5 Tips to avoid angering the Chinese

Tip #1:

When you go to attend an activity in China, do not wear black, royal blue or white completely, since for the Chinese these are funeral colors. Try to include a bright color such as red or orange in your clothing.

Tip #2:

Never give a Chinese the following objects:

• Umbrella:  Its pronunciation is very similar to that of "separation" so giving this object as a gift can be a bad omen.

• Handkerchief:  As its function is to dry tears, it is better not to give them away.

• Watch:  Their pronunciation is very similar to that of "saying goodbye" so it is bad luck to give them away.

• Shoes:  Never give shoes to your Chinese partner because it means that you are going to run away.

Tip #3:

Never gift anything in multiples of four, or that contains a number four. The pronunciation of this number is very similar to that of "death", so giving something that contains it can be interpreted as wishing death to the person to whom it is given.

Tip #4:

Learn about the following lucky numbers for the Chinese and their interpretation:

6 : That everything flows

8 : That brings good luck

9 : That lasts

If you want to give a Chinese a gift, please do so in multiples of these numbers.

Tip #5:

The Chinese do not give gifts in kind, nor at weddings, nor on birthdays or other activities. If you are giving a gift to a Chinese, it is usually cash in a red envelope, in multiples of 6, 8 and 9 (the lucky numbers of the Chinese).

---

If you are interested in learning more about Chinese culture and learning Mandarin in Costa Rica, take advantage of us Kung Tse Oriental Confucius Institute, Mandarin teaching programs from 4 years old.

Article obtained from edu-coneccion