Chinese courtesies have always been formal to follow strict rules, although sometimes Chinese people seem to be impolite according to Western
norms in public places. To well understand Chinese, some concepts should not be ignored:
盡管在西式標(biāo)準(zhǔn)的公共場合下，中國人有時似乎顯得不夠禮貌。但中國式的禮貌，卻有它自己的嚴(yán)格規(guī)則。要更好的了解中國，下面的這些概念你就不該忽視：
Mianzi (Face) 面子
The idea of shame, usually expressed as "face" could be loosely defined as the "status" or "self-respect" in Chinese and by no means alien to foreigners. It is the worst thing for a Chinese to lose face. Never
insult, embarrass, shame, yell at or otherwise
demean a person. Since all these actions would risk putting a Chinese in a situation that he might lose face. Neither try to prove someone wrong nor shout at him in public. In order to get a successful effect without letting a Chinese lose face, any criticism should be delivered privately, discreetly and
tactfully, or else, just opposite to what you wish.
羞恥這個概念，通常被表達(dá)為“面子”。在中文中大致的含義是“地位”或者“自尊”，這和外國人的觀念并不相同。在中國，最糟糕的事莫過于失了面子。所以，千萬不要對一個人進(jìn)行侮辱、羞辱或者對其大吼，讓其尷尬等。因為這樣會讓一個中國人感覺到失了面子。千萬不要證明某人錯了，或者在公共場合對其吼叫。為了能有效的傳達(dá)意見而不讓中國人丟了面子，任何的批評都應(yīng)該私下傳遞，而且方式要巧妙而謹(jǐn)慎。否則，你將事與愿違。
Guanxi (Relationships between People) 關(guān)系
Throughout much of Chinese history, the
fundamental glue that has held society together is the concept of guanxi, relationships between people. It is very important for the Chinese to have good relationships. They often regard good social relations as a symbol of personal ability and influence. Someone who has no connections would be
despised and is only half-Chinese.
縱貫中國的歷史，一個維系社會的基本粘合劑就是關(guān)系這個概念，也就是人與人之間的關(guān)聯(lián)。對中國人來說，有良好的關(guān)系是十分重要的。他們往往將擁有良好的社會關(guān)系看成是一個人能力和影響力的象征。一個毫無關(guān)系的人將會被輕視，而且最多只能算半個中國人。
Keqi 客氣
Keqi not only means considerate, polite, and well mannered, but also represents
humbleness and
modesty. It is impolite to be
arrogant and
brag about oneself or one's inner circle. The expression is most often used in the negative, as in buyao keqi, meaning "you shouldn't be so kind and polite to me," or "you're welcome."
客氣并不只是包含考慮周詳、禮貌文雅和舉止端詳，還表現(xiàn)在謙遜和謹(jǐn)慎。對自己或者自己的圈內(nèi)人表達(dá)的傲慢或者自夸都是不禮貌的。表達(dá)的時候，通常要以否定的形式，比如“不要客氣”，意思是說“你不必對我這么關(guān)心、禮貌”或“不用謝”。
Besides, Chinese seldom express what they think directly and they prefer a
roundabout way. Neither show their emotions and feelings in public. They rarely greet people with a handshake, though it is very popular among foreigners, say nothing of embracing or kissing when greeting or saying good-bye. Consequently, it is better not to behave too
carefree in public, even though you are well-intentioned. Also, it is advisable to be fairly cautious in political discussions. Do not particularly push yourself forward, or else you are unwelcome.
此外，中國人很少直接表達(dá)自己的想法，而喜歡用側(cè)敲旁擊的方式。從不在公共場合表現(xiàn)自己的情緒或者感覺。盡管在西方握手的見面禮非常普遍，但在中國這樣做的人還不是很多，更不用說見面和道別時的擁抱和親吻了。因此，即使你是出于好意，在公共場合也不要表現(xiàn)的太自由自在。同樣，在政治話題上保持相對慎重也是明智的。不要太特立獨行，否則你將會是不受歡迎的。
To sum up, do in Rome as Rome does, but you need not worry about these cultural barriers since most Chinese are hospitable and
amiable and will not mind your
nonproficiency.
總之，入鄉(xiāng)隨俗，但你也不必對這些文化障礙擔(dān)心，因為大多數(shù)中國人都是好客和和藹的，他們不會介意你的不熟悉。
