China is quickly rising as a leader in global trade. As a result, more and more Chinese nationals are traveling overseas to set up bases in different countries. Mandarin, the official language of China, is becoming more and more important as a corporate language. It’s no coincidence that most of us are welcoming increasing numbers of Chinese speakers to our cities and workplaces as business clients and guests.
Chances are, you’ll come across Chinese clientele in your line of work. Of course, if you learn Mandarin in Singapore, communicating with your clients and other Chinese business associates will be much easier. However, you don’t have to be extremely fluent in Mandarin to make an impression on native speakers. You simply need to learn a few basic phrases, which can help make everyone feel more at ease and create permanent business relationships.
This article lists some key phrases for speaking with your Chinese clients.

Xiè xiè
If you have a meeting with Chinese investors, the word ‘xiè xiè’ should be part of your Mandarin vocabulary. It simply means “Thank You”. The right pronunciation for Xiè xiè is ‘shee-yeh shee-yeh’. Voicing your appreciation of your Chinese clients with business Mandarin in Singapore will create a good impression on your part.

Huān yíng
If you want to make your Chinese customers feel at ease and comfortable, use the phrase ‘Huān yíng’ which means ‘Welcome.’ Every client wants to feel that they are important and needed in whatever meeting they take part in. Welcoming your clientele with business Chinese can help you achieve just that.

Méi shìr
For instance, you’ve supplied a few items to a Chinese contractor, but they delay the necessary payments. Or if they bump into you and apologise wholeheartedly, how do you respond in Mandarin? Well, it may seem awkward if you don’t know what to say to show that no harm was suffered. When a client apologises, you can answer back ‘Méi shìr’ meaning ‘no problem’ or ‘no worries.’ Moreover, you can also respond that way if someone cancels a meeting.

Duì bù qǐ
In the world of business, there are instances when things don’t go as planned. As a result, there’s need to convey your apologies to your clients. In this case, you can say ‘duì bù qǐ’ to show that you’re sorry or apologetic.

Gān bēi
You’ve probably reached an agreement and signed a business deal with your clients. A toast is suitable to celebrate and honor the achievement. While everybody is holding their glass, raise yours and say ‘gān bēi’ which means ‘Cheers.’

Conclusion
As Nelson Mandela rightly put it: ‘If you talk to a man in his language, it goes to his heart’. Get a good grasp of these key phrases when you learn the Chinese language to create a good impression with your Chinese clients.