How to Write Professional Emails in Business Chinese

In global workplaces, email remains one of the most important communication tools. When working with clients, partners, or colleagues in China, Taiwan, or other Chinese-speaking markets, knowing how to write professional emails in Business Chinese can significantly improve clarity, efficiency, and relationships.

Many professionals worry that writing emails in Chinese requires advanced language skills. The truth is: you don’t need perfect Chinese. What matters most is structure, tone, and using the right professional expressions.

Here’s a practical guide to writing clear and professional emails in Business Chinese.

1. Start with a Polite and Professional Greeting

Email tone in Chinese business culture tends to be polite and respectful, especially in formal or external communication.

Common professional greetings include:

• 王經理您好 – Hello, Manager Wang
  
• 您好 – Hello (polite and safe)
  
• 尊敬的李先生 – Dear Mr. Li (very formal)

If you’re unsure which title to use, 您好 is always appropriate.

2. Open with Context or Appreciation

Professional Chinese emails often begin by setting context or showing appreciation before getting to the main point.

Useful opening phrases:

• 感謝您的來信。
  Thank you for your email.
  
• 關於我們上次的會議，想與您確認…
  Regarding our last meeting, I’d like to confirm…
  
• 不好意思打擾您。
  Sorry to bother you.

This softens the message and sets a professional tone.

3. State Your Purpose Clearly and Simply

Clarity is more important than complex language. Business Chinese emails favor short, direct sentences with polite wording.

Examples:

• 此封信主要是想與您確認以下事項。
  I’m writing to confirm the following items.
  
• 我們希望安排一次會議進一步討論。
  We’d like to arrange a meeting to discuss further.
  
• 請問是否方便於下週進行？
  Would it be convenient to do this next week?

Avoid long sentences or overly literal translations from English.

4. Make Requests Politely (Very Important)

Direct commands can sound too strong in Chinese. Professional emails use softened request language.

Polite request patterns:

• 請問是否可以… – May I ask if it’s possible to…
  
• 麻煩您協助… – Could you please assist with…
  
• 若方便的話… – If it’s convenient…

These phrases help maintain professionalism and respect.

5. Mention Attachments Clearly

When including files, always point them out clearly.

Common phrases:

• 附件請參考。
  Please refer to the attached file.
  
• 相關文件已附上，請查收。
  The relevant documents are attached.
  
• 如有任何問題，歡迎告知。
  Please let us know if you have any questions.

6. Close the Email Politely

Professional closings are an essential part of Business Chinese emails.

Common closing lines:

• 期待您的回覆。
  I look forward to your reply.
  
• 感謝您的協助。
  Thank you for your help.
  
• 若有需要，請隨時與我聯繫。
  Please feel free to contact me if needed.

Sign-offs often include:

• 敬上 – Respectfully
  
• 謝謝 – Thank you
  
• 祝 工作順利 – Wishing you success at work

7. Common Mistakes Professionals Should Avoid

When writing Business Chinese emails, avoid:

• Overly direct translations from English
  
• Long, complex sentences
  
• Casual or chat-style wording
  
• Skipping greetings or closings

Professional Chinese emails value structure, politeness, and clarity over creativity.

Why Learning Business Email Chinese Matters

Strong Business Chinese email skills help professionals:

• Reduce misunderstandings
  
• Improve response rates
  
• Build trust with Chinese-speaking partners
  
• Communicate more efficiently
  
• Present a professional international image

Even basic improvements in tone and structure make a big difference.

Learn Business Chinese Email Writing with Confidence

That’s where TutorABC Chinese supports professionals.

With TutorABC Chinese, learners can:

• Practice writing real business emails
  
• Learn polite, professional phrasing
  
• Get feedback on tone and wording
  
• Study flexibly around busy work schedules

Whether you’re writing to clients, partners, or internal teams, TutorABC Chinese helps you communicate with confidence.

Improve your Business Chinese email skills. Book a free level placement session with TutorABC Chinese today.

FAQs: Writing Professional Emails in Business Chinese

1. Do I need advanced Chinese to write professional business emails?

No. Most professional emails in Chinese rely on clear structure, polite phrasing, and standard expressions, not advanced vocabulary. With the right sentence patterns and tone, even intermediate learners can write effective business emails.

2. How is a Business Chinese email different from an English business email?

Business Chinese emails tend to be more indirect and polite. They often include a brief greeting, context or appreciation, softened requests, and respectful closings. Direct commands or blunt wording common in English can sound too strong in Chinese.

3. What is the most common mistake professionals make when writing emails in Chinese?

The most common mistake is directly translating English sentences into Chinese. This can result in wording that sounds unnatural or overly direct. Learning commonly used email phrases and polite structures is far more effective than literal translation.