Chinese Language and Hierarchy
- May 26, 2020
- by
- Leonie McKeon
Chinese society is hierarchical, which focuses on “respect” for the person who is perceived to be holding high status within the Chinese social structure. The concept of hierarchy is heavily influenced by Confucianism, which emphasises loyalty between family members and towards people who are of high status.
To communicate effectively with a Chinese person, understand their mindset and therefore the way they behave, it is important to understand hierarchy. These hierarchical elements of social interaction within the Chinese society are reflected in the ways people communicate in both words and actions.
Here are some Chinese everyday words, phrases, and sentences that reflect the hierarchical structure of Chinese culture.
| Informal Chinese greetings – used to greet Chinese people of the same level or of a lower status Ni is the Chinese word for ‘you’ (informal) Ni hao is the Chinese phrase for ‘Hello’ (informal) Ni hao ma? Is Chinese sentence for ‘Hello how are you?’ (informal) |
| Formal Chinese greetings – used to greet Chinese people of a higher status Nin is the Chinese word for ‘you’ (formal) Nin hao is the Chinese phrase for ‘Hello’ (formal) Nin hao ma? is the Chinese sentence for ‘Hello how are you? (formal) |
| Saying thanks/thank you in Chinese Xiexie is the Chinese word for ‘Thanks’ Xiexie ni is the Chinese phrase for ‘Thank you’ – used to thank Chinese people of the same level or of a lower status Xiexie nin is the Chinese phrase for ‘Thank you’ – used to greet Chinese people of a higher authority |
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