Imagine ... you’ve just landed in Beijing. You’re excited: whether it’s for leisure, a business trip, or even to watch the tennis tournament that’s drawing crowds from around the world, you’re eager to make a good impression. But navigating social and business customs in China can be tricky. What might seem like a small gesture back home - a firm handshake, a casual compliment, or a quick joke - could be misinterpreted or even considered rude here.
Being aware of Chinese etiquette isn’t just about avoiding faux-pas; it’s about showing respect, building trust, and fostering genuine connections. From greeting someone in a business meeting to dining with colleagues or giving a gift, each situation has its nuances. This quiz is designed to challenge your understanding and make you far more competent in Chinese social and business etiquette.
1. When greeting a Chinese business colleague for the first time, the safest approach is:
A) A firm, prolonged handshake
B) A light handshake and a slight nod
C) Hugging and cheek kissing
D) A high-five
2. When addressing a senior or respected Chinese person in conversation, you should:
A) Use their first name only
B) Use their family name with their title
C) Use informal nicknames
D) Avoid using any titles
3. When attending a Chinese meal, it is polite to:
A) Start eating as soon as the food arrives
B) Wait for the host to invite you to begin
C) Eat only the dishes you like
D) Immediately take the largest portion
4. During a toast in China, it is customary to:
A) Ignore the host and drink on your own
B) Raise your glass slightly lower than the host’s
C) Make eye contact and clink glasses as hard as possible
D) Refuse politely, as drinking is impolite
5. When giving a gift in a business context in China, you should:
A) Hand it over with one hand only
B) Hand it over with both hands
C) Leave it on the table for them to pick up
D) Open it immediately in front of the giver
6. The colour red in Chinese culture is generally associated with:
A) Mourning
B) Happiness and good fortune
C) Jealousy
D) Caution
7. Which of the following gestures is considered impolite in China?
A) Nodding your head
B) Pointing at someone with your index finger
C) Bowing slightly
D) Placing your hands in front when greeting
8. If invited to a Chinese person’s home, it is polite to:
A) Arrive exactly on time
B) Bring a small gift such as fruit or tea
C) Remove your shoes if the host suggests
D) Both B and C
9. In Chinese dining etiquette, it is acceptable to:
A) Use your own chopsticks to serve food from communal dishes
B) Use the serving chopsticks provided for shared dishes
C) Eat directly from the communal plate
D) Leave bones on the serving plate
10. During business negotiations in China, it is important to:
A) Push aggressively for your desired terms
B) Focus on building a long-term relationship first
C) Interrupt frequently to clarify points
D) Avoid small talk entirely
11. Which of the following is the safest way to respond to a compliment in China?
A) Brag about your achievements
B) Modestly deflect the compliment
C) Ignore it
D) Return the compliment with a joke
12. When attending a formal Chinese meeting, where should you sit if you are a guest?
A) Anywhere in the room
B) Closest to the entrance
C) According to the seating arranged by the host
D) Next to the youngest person
13. How should you hand over your business card in China?
A) With one hand and a smile
B) With both hands and a slight bow
C) Toss it on the table
D) Slide it across the table casually
14. When receiving a business card in China, the correct etiquette is to:
A) Immediately put it in your pocket
B) Inspect it carefully and show respect
C) Sign it in front of the giver
D) Place it in a pile without looking
15. If a Chinese colleague invites you for tea, it is polite to:
A) Decline politely if you don’t drink tea
B) Accept the invitation
C) Bring your own tea to drink
D) Ask if you can pay
16. Which topic is generally safe for small talk in China?
A) Politics
B) Family and food
C) Criticising local culture
D) Religious beliefs
17. In a Chinese office, hierarchy is very important. You should:
A) Speak up freely regardless of rank
B) Show respect to senior staff and follow protocol
C) Ignore titles when addressing colleagues
D) Always sit wherever you want
18. If offered a seat by a senior colleague in China, you should:
A) Refuse politely at first
B) Accept immediately without hesitation
C) Sit wherever is most convenient for you
D) Wait for someone else to sit first
19. During meals in China, leaving a little food on your plate indicates:
A) You are not hungry
B) You are satisfied and polite
C) You dislike the food
D) You want more servings
20. Which gift is generally considered inappropriate in China?
A) White flowers
B) A box of fine tea
C) Fruit
D) Local handicrafts
21. When negotiating in China, silence is:
A) Always uncomfortable
B) A common tactic to show thoughtfulness
C) A sign of disrespect
D) Only used by inexperienced negotiators
22. If a Chinese person refuses an offer or suggestion, you should:
A) Keep insisting
B) Respect their response and move on
C) Show frustration
D) Assume they don’t understand you
23. In social settings, shaking hands with someone of the opposite sex:
A) Is always mandatory
B) Is optional and may be avoided by some women
C) Should be very firm
D) Should be accompanied by a hug
24. In a Chinese business lunch, who should start the meal first?
A) The youngest attendee
B) The guest of honour
C) The host or senior person
D) Whoever is fastest
25. When complimenting a Chinese colleague, it’s best to:
A) Do so modestly and indirectly
B) Praise them loudly in front of everyone
C) Compare them to others
D) Avoid complimenting entirely
26. Which is an acceptable way to decline alcohol politely in China?
A) “No, I never drink” and leave
B) Refuse once, then join in a small sip if pressured
C) Pour it back into your glass repeatedly
D) Leave the table
27. When talking about money in China, it is generally:
A) Polite and encouraged
B) Considered impolite or sensitive
C) Expected in casual conversation
D) A good way to show success
28. Which of the following gestures shows respect when receiving something from a senior?
A) Take it quickly
B) Accept with both hands and slight bow
C) Nod briefly but take it one-handed
D) Decline several times
29. When inviting a Chinese friend to your country, you should:
A) Expect them to arrive immediately
B) Make the invitation casually without specifics
C) Give clear details and show hospitality
D) Avoid providing accommodation details
30. At a formal Chinese event, it is polite to:
A) Arrive late to show you’re busy
B) Arrive early and wait for instructions
C) Leave as soon as you feel comfortable
D) Only speak if spoken to
Correct Answers and Explanations:
1. B – A light handshake and a slight nod
In China, handshakes are common in business, but they are typically lighter than in Western countries. A slight nod shows respect without appearing overly aggressive. Hugging or high-fives can be seen as too familiar.
2. B – Use their family name with their title
Using a person’s surname followed by a professional or social title (e.g., “Manager Wang”) is respectful. First names or nicknames are too informal unless invited to use them.
3. B – Wait for the host to invite you to begin
It is polite to wait until the host signals the start of the meal. Jumping in immediately can seem rude or impatient.
4. B – Raise your glass slightly lower than the host’s
When toasting, showing deference by keeping your glass slightly lower than the host’s demonstrates respect, especially to senior people. Clinking glasses hard or ignoring the host is considered impolite.
5. B – Hand it over with both hands
Presenting gifts with both hands conveys respect and humility. One-handed delivery may be seen as casual or careless. Opening a gift immediately can embarrass the giver.
6. B – Happiness and good fortune
Red is a symbol of luck, joy, and celebration in China. It is commonly used in festivals, weddings, and gifts. White, in contrast, is associated with mourning.
7. B – Pointing at someone with your index finger
Pointing directly at someone is considered aggressive and disrespectful. Nodding, slight bows, and open gestures are preferred.
8. D – Both B and C
Bringing a small gift, like fruit or tea, is polite. Removing shoes if the host suggests shows respect for their home. Arriving exactly on time is acceptable but flexibility is also common.
9. B – Use the serving chopsticks provided for shared dishes
Always use the communal serving chopsticks, not your personal ones, to take food from shared plates. It’s a hygiene and etiquette practice.
10. B – Focus on building a long-term relationship first
Chinese business culture values trust and relationships (guanxi) over aggressive negotiation. Pressing too hard for terms early can damage the relationship.
11. B – Modestly deflect the compliment
Modesty is highly valued. Accepting a compliment outright or bragging can appear arrogant. A simple, humble response is expected.
12. C – According to the seating arranged by the host
Seating is often pre-arranged to reflect hierarchy. Always follow the host’s guidance rather than choosing your own seat.
13. B – With both hands and a slight bow
Offering your business card with both hands shows respect. Handing it casually or tossing it is impolite. A slight bow adds a courteous touch.
14. B – Inspect it carefully and show respect
Take a moment to read and acknowledge a received business card. Immediately pocketing it can appear disrespectful.
15. B – Accept the invitation
Tea is symbolic of hospitality and friendship. Declining outright can seem dismissive. If you don’t drink, a small sip or polite acceptance is usually appreciated.
16. B – Family and food
Safe conversation topics include family, hobbies, and food. Politics, religion, or negative cultural commentary are sensitive areas.
17. B – Show respect to senior staff and follow protocol
Hierarchy is very important in Chinese workplaces. Always defer to senior staff and respect protocols, even if you are used to flatter structures.
18. A – Refuse politely at first
Refusing an offer politely before accepting shows humility, a valued trait. It’s a cultural gesture of modesty rather than rejection.
19. B – You are satisfied and polite
Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that the host has provided enough. Finishing every scrap can suggest the host hasn’t provided enough, which may be awkward.
20. A – White flowers
White is associated with funerals and mourning. Gifts should avoid white flowers, sharp objects, or clocks, which have negative connotations.
21. B – A common tactic to show thoughtfulness
Silence in negotiation can indicate careful thought and patience. It’s not necessarily uncomfortable or aggressive. Pressuring someone to speak immediately can backfire.
22. B – Respect their response and move on
Insisting after someone says no can be seen as rude. Respecting decisions maintains harmony and strengthens relationships.
23. B – Is optional and may be avoided by some women
Some women may prefer not to shake hands, especially in conservative contexts. Always follow their lead and remain polite.
24. C – The host or senior person
In formal meals, the host or the most senior person begins eating first. Guests should wait to follow their lead.
25. A – Do so modestly and indirectly
Indirect praise or subtle compliments are preferred. Overly loud or direct praise can make others uncomfortable.
26. B – Refuse once, then join in a small sip if pressured
Alcohol is a strong part of social bonding. Refusing politely once, then joining in minimally, balances respect with personal limits.
27. B – Considered impolite or sensitive
Talking openly about personal finances can appear boastful or intrusive. Avoid discussing money unless invited.
28. B – Accept with both hands and slight bow
This shows respect for the giver’s seniority and generosity. Quick or casual acceptance is less courteous.
29. C – Give clear details and show hospitality
Invitations should be detailed and show genuine hospitality. Ambiguous offers can confuse guests and seem insincere.
30. B – Arrive early and wait for instructions
Punctuality and readiness show respect in formal events. Arriving late or leaving early can be seen as disrespectful.
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You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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