Chinese is undoubtedly one of the major languages currently spoken in the world, and business Chinese is quickly gaining popularity with more professionals going to China to live and work. Though Chinese vocabulary might be a bit complicated at first, it gets easier once you get started with the language. Here are ten must-know Chinese words to learn if you work in marketing.
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#1 出差 (chū chāi) – Business trip
The least you can do when going to China on a business trip is memorize this phrase to be able to explain your purpose of stay whenever you are asked. Also, if some of your partners talk about their upcoming business trips, you’ll be able to connect this phrase to the city they are traveling to.
For example:
- 我会到北京出差. (wǒ huì dào Běijīng chū chāi.)
- I will go on a business trip to Beijing.
#2 經理 (jīng lǐ) – Manager
As you would probably write to managers to discuss a project, you might want to know how to express your position in their language. This kind of effort will be seen as respectful and considerate. It can also be helpful to know how to say what your role in the company is if someone in the partnering company asks you about that.
#3 客户 (kè hù) – Client
If you are at a business meeting and new members of the marketing team join you, your host can present you as kè hù – client.
#4 老板 (lǎo bǎn) – Boss
This word can also be used to communicate with your boss better if they happen to be from China. You will show them respect by addressing their role and not diminishing their achievements by calling them simply by their name or assigning them a different title. What can help you memorize this word is saying it next to the boss’s name.
#5 电邮 (diàn yóu) – Email
Even though the Chinese are much more oriented towards WeChat, some businesses still don’t want to neglect email marketing. For that reason, you should know how to say email in their language. Additionally, if your partner or client asks you to send a diàn yóu with some data, you’ll know what to do.
#6 会计 (kuài jì) – Accounting
Though marketing is important for any business, there is another aspect of your company closely related to it – accounting. You need to be able to keep track of your finances properly to ensure that your budgeting is in check as well. Besides, this word can also be useful for marketing plan presentations.
#7 网店 (wǎng diàn) – E-store
Nowadays, it is very common to have an e-commerce business. Consequently, knowing a term like an e-store will help you with your e-commerce strategy.
#8 品牌化战略 (pǐn pái huà zhàn lüè) – Branding strategy
Chinese competitive market demands exceptional branding strategies. So, you’ll probably come across this phrase sooner or later. Considering that pǐn pái huà zhàn lüè is a longer phrase, it can be hard to memorize. Use a dictionary app like Pleco to play how it is pronounced as many times as you need.
#9 跨国公司 (kuà guó gōng sī) – Multinational
Multinational markets are being targeted by many growing businesses. Ensure that your Chinese partners know what your goal is by using this word. They will value your direct approach.
#10 营销 (yíng xiāo) – Marketing
Last but not least, you should probably know the term for marketing. Why? Well, simply because it is what you are working with. When you are trying to find a marketing department in a Chinese company building, knowing this word will be very useful.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, learning Chinese – and especially business Chinese – is very important if you are planning to or want to move to China or you are working with a Chinese company. After all, it’s an integral part of your job, so make sure to learn the words and phrases from this article to become a better specialist in your field.
