John Smith and Mr. Li discuss the meaning and importance of “guanxi” in China.
John Smith
“关系”这个词用英文怎么解释?“Guānxi ”zhè ge cí yòng Yīngwén zěnme jiěshì? TranslateWhat is the English explanation for the word “guanxi”?
Li Wei
这很难解释。通常是把它翻译成“connections”或者“relationships”。Zhè hěn nán jiěshì. Tōngcháng shì bǎ tā fānyì chéng “connections” huòzhě “relationships”. TranslateIt is difficult to explain. It is usually translated as “connections” or “relationships”.
John Smith
这两个词在欧洲大家也都知道。 Zhè liǎng ge cí zài Ōuzhōu dàjiā yě dōu zhīdao. TranslateEuropean people are familiar with these two words as well.
Li Wei
在很多国家,通过正式商务会谈你就能做成生意。Zài hěn duō guójiā, tōng guò zhèngshì shāngwù huìtán nǐ jiù néng zuò chéng shēngyi. TranslateIn many countries, you may make a deal just through formal business meetings.
John Smith
在中国不一样吗?Zài Zhōngguó bù yí yàng ma? TranslateIs it different in China?
Li Wei
不一样。在中国你需要花时间了解你的中国合作方。Bù yí yàng. Zài Zhōngguó nǐ xūyào huā shíjiān liǎojiě nǐ de Zhōngguó hézuòfāng. TranslateYes, it is. In China you need to spend time getting to know your Chinese partner.
John Smith
那我怎么建立关系呢?Bà wǒ zěnme jiànlì guānxi ne? TranslateThen how can I establish guanxi?
Li Wei
除了正式会谈外, 你还应该参加那些茶话会和宴会。Chúle zhèngshì huìtán wài, nǐ hái yīnggāi cānjiā nàxiē cháhuàhuì hé yànhuì. TranslateBesides formal meetings, you should also participate in tea sessions and dinner banquets.
John Smith
这好像和欧洲的商业关系差不多。Zhè hǎoxiàng hé Ōuzhōu de shāngyè guānxi chàbuduō. TranslateThis is more or less like European business relationships.
Li Wei
中国的这种关系通常要深得多。Zhōngguó de zhè zhǒng guānxi tōngcháng yào shēn de duō. TranslateThe Chinese guanxi is usually much deeper.
John Smith
关系对开展业务有什么帮助?Guānxi duì kāizhǎn yèwù yǒu shénme bāngzhù? TranslateHow does guanxi help to develop business?
Li Wei
如果关系好,人们会互相信任,这有助于共同开展业务。Rúguǒ guān xì hǎo, rénmen huì hùxiàng xìnrèn, zhè yǒu zhù yú gòngtóng kāizhǎn yèwù. TranslateIf there is good guanxi, people will trust each other, which helps to develop business together.