News from JMS
Welcome to our blog, where we plan to feature news, views and translation clues. Things like: did you know that English cats say ‘meow’, German moggies ‘miau’, French felines ‘miaou’, and Spanish Siamese ‘miau’. Pause for thought…
More on doing business in China: being bright at giving gifts
The exchange of gifts is important in business meetings in China so it is not advisable to arrive empty-handed when trying to impress potential partners. However, there are a few things you should know. The Chinese usually refuse a gift (or invitation or favour) two or three times when it is first offered in order to avoid appearing greedy. They are unlikely, having finally accepted your offering, to open it in front of you. So don’t be offended on either score. Popular gifts include wine (6 bottles would represent both good luck in terms of number and a high investment on your part!), good quality tea, stamps, T-shirts and coins. They should be wrapped in red (for luck) or pink and yellow (for prosperity and happiness) but not in colours associated with death: black and white. Clocks represent the end of life as the word for clock sounds like the word for funeral, so giving or receiving one could signal the end of your relationship! Umbrellas and fans represent separation or divorce and must go on the no-go list. Present your offering with both hands as a sign of politeness and if you only have something for the most senior person, wait until you’re alone to offer it. Try to take small gifts for the whole group as it is rude not to present a present to everyone present. Getting it right is a gift…