Chinese Business Etiquette

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Chinese Business Etiquette
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Chapter One: Business Greetings

Part 1: (D y tin shngbn) First day of work
Key Learning Points Preview:

(n) and (nn): pron.
you
Speaking Chinese in a business setting is often challenging. Let's see a dialogue

below.
L Qing: Nho, n sh xn li de ba? Rgu w mi j cu, n jio Jik, du ma?
Li Qiang:
Hello, aren't you a newcomer here? If I'm not mistaken, you must
be Jack, right?
Got Questions? Sign Up for a Live Online One-to-One FREE Trial Lesson Now (No Obligation)!

Ji K:
Sh de, zh sh w d y tin shngbn.
Jack:
Yes, I am. It's my first day here.
L Qing: Nho, w sh zhge gngs de zng jngl, w jio L Qing!
Li Qiang:
How do you do! My name is Li Qiang, I am the general manager of this
company.
Ji K:
Nnho, L Zng, jiyng nn de dmng.
Jack:
How do you do! Mr. Li, I've heard a great deal about you.
L Qing: Bgndng, hn goxng jin do n!
Li Qiang:
Im much obliged, its a pleasure to meet you.
Ji K:
Jin do nn w y gn do fichng rngxng.
Jack:
Im honored to meet you, too.
L Qing: N sh Migu rn,
du ba? N de hny jing de hn b cu!
Li Qiang:
You are American, aren't you? Your Chinese is pretty good!

Ji K:
Jack:
xixie, nn gujing le!
Oh, thanks! You flatter me.
L Qing: W dibio wmen gngs qunt yungng hunyng n de jir.
Li Qiang:
I would like to welcome you on behalf of all the staff in this company.
Ji K:
Zhn sh wn fn gnxi nn! Chlizhdo, yhu yo rng nn fixn le,
qng nn dudu gunzho!
Jack:
Thanks a million. I just got here, so please take care of me in the future.
L Qing: N ti kqi le.
W xwng n zi zhl gngzu ykui!
Li Qiang:
Not at all. I hope you will enjoy working here.
Ji K:
Xixie, w xingxn w hu de.
Jack:
I appreciate it. Im sure I will.
Key Learning Points

(n) and (nn): pron.
you

"
(n)" and "
(nn)" are two personal pronouns in Chinese which are
represented by the same word "you" in English. " (nn)" is the respectful form of
" (n)" and is often used to refer to those who are older or have a higher rank.
Examples
Zng jngl, nnho, zh sh nn yo de cilio.
1. A:
Hello, general manager, this is the material you wanted.

Hode, xixie.
B:
Ok, thank you.
Hi, n mngtin xiw yu shjin ma? Wmen q d lnqi ba.
2. A:
Hi, are you free tomorrow afternoon? Let's play basketball.

Hoa, miwnt.
B:
Sure, no problem.
To listen to the recordings of the dialogues, please go to

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/shangwu-wenhou-businessgreetings-beginner

Vocabulary:
(jiyng): v. to hear much about somebody
(rngxng): adj.
be honored
(fixn): v. to give a lot of care

(chlizhdo): v. to have just arrived
(gunzho): v./n.
(kqi): adj.
care/attention/concern
courteous

Part 2: (Jiyng d mng) I've heard so much about you.

(wnhu): n./v.
(jiyng): v.
greeting/ to send one's regards to

I've heard so much about you
Greetings are the first part of a conversation between people during business
exchanges. We greet people differently depending upon the circumstances.
To greet people we are meeting for the first time, the most standard expressions are:
" (nho) hello," " (hn goxng rnsh nn) glad to meet you," "
(jin do nn fichng rngxng) it's a great honor to meet you." Both
" (n)" and " (nn)" mean "you" in English, but they are different in Chinese. "
(nn)" shows full respect to others, and is generally used to address elders or your
boss, while " (n)" is often used to address peers.

To greet an acquaintance, one should choose words that are casual and informal.
For example, " (ho ji b jin le) long time no see," " (yu
jinmin le) see you again," "
(n qs bcu) you have a good
complexion."
To greet a prestigious person, the standard ways of addressing them are "
(jiyng) I've heard so much about you," or " (xnghu) I'm fortunate to meet
you."
Key Learning Points

(wnhu): n./v.
greeting/ to send one's regards to
The character " (wn)" means to ask and " (hu)" means to wait, but here "
(hu)" means to greet.
Shngw wnhu hn zhngyo, yng de b qidng knng hu ynq whu.
Business greetings are quite critical because if they are used in an inappropriate way,
they can create misunderstanding or embarrassment between people.
(jiyng): v.
I've heard so much about you
The character " (ji)" refers to a long duration of time and " (yng)" refers to
look up to.

Example
Jiyng dmng, jntin zhngy jin do nn le.
A:
I've heard so much about you. Finally, I get to see you today.
W y hn goxng jin do nn.
B:
Nice to meet you, too.
To listen to the recordings of the examples, please go to

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/business-greeting-etiquette-intermediate
Vocabulary:
(shrn): n. people whom you know very well
10
Chapter Two: Business Card Exchanges and Introduction

(jisho): v./n.
(ninlng): n.
(mngpin): n.
to introduce/introduction
age
business card
In China, the first " (jisho) introduction" is crucial in business relationships. It

is a stepping stone for successful business cooperation.
There are two main principles about the " (shnx) order" you must follow. One
is related to gender. That is, in China, we usually introduce the men to the ladies
before introducing the ladies to the men in order to show " (znjng) respect"
towards the ladies. The other principle is related to " (ninlng) age" and
seniority. We usually introduce the lower positioned people to the higher positioned
first, in order to show respect towards the latter.
11

When exchanging your " (mngpin) business card," you should pass your
business card with both hands toward the receiving side. You should also take the
other's business card with both hands.
Key Learning Points

(jisho): v./n.
to introduce/introduction
" (ji)" literally means betweenand " (sho)" literally means to connect. But in
the word " (jisho)," the two characters both mean to introduce.
Example
Qng ynx w xing nn jisho wmen de dngshzhng Chn xinsheng.
A:
Please allow me to introduce our chairman to youMr. Chen.

Nnho, Chn xinsheng, hn rngxng jindo nn!
B:
Hello, Mr. Chen, it's an honor to meet you.
(ninlng): n.
"
age
(nin)" literally means year and "
(lng)" means age. There are some
well-known quotations from The Analects of Confucius regarding " (ninlng)

age."
" (snsh rl)" means "At thirty, a man should have planted his feet firmly
upon the ground."
G
12

" (ssh b hu)" means "At forty, a man should no longer suffer from
perplexities," etc.
Example
Nn de ninlng b w d.
You are older than I.
(mngpin): n.
business card
" (mng)" literally means name and " (pin)" represents the meaning of "
(kpin) card."
Example
Mngpin shng yn zhe w de qy dzh h dinhu hom.
My business address and phone number are printed on the business card.

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/business-etiquette-business-cardexchanges-and-introduction-beginner
13
14
Chapter Three: Business Telephone Etiquette

Part1: (D dinhu) Make a phone call

(shngw dinhu): n.
(boch linx): v.
make a call for business purposes
to keep in touch
Making a phone call can be the first step in building business relationships, and can
have an important impact on the success or failure of such relationships.
In the context of business Chinese, when you make the first contact, the first
sentence used should be "(wi, nnho!) How do you do?" We usually don't
use " (nho)," which means hello, because " (nn)" shows more respect than
" (n)" does, and is often used to call those who are older or have a higher rank.
Another etiquette in the context of business Chinese: when receiving a phone call
while not knowing who is calling, we often use " (qng wn nn sh n
wi) may I know who is speaking please?"
15

But in daily conversations, we often use a less respectable form: " (n zho
shu) whom are you calling?" " (qng wn) may I ask please?" shows that you
are polite and have good manners. " (n wi)" and " (shu)" both mean who.
" (n)" in this sentence means which, " (wi)" is a measure word. " (n
zho shu)" is used in daily Chinese and the tone is not as polite.
When you are ready to hang up the phone, you can say:
Zijin, hn goxng h nn zi dinhu zhng gutng, boch linx.
Goodbye, it was nice to talk with you on the phone. Lets keep in touch.
Key Learning Points

(shngw dinhu): n.
make a call for business purpose
" (shngw)" means business and " (dinhu)" means telephone or phone
call.
Example
Shngw dinhu yo jsh huf.
Business calls should be returned in a timely fashion.
16

(boch linx): v.
to keep in touch
" (boch)" means to keep and " (linx)" means contact.

Example
Gu gngs de dynj yngpn fh wmen de yoqi, zh sh w de mngpin,
boch linx.
The sample printer offered by your company meets our requirements. Here is my
name card, keep in touch.

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/business-etiquettemake-a-phone-call
-intermediate
17

Part2: (Gu dinhu) Hang up a phone call
(bngmng): v.
(zhund): v.
(jnr): adv.
to help
to convey
soon
As we all know, proper telephone etiquette is an important part of maintaining

harmonious business relationships. Do you know how to politely end a telephone
conversation in Chinese? Ending a telephone conversation politely will help you
make a good impression. Let's start our Chinese lesson about how to hang up a
phone call!
1. To a close friend
If you are familiar with the person, you can end the conversation by saying:
Hi yu shnme w ky bngmng de ma?
Is there anything else I can help you with?

G
18

2. To a friend (but you are unfamiliar with his/her family)
If you know the person, but are unfamiliar with his/her family, you should say:
Qng di w xing n de jirn wn ho.
Please send your family my best regards.

3. To convey a message
When someone asks to leave a message, you can say:
W ydng t nn zhund.
I will make sure he/she gets your message.

4. To a customer
If your customer calls, you can say:
Xixie nn d dinhu li.
Thanks for calling,

Hn goxng y nn tnghu.
It's a pleasure to speak with you.

Xwng jnr nnggu jinmin.
I hope we will meet soon.
19

Key Learning Points
(bngmng): v.
to help
Example
Wng losh, qng nn bngmng fny y xi d w k.

Mr. Wang, please help me translate lesson five.
(zhund): v.
to convey
Example
Qng xing n fqn zhund w de xi y.

Please convey my gratitude to your father.
(jnr): adv.
soon
Example
Xwng jnr nng ddo nn de huf.

Hope to hear from you soon.

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/chinese-lessons-about-business-etiquette
-hang-up-a-phone-call-intermediate
20
21
Chapter Four: Toasting at a Business Dinner

(jngji): v.
(chfi): conj.
to propose a toast
unless
" (jngji) Toasting" is an important part of dinner in China, especially at

business dinners. One should follow the basic rules when attending a business
dinner. Firstly, one should stand up and use both hands as he or she toasts. Secondly,
one should hold his or her glass with the right hand and use the left hand to
support the bottom. Remember to always hold the glass lower than those of others
to show respect. Finally, many people can toast to one person, but one should not
toast to many people at once " (chfi) unless" he or she is the leader.
22

Key Learning Points
(jngji): v.
to propose a toast
" (jng)" literally means to respect and here it means to offer respect.
" (ji)" means liquor.
Example
Wmen dji xing xnning xnlng jngji.

Let's propose a toast to the bride and groom.
(chfi): conj.
unless
" (ch)" literally means to get rid of, but here it means being exclusive.
"(fi)" means not.
Examples
Chfi n nl xi gngfu, fuz n yngyun d b ho wngqi.
1.

You will never become good at tennis unless you work hard at it.
Chfi n mshng ciq xngdng, brn y qi du wn le.
2.

It will be too late unless you take action immediately.
23

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/toasting-etiquette-at-a-business-dinner
-advanced
24
25
Chapter Five: Seating Arrangement

(ly) n. etiquette
At Chinese " (ynhu) banquets," the seating arrangement is probably the most
important part of Chinese dining "
(ly) etiquette," especially in Chinese
business banquets. Generally, round tables are used at Chinese banquets and the
seat facing the entrance is the seat of honor. The seats on the left hand side of the
seat of honor are second, fourth, sixth, etc. in importance, while those on the right
are third, fifth, seventh and so on in importance. The seat of honor, " (boli)
reserved" for the master of the banquet or the " (krn) guests" with highest
status, is the one in the center facing east or facing the entrance. Those of higher
position sit closer to the seat of honor. The guests of the lowest position sit furthest
from the seat of honor.
26
Chapter Five: Seating Arrangement

Key Learning Points
(ly) n.
etiquette
" (l)" means polite and " (y)" means ceremony.

Examples
Zhnggu zg jish y g ly zh bng.
1.
China has always been a state of ceremonies.

Dibiomen x n
2.
ly yoqi jizu.
The delegates have to be seated according to the proper etiquette.

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/seating-arrangement-etiquette
Vocabulary:
(ynhu): n.
banquet
(krn): n.
guest
(boli): v.
to reserve
27
28
Chapter Six: Taboos of Giving Business Gifts in China

(sngl): v. to give gift
(shngw wngli): n.
business exchanges/doing business with others
" (sngl) Gift giving" is an important part of " (shngw wngli)

doing business" in China. Cultural traditions play an important role in business life in
China. So, there are some important " (jnj) taboos" that business people
should be aware of.
First, people should not give clocks to others since the Chinese pronunciation of "
(sngzhng) to give clocks" is the same as that of " (sngzhng) to attend
upon a dying relative."
Second, people should not give shoes as gifts since the Chinese pronunciation of "
(xi) shoes" is the same as that of " (xi) evil." There is another proverb that
says, "If you give shoes to a pair of lovers, it means they will break up."
29

Lastly, people should not give pears as gifts to others because the Chinese
pronunciation of " (l) pears" is the same as that of " (l) to separate." The
meaning of Chinese character " (l)" is not " (jl) lucky" in Chinese.
Key Learning Points

(sngl): v. to give a gift
The character " (sng)" means to give and " (l)" refers to a gift.
Examples
Jir sngl sh y zhng fngs.
1.
Giving presents during festivals is a tradition.

T sngl hn kngki.
2.
He is generous in giving gifts.

(shngw wngli): n.
business exchanges/doing business with
others
The character " (shng)" means commerce and " (w)" means affair. "(wng)"
means to go and " (li)" means to come.
30

Examples
Tmen jinl le xn de shngw wngli gunxi.
1.
They have established a new business relationship.

Zh ling ji gngs de shngw wngli hn pnfn.
2.
The two companies have very frequent business exchanges.

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/taboos-of-giving-business-gifts-in-chinaintermediate
Vocabulary:
(jnj): n. taboo
(jl): adj. lucky
31
32
Chapter Seven: Showing Honor through Holding Fist

(quntou) n. fist
(zhh) n.
congratulations
Holding fist is a form of greeting, usually used by men, with one clenched fist
cradled in the other hand and held at chest level. It is a traditional custom in China
and is used to express " (zhh) congratulations" and good " (yunwng)
wishes."
In modern China, holding fist is widely used in business situations. So, the way to
properly hold fist is just like this: standing upright, hold the right hand (in fist) with
the left hand and rock them up and down slightly at roughly chest level. Please see
the following picture.
33

In China, expressing regards through holding fist is often used in the following three
situations:
1. At every major event or holiday, such as " (chnji) Spring Festival." We often
show regards through holding fist when we meet our " (lnju) neighbors," "
(pngyou) friends" or " (tngsh) colleagues."
2. On festive occasions, such as " (hnl) weddings" or birthday parties, the "
(krn) guests" can hold fist to congratulate the " (zhrn) hosts."
3. At farewell parties, people often hold fist while saying "Take care!" to each other.
Occasionally, we hold fist to request forgiveness.
When we show our regards through holding fist, we also use special words and
expressions, such as: " (jir kuil) Happy holidays," " (gngx)
congratulations" or " (jiyng) I've heard so much about you."
Key Learning Points

(quntou) n.
fist
Example
T yng quntou qngqing d le y xi w.
He hit me lightly with his fist.
34

(zhh) n.
congratulations
Example
Zhh nn, jngl,
A:
wmen de xn xingm hn chnggng.
Congratulations to our manager, our new project has been very successful!
Xixi dji de nl.
B:
Thanks everybody for working so hard.

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/showing-honor-through-holding-fist
-intermediate
35
36
Chapter Eight: Five Things You Must NOT Do with

Chopsticks
(kuizi): n. chopsticks
(hnyng): n. good behavior
As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used " (kuizi)
chopsticks." But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The following list
has five things you must know about the use of " (kuizi) chopsticks."
No.1: Hold " (kuizi) chopsticks" with your " (dmzh) thumb," "
(zhngzh) middle finger," " (wmngzh) ring finger," and " (xiomzh)
little finger," but be sure not to point your " (shzh) index finger" at others. It is
widely acknowledged in China that when someone is about to swear using dirty
words, they tend to point their " (shzh) index finger" at others. So if you let
your " (shzh) index finger" point to other guests at the table, it is perceived as
being impolite.
37

Chopsticks
No.2: Do not hold " (kuizi) chopsticks" in your mouth and suck them. It is
regarded as lack of " (hnyng) good behavior." Besides, if you suck on the "
(kuizi) chopsticks," you are very likely to make strange noises, which is often
quite annoying.
No.3: Do not get what you want to eat with only one chopstick. It is well-recognized
that both " (kuizi) chopsticks" are always used together. But when you use
only one of them to get something really small, it is like sticking up your " (zh
ngzh) middle finger" to someone in the western culture.
No.4: Do not put your " (kuizi) chopsticks" in the middle of a bowl of rice
before eating. This is an action employed when you want to pay your respects to
your ancestors who have passed away.
No.5: Do not use your " (kuizi) chopsticks" to hit the bowl or the plate, even
when you feel bored. That's what beggars do when they beg for food.
Key Learning Points

(kuizi): n.
chopsticks
38

Chopsticks
Example
Hndu wigurn rnwi yng kuizi h xu ho Zhngwn yyng knnan.
Many foreigners think that skillfully using chopsticks is as hard as learning Chinese.
(hnyng): n.
good behavior
Example
Tngshu n zujn zi xux lyu hny.
A:
I heard that you are taking travel Chinese courses recently.

Du. Zhngwn losh hi tbi qingdio le lyu zhng de hnyng wnt.
B:
Br shu, byo zi jinzhw shng luntlunhu.

Yes. My Chinese teacher emphasizes good behavior when traveling. For

example, do not scrawl on the buildings during your trip.
To listen to the recordings of the examples, please go

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/five-things-you-must-not-do-with
-chopsticks-beginner
39

Chopsticks
Vocabulary:
(shrn): n. people whom you know very well
(dmzh): n. thumb
(shzh): n. index finger
(zhngzh): n. middle finger
(wmngzh): n.
ring finger
(xiomzh): n. little finger
40
41
Chapter Nine: Salutations in Chinese Letters
China is known as the "nation of ceremonies." No matter whether it's in daily life or
business activities, all Chinese people pay attention to etiquette.
Salutations are among the most important elements of business communication. In
a formal letter, the salutation occurs first. An appropriate salutation can create a
good impression for the letter's reader.
In Chinese letters, salutations are usually the honorific titles of the reader. The
relationship between the addresser and the addressee primarily determines what
kind of honorific is used.
Salutations in Chinese are usually written using the following form: "honorific +
title." Furthermore, they are written on the left hand side of the page, beginning in
the first space and then followed by a colon.
42

Case and Examples:
Case 1. (du shngj): Salutations Used When Greeting a Superior
"Jng'i de + xngmng:"
" +
"
"Respected + name:"
Jng'i de Wng L:
e.g.
Respected Wang Li:
Case 2. (du tngj): Salutations Used When Greeting a Colleague
"Qn'i de + xngmng:"
" + "
"Dear + name:"
Qn'i de Li Yng:
e.g.
Dear Liu Ying:

G
43

Case 3. (biosh zhngzhng): Showing Respect When Writing Names in
Salutations
1) "Znjng de + xng + zhwi:"

"
+ "
"Honorable + surname + occupation title:"
Znjng de Wng jngl:

e.g.
Honorable Manager Wang:
Znjng de Wng losh:

e.g.
Honorable Teacher Wang:
2) "Znjng de + xng + xinsheng/nsh:"

"
"Honorable + surname + Sir/ Madam:"
44

Znjng de L nsh:
e.g.
Honorable Madam Li:
Case 4. (biosh fichng zhngzhng): Showing Very High Respect

When Writing Names in Salutations
1) "Znjng de + zhwi + xng + xinsheng/nsh + jngq:"

"
+ /
"
Honorable + occupation title + surname + Sir/Madam + please open:
Znjng de zhgun Zhu xinsheng jngq:

e.g.
Honorable Supervisor Mr. Zhou, please open:
2) "Znjng de + zhwi + xng + xinsheng/nsh + znjin:"

"
+ +
+ "
Honorable + occupation title + surname + Sir/Madam + respectfully discerned:
45
Znjng de kzhng M xinsheng znjin:

e.g.
Honorable Section Chief Mr. Ma, respectfully discerned:
3) "Znjng de + zhwi + xng + xinsheng/nsh + yjin:"

"
+ + +
+ "
Honorable + occupation title + surname + Sir/Madam + elegantly discerned:
Znjng de jngl Wng nsh yjin:

e.g.
Honorable Manager Miss Wang, elegantly discerned:

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/salutations-in-chinese-letters-intermediate
46

Vocabulary:
(bi ywi) v. to be well-known as
(jngq) v. please open
(znjin) v. respectfully discerned
(yjin) v. elegantly discerned
47
48
Chapter Ten: Have You Ever Sang Your Own Praises for
Saving (minzi)?
"We have to choose the best location, hire a French designer a British butler
wearing a wig stands within the building, looking like a gentleman. When
proprietors come, he will say to them, "May I help you, Sir?" no matter how busy he
is! Speaking fluent English with a pure London accent will give you much
(minzi)."
These are classic lines of the famous Chinese movie Super Star, . They are
funny and also convey some psychological aspects of Chinese people, especially "
(minzi)". For saving (minzi), some Chinese people may make a fool of
themselves, lie to others, or even hurt others. So what does (minzi) really
mean in Chinese culture?
Originally, (minzi) means the surface of some physical objects. For example,
we can say (biminzi) or the surface of the quilt. It can also mean powder.
For example, we can say (yominzi), powdered medicine. But with the
development of psychological linguistics, (minzi) is endowed with more
profound cultural meanings. I am sure you must have heard some Chinese people
say "" on business occasions or during some other ceremonies. Here,
(minzi) means face literally. It does not refer to our body part, but a kind of
honor. So people always try their best to save their (minzi).
49
Saving (minzi)?
In daily life, phrases like "(iminzi), be concerned about face-saving", "
(yominzi), be keen on face-saving ", "(giminzi), save one's face", "
(miminzi), lose one's face", and "(shngminzi), hurt one's face" are often
heard.
But why do Chinese people love their "(minzi)" so much? Historically speaking,
it is closely related with Confucianism. China has been greatly influenced by this
philosophical thinking for thousands of years. Its core is that harmony matters most.
So, we would not embarrass others in public by any means. Even when someone
tells lies, we would not call out their lie in front of them. This is a polite way to show
our respect to other people. Gradually, we develop a habit of saving our own face
and others'.
In addition, people love their (minzi) because of some psychological factors.

First of all, some people have power and money. They enjoy a good reputation or a
high status in some fields of society. To maintain their public image, they have to
love their (minzi). When it comes to behaving in public, they will be very
cautious about their words and deeds. When others speak highly of them, their
vanity is greatly satisfied.
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Saving (minzi)?
Second, some people love their (minzi) because they feel self-abased. Due to
different social and personal reasons, they may feel inferior to other people in their
job, family, study, love, etc. They long for these things from the bottom of their heart,
but they cannot have them now. So, they may do some things to improve their
self-image.
This mental activity results in their loving (minzi). For example, a man's family
is not perfect. He often quarrels with his wife, and his kid is not doing well in school.
Out of the aforementioned reasons, he won't let others know these potentially
embarrassing things. Therefore in an effort to hide the truth, he always tells other
people that his wife is very beautiful and kind, that his kid behaves very well in
school, and that his whole family is very harmonious. This is a very typical case in
saving face.
Finally, some people love their (minzi) because they do not have proper
judgment. After learning some kids in his son's class are going abroad, he wants his
son to go abroad too. In his eyes, following popular trends is a good way to
save/boost face.
51
Saving (minzi)?
There is nothing good or bad about (minzi), as long as you don't do harm to
others' interests. It is just a reflection of Chinese culture in one aspect. Teachers
won't blame his or her students directly for saving their face; parents let their kids
go to well-known universities like other kids do to gain (minzi) for themselves;
stars and bosses donate to charities for face-saving reasons Examples like this are
too numerous to go on.
Do you have a basic knowledge of (minzi) in Chinese culture? As an old saying

goes "men rest on their face just as trees rest on their bark". (minzi) is vital to
Chinese people. I am sure you must have done something in your life to save your
own (minzi) or others'. Please feel free to share them with us.
52
Saving (minzi)?
Vocabulary:
(iminzi) v. be concerned about face-saving
(yominzi) v. be keen on face-saving
(giminzi) v. save one's face
(shngminzi) v. hurt one's face
(miminzi) v. lose one's face
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