For foreign professionals navigating China’s business landscape, the greatest challenges often lie not in language barriers, but in the unspoken meanings behind seemingly simple phrases. Chinese business communication operates on multiple levels, where polite surface language frequently conceals more complex intentions. This indirect approach stems from cultural values that prioritize harmony, face-saving, and relationship preservation over blunt transparency.
Understanding these linguistic nuances can mean the difference between successful negotiations and costly misunderstandings. What appears as agreement might signal hesitation, while optimistic statements could mask underlying concerns. The key lies in decoding the subtle cues embedded in common business expressions.
The Phrases That Puzzle Foreign Professionals
1. “我们研究研究” (Wǒmen yánjiū yánjiū)
Literal Meaning: “We’ll research it.”
Actual Meaning: A polite refusal (90% of cases)
Professional Response:
Xūyào bǔchōng nǎxiē cáiliào？ Wǒ kěyǐ lìkè zhǔnbèi.
需要补充哪些材料？我可以立刻准备。
What materials are needed? I can prepare them immediately.
2. “原则上可以” (Yuánzé shàng kěyǐ)
Literal Meaning: “In principle, yes.”
Actual Meaning: “No, but I won’t say it directly.”
Professional Response:
Jùtǐ xūyào mǎnzú shénme tiáojiàn?
具体需要满足什么条件？
What specific conditions need to be met?
3. “这个项目很有潜力” (Zhège xiàngmù hěn yǒu qiánlì)
Literal Meaning: “This project has great potential.”
Actual Meaning: “It’s currently losing money.”
Key Question:
Mùqián de tóuzī huíbào zhōuqī shì？
目前的投资回报周期是？
What’s the current ROI timeline?
4. “下次再说” (Xià cì zài shuō)
Literal Meaning: “Let’s talk next time.”
Actual Meaning: “This conversation is over.”
Face-Saving Response:
Nà wǒ xiān zhǔnbèi gèng xiángxì de fāng’àn.
那我先准备更详细的方案。
I’ll prepare a more detailed proposal then.
5. “领导很重视” (Lǐngdǎo hěn zhòngshì)
Literal Meaning: “The boss values this.”
Actual Meaning: “You’re about to get unreasonable demands.”
Strategic Defense:
Qǐngwèn yōuxiān jí hé zīyuán fēnpèi shì？
请问优先级和资源分配是？
May I ask about priorities and resources?
6. “按惯例办” (Àn guànlì bàn)
Literal Meaning: “Follow the usual practice.”
Actual Meaning: “I don’t want to take responsibility.”
Constructive Solution:
Wǒmen kěyǐ cānkǎo XX gōngsī de zuòfǎ.
我们可以参考XX公司的做法。
We could refer to [Company]’s approach.
7. “保持沟通” (Bǎochí gōutōng)
Literal Meaning: “Let’s keep communicating.”
Actual Meaning: Radio silence until they need you.
Proactive Follow-up:
Wǒ zhōusān qián fā gēngxīn bǎn gěi nín.
我周三前发更新版给您。
I’ll send an updated version by Wednesday.
Want to go deeper?
Professional coaching can help you:
- Decode subtle communication cues
- Develop culturally-appropriate responses
- Avoid common negotiation pitfalls
- Build stronger Chinese business relationships
[Try a free trail lesson] for customized business Chinese training tailored to your industry and professional needs.
Quiz: The phrase “有空多联系” typically results in:
A. Regular check-ins from their side
B. No contact unless they initiate
C. Immediate scheduling of next meeting
Answer: B
