Avoid Saying No in China

Try to avoid saying “no” , this is a sign that you are unwilling and it is considered rude in the Chinese culture. This may sound strange, especially if you’re raised in the West, with a very direct way of communication. If you’re doing business in China, it’s important to understand the nuances of one’s reply. Obviously, it’s hard to answer every single question or demand with a direct ‘yes’. But the Chinese unconsciously avoid a direct no by giving the reply a twist. For example: Sounds like a reasonable idea, let me look further into it. I’m a bit busy currently, but I’ll make sure to get back to you in the future. It’s a good suggestion, but you may also take (time/budget/resources) into consideration. Interesting, let me think about it. etc Looking at … Continue reading Avoid Saying No in China