Get Hired: Essential Business Mandarin Vocabulary for HSK 4 and 5

Introduction

For Mandarin learners, passing HSK Level 4 is often considered the minimum requirement for entering the Chinese workplace.

Mastering business vocabulary is crucial not just for the exam, but for survival. In a Chinese office, using the wrong title for a manager can cause a loss of Face (面子). This guide covers essential Business Mandarin terms and the cultural etiquette required for professional success.

Essential Business Vocabulary

Here are the key business terms categorized by HSK level:

1. 公司 (gōngsī) - Company (HSK 2)
2. 会议 (huìyì) - Meeting (HSK 3)
3. 生意 (shēngyi) - Business / Trade (HSK 4)
4. 合同 (hétong) - Contract (HSK 5)
5. 工资 (gōngzī) - Salary / Wages (HSK 4)
6. 压力 (yālì) - Pressure (HSK 4)
   • Note: Often used to describe work stress ("Gongzuo Yali").
7. 负责 (fùzé) - To be responsible for (HSK 4)
8. 成功 (chénggōng) - Success (HSK 4)

Job Titles and Addressing People

In China, you almost never call a superior by their first name. You use Surname + Job Title.

1. 经理 (jīnglǐ) - Manager (HSK 4)
   • Usage: "Wang Jingli" (Manager Wang).
2. 同事 (tóngshì) - Colleague (HSK 4)
3. 客户 (kèhù) - Client / Customer (HSK 5)

If you are dealing with technology companies, you will also need to know specific Chinese Technology Vocabulary like "Software" (软件) and "Data" (数据).

Common Business Actions

Familiarize yourself with these verbs often found in HSK listening sections:

1. 招聘 (zhāopìn) - To recruit / hire (HSK 5)
2. 申请 (shēnqǐng) - To apply (for a job) (HSK 4)
3. 出差 (chūchāi) - To go on a business trip (HSK 4)
   • Sentence: 我明天要去北京出差。(I am going on a business trip to Beijing tomorrow).
4. 讨论 (tǎolùn) - To discuss (HSK 4)

Grammar Point: The "Ba" Structure in Business

In professional settings, sentences need to be decisive. The 把 (bǎ) structure is frequently used to describe handling tasks.

• Structure: Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Complement
• Business Example: 请把这份报告发给我。(Please [take] this report [and] send it to me.)

If this structure confuses you, read our deep-dive on Mastering the Ba Construction.

Cultural Insight: Business Card Etiquette

In Chinese business culture, exchanging business cards (名片 - Míngpiàn) is a ritual.

1. Give and Receive with TWO hands. This shows respect.
2. Read it immediately. Do not shove it in your pocket.
3. Use Formal Pronouns. Always address new contacts as 您 (Nín), not Nǐ. See our guide on Beginner Pronouns and Respect.

Practical Exercises

1. Describing your role: Using the HSK 4 word 负责 (fùzé):

• English: I am responsible for sales.
• Chinese: 我负责销售工作。(Wǒ fùzé xiāoshòu gōngzuò.)

2. Asking for a meeting: Using polite refusal/request structures:

• English: Manager Li, are you free this afternoon?
• Chinese: 李经理，您今天下午方便吗？(Lǐ jīnglǐ, nín jīntiān xiàwǔ fāngbiàn ma?)

Exam Tips for HSK 4/5

1. Listening: Listen for 关键词 (keywords) like "Price" (价格), "Quality" (质量), or "Discount" (打折). These usually signal a shopping or business negotiation dialogue.
2. Writing: If the prompt picture shows an office, use formal words like "Discuss" (讨论) rather than "Talk" (说话) to get higher vocabulary scores.

Conclusion

Mastering Business Mandarin isn't just about vocabulary lists; it's about adopting a professional persona. By using 您 instead of 你, and understanding terms like 合同 (Contract), you signal that you are a serious professional.

If you are planning to work in China, check out our guide on the benefits of HSK certification to see how passing the exam adds points to your Work Permit application.

Stay professional, and 祝你工作顺利 (Zhù nǐ gōngzuò shùnlì - Wish your work goes smoothly)!