Saying Good-bye
Saying Good-bye in Chinese varies from context to context. In general, Chinese depart from each other by saying "zaijian" (good-bye), or "mingtian jian" (see you tomorrow). When the guests are taking part from the hosts, the hosts will usually see them off at their front house door and say "manman zou" (go slowly), "zouhao le" (go well) or "you kong zai lai" (come back again if you have time). When someone is leaving for a long trip, family members or friends often wish him/her "yi lu pingan" (wish you a safe trip). In the business context, the Chinese hosts wish their foreign guests "shengyi xinwang" (wish you prosperity in business) besides "zaijian". Like in greeting, hand shaking often accompanies saying good-bye. Good-byes are normally preceded by gift exchange. In Chinese tradition, gifts are often the specialties of China such as silk products, paintings, porcelain, or tea. It is the Chinese custom of not opening the gift in front of the gift-giver.
1. The Chinese expression "zou hao le" is close to which of the following English expression:
A. walk slowly.
B. good trip.
C. good-bye.
D. take care.
2. The literal meaning of "shengyi xinwang" is:
A. wishing you prosperous in business.B. please do more business with us.
3. Chinese hosts see guests off ______________
A. at the front door.B. by accompanying them walking for some time.
C. by saying good-bye and then shut the door.
4. What might not be used as gifts sent by Chinese hosts ___________
A. paintings.
B. Chinese tea.
C. Silk.
D. Candies.
5. When a foreign guest gives a gift to a Chinese host, he or she will most likely _________
C. open the gift and say "thank you."
D. decline it.
Created by Ling Wang April 6, 2001
Source of information: Professor Wei Hong