kuáng gòu wù de qiáng liè chōng dòng, suī rán mù qián wǒ shǒu tóu bǐ jiào jǐn. 

我有去疯狂购物的强烈冲动，虽然目前我手头比较紧。

I have a massive urge to go on a shopping spree even though I am a bit short at the moment. 

dāng Sam fā xiàn tā yǐ jīng tòu zhī zì jǐ de xìn yòng é dù shí, bù dé bù tíng zhǐ tā de fēng kuáng cǎi gòu.

当Sam发现他已经透支自己的信用额度时，不得不停止他的疯狂采购。

Sam's shopping spree was cut short when he found out he had spent over his credit limit. 

大肆挥霍 dà sì huī huò

Splash out/splurge out

wǒ men déi zài tā huā dà jià qián mǎi xià yǐ gè bāo zhī qián tí xǐng tí xǐng tā.

我们得在她花大价钱买下一个包之前提醒提醒她。

We have to warn her before she splashes out on another bag. 

jì rán tā men yǐ jīng yíng le cǎi piào, xiàn zài jiù kě yǐ suí zhe xìng zi kuáng mǎi háo huá chē hé shē chǐ pǐn le.

既然他们已经赢了彩票，现在就可以随着性子狂买豪华车和奢侈品了。

Now that they've won the lottery, they can splurge on as many luxury cars and goods as they want. 

一有钱就想花 yì yǒu qián jiù xiǎng huā

Money burns a hole in your pocket 

wǒ zǒng shì gào sù zì jǐ yào cún qián mǎi liàng xīn chē, dàn zǒng guǎn bú zhù zì jǐ huā qián. wǒ zhēn shì yǒu qián bù huā jiù nán shòu. 

我总是告诉自己要存钱买辆新车，但总管不住自己花钱。我真是有钱不花就难受。

I always tell myself to save up for a new car but I just can't help spending – money burns a hole in my pocket. 

为某事花一大笔钱 wèi mǒu shì huā yí dà bǐ qián

Push the boat out 

kuài kan, wǔ tái de shè jì tài měi le! tā de jīng jì gōng sī wèi zhè chǎng yǎn chàng huì zhēn shì huā le yí dà bǐ qián.

快看，舞台的设计太美了！他的经纪公司为这场演唱会真是花了一大笔钱。

Look at the beautiful stage design! His agency has really pushed the boat out for this concert. 

花钱如流水，挥金如土 huā qián rú liú shuǐ, huī jīn rú tǔ  

Spend money like water 

bǐ dé huī jīn rú tǔ. tā shàng zhōu gāng mǎi le yì sōu háo huá yóu tǐng, xiàn zài yòu bù tíng de shuō xiǎng zài mǎi gè bèi yòng de.

彼得挥金如土。他上周刚买了一艘豪华游艇，现在又不停地说想再买个备用的。

Peter spends money like water. He bought a luxury yacht last week and is going on about getting a spare one. 

The article is translated and editted by Chinlingo. Please indicate the source for any use, reproduction or transfer. 

本文由Chinlingo编译后发布，如需转载，请标明来源。

Chinese words for you to give opinions or advice

Sharing your own opinions in Chinese is the next step to being able to communicate with friends about topics that are important to you. Saying '我知道' (I know) or '我明白' (I understand) has its limitations and learning some words and phrases that will help you give opinions or advice.

想 (xiǎng) – to think

The 想 (xiǎng) character has multiple meanings such as 'to think', 'to miss' or 'believe something'. 想 (xiǎng) is composed of 3 parts; 心 (xīn) meaning 'heart', 木 (mù) which is 'tree' and an 'eye' 目 (mù).Together, they create phonetics and meaning. 木 (mù) and 目 (mù) also create the character 相 (xiàng) meaning 'appearance'. The origin of 相 (xiàng)suggests that a person would need to stand behind a 'tree' and peer out from behind it, suggesting the need to look and check for danger. 相 (xiàng) together with 心 (xīn) producing 想 (xiǎng) could refer to the idea of 'examining' the 'heart or mind'.

You can read more about characters containing the 'heart radical' in our article 心字底: The Heart Radical

你心里在想什么？ (nǐ xīn li zài xiǎng shén me) What are you thinking?

我想我们最好还是坐飞机。(wǒ xiǎng wǒ men zuì hǎo hái shì zuò fēi jī) I think flying is best.

If you want to negate 'think' to say 'I don't think…' then we can use the phrase 我想。。。不。(wǒ xiǎng…bù).

Although it is tempting to use it, 我不想。。。(wǒ bù xiǎng…)  is not correct and is used to express the phrase 'I do not want..'

我想他不帅。(wǒ xiǎng tā bù shuài) I don't think he is handsome.

看 (kàn) – to look, consider, think

If you can imagine someone covering their eyes 目 (mù)  from the sun with their hand 手 (shǒu) and tada, you have the 看 (kàn) character.

Although this character is mostly used to describe the verb 'to look', it is also used to mean 'consider'.

你看这件事应该怎么办？(nǐ kàn zhè jiàn shì yīng gāi zěn me bàn) How do you think we should deal with this situation?

觉得 (jué de) – to feel, consider

To understand the 觉 character a little more, we can take a look at the traditional character, 覺. If you look at the bottom radical, it contains a traditional version of the character 见 (jiàn) meaning 'to see'. It makes more sense when you see that originally, 见 (jiàn) was an 'eye' 目 (mù) on top of a 'person' 人 (rén).

我觉得这没问题。(wǒ jué de zhè méi wèn tí) I think it is alright.

说 (shuō) 'say'

Although normally, 说 (shuō) means 'to say', when combined with 你 (nǐ), in the bigram 你说 (nǐ shuō) it translates to 'in your opinion..'

你说我应该选哪门课？(nǐ shuō wǒ yīng gāi xuǎn nǎ mén kè) In your opinion, which course should I choose?

以为 (yǐ wéi) and 认为 (rèn wéi) can often be used in the same context and have a very similar meaning.

认为 (rèn wéi) – to believe, to suppose, to consider

我认为他是对的。(wǒ rèn wéi tā shì duì de) I think he is right.

认为 (rèn wéi) can also be used to talk about something you thought was true, but were mistaken about.

以为 (yǐ wéi) – to believe, suppose, to be under the impression

我以为你今天不会来了。(wǒ yǐ wéi nǐ jīn tiān bù huì lái le.) I was under the impression you weren't coming today.

相信 (xiāng xìn) – to be convinced

我相信我们可以成功的。(wǒ xiāng xìn wǒ men kě yǐ chéng gōng de) I am convinced we can succeed.

妈妈特别相信草药。(mā ma tè bié xiāng xìn cǎo yào) Mother was a great believer in herbal medicines.

认定 (rèn dìng) – to maintain that something is true

我仍然认定联队会夺冠。(wǒ réng rán rèn dìng lián duì huì duó guàn) I still say United are a dead cert to win.

信仰 (xìn yǎng) – to believe in (religion), conviction

我信仰自由。(wǒ xìn yǎng zì yóu) I believe in freedom.

建议 (jiàn yì)  to advise or urge

他一再建议我要早点睡觉。(tā yī zài jiàn yì wǒ yào zǎo diǎn shuì jiào) He advised me many times to go to sleep earlier.

Refusing to give an Opinion:

If you don't have any particularly strong feelings about something, or would rather not say, you can use the following phrase.

我没意见。(wǒ méi yì jiàn) I don't have an opinion

没办法 (méi bàn fǎ) – nothing can be done

这是没办法的事，纯属巧合。(zhè shì méi bàn fǎ de shì, chún shǔ qiǎo hé.) Nothing can be done about this matter, it's purely coincidence.

随便 (suí biàn) – do as you please