English:
A Chinese word that has entered global business vocabulary. "Guan xi" (关系) literally means "relationship" but in business context refers to the complex network of personal connections, favors, and mutual obligations that drives business in China. It's the most important business word you need to know — more valuable than any degree or certificate.
中文:
一个已经进入全球商务词汇的中文词。"关系"字面意思是"relationship",但在商务语境中指推动中国商业运作的复杂的个人关系网、人情和互惠义务。这是你必须知道的最重要的商务词汇——比任何学位或证书都更有价值。
"Guan xi" is deeply embedded in Chinese business culture. It's not just networking — it's a system of reciprocal favors and trust building that can take years to develop. Western businesspeople have adopted the term directly because there's no exact English equivalent. The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review have all published articles explaining "guan xi" to international executives.
中文:"关系"深深植根于中国商业文化。它不仅仅是社交网络——而是一个需要多年建立的人情和信任体系。西方商人直接采用了这个词,因为英语中没有精确的对应词。华尔街日报、福布斯和哈佛商业评论都发表过文章向国际高管解释"关系"。
📌 Example 1
Business meeting:
"We need to enter the Chinese market."
"First, build good guan xi with local partners."
商务会议:
"我们需要进入中国市场。"
"首先,和当地合作伙伴建立好关系。"
📌 Example 2
Advice to a foreign colleague:
"How do I close this deal?"
"Guan xi is more important than the price here."
给外国同事的建议:
"我怎么才能拿下这笔交易?"
"在这里关系比价格更重要。"
📌 Example 3
Networking event:
"Thanks for the introduction!"
"Guan xi guan xi! We help each other."
社交活动:
"谢谢你的介绍!"
"关系关系!互相帮助。"
📌 Example 4
Negotiation tip:
"They keep asking about my company background."
"They're checking your guan xi. Be patient."
谈判技巧:
"他们一直在问我的公司背景。"
"他们在了解你的关系网。耐心点。"
📌 Example 5
After a successful partnership:
"The deal went through!"
"Good guan xi makes everything easier."
合作成功后:
"交易成了!"
"好关系让一切都更顺利。"
📌 Example 6
Training new employees:
"In China, business is about guan xi first, contract second."
"Got it. Build relationships before paperwork."
培训新员工:
"在中国,生意首先是关系,其次是合同。"
"明白了。先建立关系再做文书工作。"
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