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What etiquette should I follow when writing professional emails in Chinese visualisation

What etiquette should I follow when writing professional emails in Chinese

Elevate Your Chinese Email Writing with Our Professional Templates: What etiquette should I follow when writing professional emails in Chinese
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When writing professional emails in Chinese, there are several etiquette rules to keep in mind to ensure respect and clarity.

Greetings and Address

Start with a formal greeting using 尊敬的 (zūn jìng de), which means “Respected,” followed by the recipient’s title and surname, for example, 尊敬的李经理 (Respected Manager Li). If the recipient’s name is unknown, use 尊敬的先生/女士 (Dear Sir/Madam). Begin the email with a polite 您好 (nín hǎo) as a greeting rather than the informal 你好 (nǐ hǎo) to show respect. 1, 2, 3, 4

Language and Tone

Use formal and respectful language throughout. Address recipients with 您 (nín), a polite form for “you,” instead of 你 (nǐ). Avoid slang or overly casual expressions. Keep the paragraphs clear and the tone courteous. 3

Structure and Content

  • Subject line: Keep it clear and concise, directly reflecting the email’s purpose.
  • Body: Introduce yourself briefly if necessary, specify the purpose clearly, and express any requests or information politely.
  • When referring to attachments, say 请查附件 (Please check the attachment) to direct attention politely. 5, 6, 3

Closings and Sign-Offs

End your emails with formal and respectful closings like 此致敬礼 (cǐ zhì jìng lǐ), meaning “With best regards,” which is often written on two lines for emphasis. Other common sign-offs include 敬上 (jìng shàng, “Respectfully”) or 谢谢您的协助 (Thank you for your cooperation). If you have an ongoing relationship and want a slightly less formal closing, 祝好 (zhù hǎo, “Best wishes”) can be used. 6, 7, 1, 3

Additional Points

  • Use appropriate professional titles such as 先生 (Mr.), 女士 (Ms.), 经理 (Manager), 总经理 (General Manager) to show respect.
  • Always be polite, thank the recipient when appropriate, and maintain a professional tone representing your company well. 3

Following these guidelines reflects professionalism and respect in Chinese business communication.

References

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