In today’s globalized economy, mastering business Chinese is becoming increasingly essential for professionals who want to excel in international markets. Understanding key business Chinese vocabulary can enhance communication, foster better relationships with Chinese-speaking partners, and ultimately lead to successful business ventures. Below, we outline some must-know business Chinese vocabulary terms that will equip you with the linguistic tools necessary to navigate the Chinese business landscape effectively.
Table of Contents
Basic Business Terms
Financial Terms
Management Terms
Business Departments and Positions
Legal and Taxation Terms
Banking and Insurance Terms
Basic Business Terms
1. Business – 商务 (Shāngwù)
This term is fundamental in various contexts, such as 商务会议 (Shāngwù huìyì – business meetings) and 商务合作 (Shāngwù hézuò – business cooperation).
Example:
We have an important business meeting.
我们有一个重要的商务会议。
Wǒmen yǒu yīgè zhòngyào de shāngwù huìyì.
2. Company – 公司 (Gōngsī)
公司 (Gōngsī) means “company” or “corporation.” It’s essential when referring to different types of business entities, such as 国有公司 (Guóyǒu gōngsī – state-owned company) and 私营公司 (Sīyíng gōngsī – private company).
Example:
This company is a multinational corporation.
这家公司是一家跨国公司。
Zhè jiā gōngsī shì yījiā kuàguó gōngsī.
3. Market – 市场 (Shì chǎng)
Example:
We need to analyze the market trends to make better business decisions.
我们需要分析市场趋势以做出更好的商业决策。
Wǒ men xū yào fēn xī shì chǎng qū shì yǐ zuò chū gèng hǎo de shāng yè jué cè.
4. Economy – 经济 (Jīng jì)
Example:
The global economy is showing signs of recovery.
全球经济显示出复苏的迹象。
Quán qiú jīng jì xiǎn shì chū fù sū de jì xiàng.
5. Marketing – 市场营销 (Shìchǎng yíngxiāo)
Example:
Our marketing team is planning a new advertising campaign.
我们的市场营销团队正在计划新的广告活动。
Wǒmen de shìchǎng yíngxiāo tuánduì zhèngzài jìhuà xīn de guǎnggào huódòng.
6. Investment – 投资 (Tóu zī)
Example:
The company is looking for new investment opportunities in the tech industry.
公司正在寻找科技行业的新投资机会。
Gōng sī zhèng zài xún zhǎo kē jì háng yè de xīn tóu zī jī huì.
7. Negotiation – 谈判 (Tán pàn)
Example:
We need to have a negotiation with our suppliers to lower the prices.
我们需要与供应商进行谈判以降低价格。
Wǒ men xū yào yǔ gōng yìng shāng jìn xíng tán pàn yǐ jiàng dī jià gé.
8. Collaboration – 合作 (Hé zuò)
Example:
Collaboration between departments is key to our success.
部门之间的合作是我们成功的关键。
Bù mén zhī jiān de hé zuò shì wǒ men chéng gōng de guān jiàn.
9. Profit – 利润 (Lì rùn)
Example:
Our company’s profit has increased by 10% this year.
我们公司今年的利润增加了10%。
Wǒ men gōng sī jīn nián de lì rùn zēng jiā le 10%.
10. Capital – 资本 (Zī běn)
Example:
We need additional capital to expand our operations.
我们需要额外的资本来扩大我们的业务。
Wǒ men xū yào lǐng wài de zī běn lái kuò dà wǒ men de yè wù.
Financial Terms
11. Finance – 财务 (Cáiwù)
Example:
The finance department is preparing the annual financial report.
财务部门正在准备年度财务报告。
Cáiwù bùmén zhèngzài zhǔnbèi niándù cáiwù bàogào.
12. Revenue – 收入 (Shōu rù)
Example:
Our revenue for the first quarter was higher than expected.
我们第一季度的收入比预期的要高。
Wǒ men dì yī jì dù de shōu rù bǐ yù qī de yào gāo.
13. Expense – 费用 (Fèi yòng)
Example:
We need to reduce our expenses to increase profit.
我们需要减少费用以增加利润。
Wǒ men xū yào jiǎn shǎo fèi yòng yǐ zēng jiā lì rùn.
14. Budget – 预算 (Yù suàn)
Example:
We have exceeded our marketing budget this year.
我们今年超出了营销预算。
Wǒ men jīn nián chāo chū le yíng xiāo yù suàn.
15. Accounting – 会计 (Kuài jì)
Example:
The accounting department is responsible for preparing the financial statements.
会计部门负责准备财务报表。
Kuài jì bù mén fù zé zhǔn bèi cái wù bào biǎo.
16. Debt – 债务 (Zhàiwù)
Example:
The company is working to reduce its debt.
公司正在努力减少债务。
Gōngsī zhèngzài nǔlì jiǎnshǎo zhàiwù.
17. Loan – 贷款 (Dàikuǎn)
Example:
We took out a loan to finance our expansion.
我们贷款融资扩展业务。
Wǒmen dàikuǎn róngzī kuòzhǎn yèwù.
18. Asset – 资产 (Zīchǎn)
Example:
Our assets include property and equipment.
我们的资产包括房地产和设备。
Wǒmen de zīchǎn bāokuò fángdìchǎn hé shèbèi.
19. Liability – 负债 (Fùzhài)
Example:
Our liabilities include loans and accounts payable.
我们的负债包括贷款和应付账款。
Wǒmen de fùzhài bāokuò dàikuǎn hé yīngfù zhàngkuǎn.
20. Cash Flow – 现金流 (Xiànjīn liú)
Example:
We need to improve our cash flow to fund new projects.
我们需要改善现金流来资助新项目。
Wǒmen xūyào gǎishàn xiànjīn liú lái zīzhù xīn xiàngmù.
21. Audit – 审计 (Shěnjì)
Example:
Our company undergoes an annual audit.
我们公司每年进行一次审计。
Wǒmen gōngsī měinián jìnxíng yīcì shěnjì.
22. Contract – 合同 (Hé tóng)
Example:
Before signing the contract, we must review all the terms carefully.
在签订合同之前，我们必须仔细审查所有条款。
Zài qiān dìng hé tóng zhī qián，wǒ men bì xū zǐ xì shěn chá suǒ yǒu tiáo kuǎn.
23. Financial Statement – 财务报表 (Cáiwù bàobiǎo)
Example:
The financial statements are prepared annually.
财务报表每年编制一次。
Cáiwù bàobiǎo měinián biānzhì yīcì.
24. Balance Sheet – 资产负债表 (Zī chǎn fù zhài biǎo)
Example:
The balance sheet shows our current financial status.
资产负债表显示了我们目前的财务状况。
Zī chǎn fù zhài biǎo xiǎn shì le wǒ men mù qián de cái wù zhuàng kuàng.
25. Income Statement – 损益表 (Sǔn yì biǎo)
Example:
The income statement reflects our financial performance for the year.
损益表反映了我们一年的财务表现。
Sǔn yì biǎo fǎn yìng le wǒ men yī nián de cái wù biǎo xiàn.
Management Terms
26. Management – 管理 (Guǎn lǐ)
Example:
The management team is responsible for strategic planning.
管理团队负责战略规划。
Guǎn lǐ tuán duì fù zé zhàn lüè guī huà.
27. Leadership – 领导力 (Lǐng dǎo lì)
Example:
Strong leadership is essential for a successful business.
强大的领导力对于成功的企业至关重要。
Qiáng dà de lǐng dǎo lì duì yú chéng gōng de qǐ yè zhì guān zhòng yào.
28. Innovation – 创新 (Chuàng xīn)
Example:
Our company thrives on innovation and creativity.
我们公司依靠创新和创造力蓬勃发展。
Wǒ men gōng sī yī kào chuàng xīn hé chuàng zào lì péng bó fā zhǎn.
29. Strategy – 战略 (Zhàn lüè)
Example:
Our marketing strategy involves targeting a younger demographic.
我们的营销战略包括针对更年轻的人口统计数据。
Wǒ men de yíng xiāo zhàn lüè bāo kuò zhēn duì gèng nián qīng de rén kǒu tǒng jì shù jù.
30. Training – 培训 (Péi xùn)
Example:
All new employees must undergo training before starting their roles.
所有新员工在开始他们的职位之前必须接受培训。
Suǒ yǒu xīn yuán gōng zài kāi shǐ tā men de zhí wèi zhī qián bì xū jiē shòu péi xùn.
31. Performance – 表现 (Biǎo xiàn)
Example:
Employee performance will be reviewed at the end of the year.
员工的表现将在年底进行评估。
Yuán gōng de biǎo xiàn jiāng zài nián dǐ jìn xíng píng gū.
32. Efficiency – 效率 (Xiào lǜ)
Example:
Our new manufacturing process is more efficient than the old one.
我们的新制造工艺比旧的更有效率。
Wǒ men de xīn zhì zào gōng yì bǐ jiù de gèng yǒu xiào lǜ.
33. Feedback – 反馈 (Fǎn kuì)
Example:
We value customer feedback and use it to improve our products.
我们重视客户反馈并用它来改进我们的产品。
Wǒmen zhòngshì kèhù fǎnkuì bìngyòng tā lái gǎijìn wǒmen de chǎnpǐn.
34. Acquisition – 收购 (Shōugòu)
Example:
The company was acquired by a larger corporation.
这家公司被一家更大的公司收购了。
Zhè jiā gōngsī bèi yījiā gèng dà de gōngsī shōugòu le.
35. Mergers – 合并 (Hébìng)
Example:
The merger of the two companies will create a larger entity.
两家公司的合并将创造一个更大的实体。
Liǎng jiā gōngsī de hébìng jiāng chuàngzào yīgè gèng dà de shítǐ.
36. Bankruptcy – 破产 (Pò chǎn)
Example:
The company filed for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties.
由于财务困难，公司申请破产。
Yóu yú cái wù kùn nán，gōng sī shēn qǐng pò chǎn.
37. Liquidation – 清算 (Qīng suàn)
Example:
The company is undergoing liquidation.
公司正在进行清算。
Gōng sī zhèng zài jìn xíng qīng suàn.
38. Divestiture – 剥离 (Bō lí)
Example:
The company decided to divest its non-core assets.
公司决定剥离其非核心资产。
Gōng sī jué dìng bō lí qí fēi hé xīn zī chǎn.
39. Partnership – 合作伙伴关系 (Hé zuò huǒ bàn guān xì)
Example:
Our partnership with the tech company has been very successful.
我们与科技公司的合作伙伴关系非常成功。
Wǒ men yǔ kē jì gōng sī de hé zuò huǒ bàn guān xì fēi cháng chéng gōng.
40. Supplier – 供应商 (Gōng yìng shāng)
Example:
We have a strong relationship with our main supplier.
我们与主要供应商有着牢固的关系。
Wǒ men yǔ zhǔ yào gōng yìng shāng yǒu zhe láogù de guān xì.
41. Entrepreneurship – 创业 (Chuàng yè)
Example:
Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind many successful businesses.
创业是许多成功企业背后的推动力。
Chuàng yè shì xǔ duō chéng gōng qǐ yè de bèi hòu tuī dòng lì.
42. Start-up – 初创企业 (Chū chuàng qǐ yè)
Example:
Our start-up is focused on developing innovative solutions.
我们的初创企业专注于开发创新解决方案。
Wǒ men de chū chuàng qǐ yè zhuān zhù yú kāi fā chuàng xīn jiě jué fāng àn.
43. Franchise – 特许经营 (Tèxǔ jīngyíng)
Example:
We are considering franchising our business model.
我们正在考虑特许经营我们的商业模式。
Wǒmen zhèngzài kǎolǜ tèxǔ jīngyíng wǒmen de shāngyè móshì.
44. Employment – 就业 (Jiù yè)
Example:
The employment rate has been steadily increasing.
就业率一直在稳步增长。
Jiù yè lǜ yī zhí zài wěn bù zēng zhǎng.
45. Unemployment – 失业 (Shī yè)
Example:
The government is working to reduce unemployment rates.
政府正在努力降低失业率。
Zhèng fǔ zhèng zài nǔ lì jiàng dī shī yè lǜ.
Business Departments and Positions
46. Board of Directors – 董事会 (Dǒng shì huì)
Example:
The board of directors will meet next week to discuss the annual report.
董事会下周将开会讨论年度报告。
Dǒng shì huì xià zhōu jiāng kāi huì tǎo lùn nián dù bào gào.
47. President – 总裁 (Zǒngcái)
Example:
Our new President will take office next month.
我们的新总裁将在下个月上任。
Wǒmen de xīn zǒngcái jiāng zài xià gè yuè shàngrèn.
48. CEO (Chief Executive Officer) – 首席执行官 (Shǒuxí zhíxíng guān)
Example:
The CEO will present the annual report to the shareholders.
首席执行官将向股东们展示年度报告。
Shǒuxí zhíxíng guān jiāng xiàng gǔ dōng men zhǎn shì nián dù bào gào.
49. CFO (Chief Financial Officer) – 首席财务官 (Shǒu xí cái wù guān)
Example:
The CFO will oversee the budgeting process.
首席财务官将监督预算过程。
Shǒu xí cái wù guān jiāng jiān dū yù suàn guò chéng.
50. CTO (Chief Technology Officer) – 首席技术官 (Shǒu xí jì shù guān)
Example:
The CTO will lead the development of our new software.
首席技术官将领导我们新软件的开发。
Shǒu xí jì shù guān jiāng lǐng dǎo wǒ men xīn ruǎn jiàn de kāi fā.
51. COO (Chief Operating Officer) – 首席运营官 (Shǒu xí yùn yíng guān)
Example:
The COO will oversee the implementation of the new project.
首席运营官将监督新项目的实施。
Shǒu xí yùn yíng guān jiāng jiān dū xīn xiàng mù de shí shī.
52. Manager – 经理 (Jīnglǐ)
There are various types of managers, such as 项目经理 (Xiàngmù jīnglǐ – project manager) and 营销经理 (Yíngxiāo jīnglǐ – marketing manager). Understanding these distinctions can help in identifying the right individuals in business settings.
Example:
Manager Zhang is in charge of the company’s marketing.
张经理负责公司的市场营销。
Zhāng jīnglǐ fùzé gōngsī de shìchǎng yíngxiāo.
53. Human Resources – 人力资源 (Rén lì zī yuán)
Example:
The human resources department is responsible for hiring and training.
人力资源部门负责招聘和培训。
Rén lì zī yuán bù mén fù zé zhāo pìn hé péi xùn.
54. Recruitment – 招聘 (Zhāo pìn)
Example:
We are currently in the recruitment phase for several new positions.
我们目前正在为几个新职位进行招聘。
Wǒ men mù qián zhèng zài wèi jǐ gè xīn zhí wèi jìn xíng zhāo pìn.
55. Sales – 销售 (Xiāoshòu)
Example:
Sales have been steady this quarter.
本季度的销售情况稳定。
Běn jìdù de xiāoshòu qíngkuàng wěndìng.
56. Labor – 劳动 (Láodòng)
Example:
The labor market is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.
劳动力市场目前面临技能工人的短缺。
Láodònglì shìchǎng mùqián miànlín jìnéng gōngrén de duǎnquē.
57. Employee – 员工 (Yuángōng)
Example:
Our employee benefits package includes health insurance and paid vacation.
我们的员工福利套餐包括健康保险和带薪休假。
Wǒmen de yuángōng fúlì tàocān bāokuò jiànkāng bǎoxiǎn hé dàixīn xiūjià.
58. Labor Union – 工会 (Gōnghuì)
Example:
The labor union strives to secure higher wages and better working conditions for its members.
工会为会员争取更高的工资和更好的工作条件。
Gōnghuì wèi huìyuán zhēngqǔ gèng gāo de gōngzī hé gèng hǎo de gōngzuò tiáojiàn.
59. Customer – 客户 (Kèhù)
Example:
Our top priority is customer satisfaction.
我们的首要任务是客户满意度。
Wǒmen de shǒuyào rènwù shì kèhù mǎnyì dù.
60. Customer Service – 客户服务 (Kè hù fú wù)
Example:
Our customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with any issues.
我们的客户服务团队全天候提供帮助。
Wǒ men de kè hù fú wù tuán duì quán tiān hòu tí gōng bāng zhù.
61. Loyalty – 忠诚度 (Zhōng chéng dù)
Example:
Building customer loyalty is a top priority for our company.
建立客户忠诚度是我们公司的首要任务。
Jiàn lì kè hù zhōng chéng dù shì wǒ men gōng sī de shǒu yào rèn wù.
62. Satisfaction – 满意度 (Mǎn yì dù)
Example:
Customer satisfaction is directly linked to our success.
客户满意度直接关系到我们的成功。
Kè hù mǎn yì dù zhí jiē guānxì dào wǒ men de chéng gōng.
Legal and Taxation Terms
63. Regulation – 法规 (Fǎ guī)
Example:
We must adhere to all industry regulations.
我们必须遵守所有行业法规。
Wǒ men bì xū zūn shǒu suǒ yǒu háng yè fǎ guī.
64. Intellectual Property – 知识产权 (Zhī shi chǎn quán)
Example:
Protecting our intellectual property is crucial for our business.
保护我们的知识产权对我们的业务至关重要。
Bǎo hù wǒ men de zhī shi chǎn quán duì wǒ men de yè wù zhì guān zhòng yào.
65. Risk Management – 风险管理 (Fēng xiàn guǎn lǐ)
Example:
Our risk management strategy helps us mitigate potential losses.
我们的风险管理策略帮助我们减少潜在损失。
Wǒ men de fēng xiàn guǎn lǐ cè lüè bāng zhù wǒ men jiǎn shǎo qián zài sǔn shī.
66. Taxes – 税 (Shuì)
Example:
We must pay our taxes by the end of the month.
我们必须在月底前缴税。
Wǒmen bìxū zài yuèdǐ qián jiǎo shuì.
67. Tax Deduction – 税收减免 (Shuìshōu jiǎnmiǎn)
Example:
Charitable donations are tax-deductible.
慈善捐款可以税收减免。
Císhàn juānkuǎn kěyǐ shuìshōu jiǎnmiǎn.
68. VAT (Value Added Tax) – 增值税 (Zēngzhí shuì)
Example:
VAT is included in the price of most goods and services.
增值税包含在大多数商品和服务的价格中。
Zēngzhí shuì bāohán zài dà duōshù shāngpǐn hé fúwù de jiàgé zhōng.
69. Corporate Tax – 企业所得税 (Qǐyè suǒdé shuì)
Example:
Our corporate tax rate is 20%.
我们的企业所得税率是20%。
Wǒmen de qǐyè suǒdé shuì lǜ shì 20%.
70. Personal Tax – 个人所得税 (Gèrén suǒdé shuì)
Example:
I need to file my personal tax return this month.
我需要在本月提交个人所得税申报表。
Wǒ xūyào zài běn yuè tíjiāo gèrén suǒdé shuì shēnbào biǎo.
Banking and Insurance Terms
71. Banking – 银行 (Yínháng)
Example:
We have a strong relationship with our bank.
我们与银行有良好的合作关系。
Wǒmen yǔ yínháng yǒu liánghǎo de hézuò guānxì.
72. Insurance – 保险 (Bǎoxiǎn)
Example:
We have insurance coverage for our business property.
我们为业务财产提供保险。
Wǒmen wèi yèwù cáichǎn tígōng bǎoxiǎn.
73. Insurance Policy – 保险单 (Bǎoxiǎn dān)
Example:
We have an insurance policy that covers business interruption.
我们有一份涵盖业务中断的保险单。
Wǒmen yǒu yī fèn hán’gài yèwù zhōngduàn de bǎoxiǎn dān.
74. Claims – 索赔 (Suǒpéi)
Example:
We filed a claim with our insurance company.
我们向保险公司提出了索赔。
Wǒmen xiàng bǎoxiǎn gōngsī tíchūle suǒpéi.
75. IPO (Initial Public Offering) – 首次公开募股 (Shǒu cì gōng kāi mù gǔ)
Example:
The company is planning an IPO next year.
公司计划明年进行首次公开募股。
Gōng sī jì huà míng nián jìn xíng shǒu cì gōng kāi mù gǔ.
76. Stock Market – 股票市场 (Gǔpiào shìchǎng)
Example:
Our company is listed on the stock market.
我们公司在股票市场上市。
Wǒmen gōngsī zài gǔpiào shìchǎng shàngshì.
77. Dividend – 股息 (Gǔxī)
Example:
We will be paying a dividend to our shareholders next quarter.
我们将在下季度向股东支付股息。
Wǒmen jiāng zài xià jìdù xiàng gǔdōng zhīfù gǔxī.
78. Risk – 风险 (Fēng xiǎn)
Example:
We assess the risks associated with each investment.
我们评估与每项投资相关的风险。
Wǒ men píng gū yǔ měi xiàng tóu zī xiāng guān de fēng xiàn.
79. Venture Capital – 风险投资 (Fēng xiǎn tóu zī)
Example:
We secured venture capital to fund our start-up.
我们获得了风险投资来资助我们的初创企业。
Wǒ men huò dé le fēng xiàn tóu zī lái zīzhù wǒ men de chū chuàng qǐ yè.
80. Interest Rate – 利率 (lì lǜ)
Example:
The interest rate on our loan is 5%.
我们的贷款利率是5%。
Wǒ men de dài kuǎn lì lǜ shì 5%.
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