Chinese Chinese Culture and Etiquette Syllabus

Chinese Culture and Etiquette syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Chinese Culture and Etiquette in Chinese, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Cultural Understanding

   2 topics

   • Festivals and Traditions
   • Social Norms
2. 2

   Business Etiquette

   2 topics

   • Meeting and Greeting
   • Gift Giving

Chinese Culture and Etiquette flashcards for Chinese

24 of 50 cards from the Chinese Culture and Etiquette deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the most important traditional festival in China, marking the start of the lunar new year?

   The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year, 春节 Chūnjié), celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar and traditionally lasting up to 15 days.

2. Why is the color red so prominent during Chinese New Year?

   Red symbolizes good fortune, joy, and prosperity, and is believed to ward off the mythical beast Nian and evil spirits.

3. What is a hongbao (红包)?

   A red envelope containing money, given especially to children and unmarried people during Chinese New Year and other celebrations as a wish for luck and prosperity.

4. What is the traditional food eaten on Chinese New Year's Eve in northern China, and what does it symbolize?

   Jiaozi (dumplings), shaped like ancient gold/silver ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity for the coming year.

5. What does the Lantern Festival mark, and when is it held?

   It marks the final day of Chinese New Year celebrations, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, featuring lanterns, riddles, and tangyuan (glutinous rice balls).

6. What is the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) known for?

   Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it celebrates the full harvest moon with family reunions and the eating of mooncakes (月饼).

7. What does the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) commemorate?

   It commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan; celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month with dragon boat races and eating zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves).

8. What is the Qingming Festival (清明节) also called, and what is its purpose?

   Also called Tomb-Sweeping Day; families visit and clean ancestors' graves, make offerings, and honor the deceased, typically in early April.

9. What is the significance of the number 8 in Chinese culture?

   Eight (八 bā) sounds like 'fā' (发, to prosper/get rich), so it is considered highly lucky and associated with wealth and success.

10. Why is the number 4 considered unlucky in China?

    Four (四 sì) sounds similar to the word for death (死 sǐ), so it is avoided in phone numbers, floors, and gift quantities.

11. What does the concept of 'mianzi' (面子) mean in Chinese social norms?

    'Face' — a person's reputation, dignity, and social standing. Preserving face for oneself and others is central to social interactions.

12. What does 'guanxi' (关系) refer to?

    A network of personal relationships and reciprocal social connections that facilitate business and social dealings, built on mutual trust and obligation.

13. What is 'filial piety' (孝 xiào) in Chinese culture?

    A Confucian virtue of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents, elders, and ancestors, considered a foundational moral value.

14. How should you show respect to elders in a Chinese social setting?

    Greet them first, use appropriate honorific titles, let them be seated and served first, and defer to them in conversation and decisions.

15. What is the significance of hierarchy in Chinese social interactions?

    Society is strongly hierarchical (influenced by Confucianism); seniority in age, rank, and status determines seating, speaking order, and deference.

16. Why is public confrontation or direct criticism generally avoided in Chinese culture?

    It causes loss of face for both parties; indirect communication and harmony (和 hé) are preferred to maintain relationships and social peace.

17. What is the traditional Chinese view on modesty when receiving compliments?

    One is expected to humbly deflect or downplay a compliment rather than accept it directly, to appear modest and avoid seeming boastful.

18. What is the standard verbal greeting in Mandarin Chinese?

    'Nǐ hǎo' (你好), meaning 'hello' / 'you good'; the more formal/respectful form is 'nín hǎo' (您好).

19. What common Chinese greeting literally asks whether you have eaten?

    'Chī le ma?' (吃了吗？) — 'Have you eaten?' — used as a friendly greeting rather than a literal question.

20. What is the appropriate physical greeting in a formal Chinese business context?

    A light handshake, often accompanied by a slight nod or bow; the handshake is usually softer and may last longer than in the West.

21. How should you present and receive a business card in China?

    Present and receive it with both hands, printed side facing the recipient; take a moment to read it respectfully before putting it away carefully.

22. How are Chinese names traditionally ordered?

    The family (sur)name comes first, followed by the given name (e.g., in 'Li Wei', 'Li' is the surname).

23. How should you address a Chinese person in a formal setting?

    Use their surname followed by a title (e.g., 'Wang Xiānsheng' = Mr. Wang, or title such as Director/Manager), rather than the given name.

24. What honorific title means 'teacher' and is used broadly as a term of respect?

    'Lǎoshī' (老师); it is used not only for teachers but as a respectful address for knowledgeable or senior people.

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