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Essential Mandarin Phrases Every New China Expat Must Know: Unlock Confidence & Connection!

2026-02-03
Essential Mandarin Phrases Every New China Expat Must Know: Unlock Confidence & Connection! Okay, let’s talk about cross-cultural greetings: I remember my first trip to China and thinking those elaborate handshakes were just formality, but seeing how people genuinely *say* hello or goodbye with such care really stuck with me. It feels like shaking hands across cultures is often the default method you see everywhere – from Europe to Asia – a simple handshake being pretty universal as an introduction point.

But maybe it's not always about mastering complex politeness upon arrival, right? Forget navigating whether that five-second gaze or intricate hand gestures are appropriate for your specific situation; here’s a simpler approach. What's your favorite greeting?

And while we're on the subject of shaking hands across cultures being surprisingly effective globally, there's definitely something reassuring about knowing you've got some go-to phrases ready to roll anywhere in the world – especially those that just *work*.

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Categories: shaking hands cultures okay talk greetings remember

Social Studies Teacher

Social Studies Teacher

Taipei, Taiwan

Elementary Art Teacher

Elementary Art Teacher

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Foreign Lead Teacher

Foreign Lead Teacher

Beijing, China

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