míngpiàn: 名片 - Business Card, Calling Card

• Keywords: 名片, míngpiàn, business card in Chinese, how to say business card in Chinese, Chinese business card etiquette, exchanging business cards China, calling card, professional contacts, networking in China.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word for a business card, 名片 (míngpiàn). This comprehensive guide covers not just the translation, but also the deep cultural rules and etiquette for exchanging business cards in China. Understand how this simple calling card is a critical tool for showing respect and building professional relationships (关系), and see how its role is evolving in the age of WeChat. This is a must-read for anyone doing business or networking in a Chinese-speaking environment.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): míngpiàn
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A small card printed with one's name, title, and contact information; a business card.
• In a Nutshell: `名片` is the direct Chinese equivalent of “business card.” While the object is the same, its role in Chinese culture is often more significant than in the West. Exchanging a `名片` is not just a transfer of information; it's a formal ritual of introduction, a gesture of respect, and the first physical step in establishing a professional connection.

• 名 (míng): This character means “name,” “fame,” or “reputation.” It's composed of 夕 (xī), meaning “evening,” and 口 (kǒu), meaning “mouth.” In ancient times, when it was too dark to see someone in the evening, you would have to call out their name to identify them.
• 片 (piàn): This character means a “flat, thin piece,” “a slice,” or “a card.” Think of a slice of bread (一片面包 - yí piàn miànbāo) or a photograph (照片 - zhàopiàn).
• The combination is wonderfully literal: 名 (name) + 片 (card) = name card, or business card.

The act of exchanging a `名片` is a cornerstone of Chinese business etiquette and carries significant weight. It's a formal ceremony that expresses mutual respect. Comparison with Western Culture: In many Western countries, exchanging business cards can be a very casual affair—a quick hand-off, a flick across the table, or even a “sorry, I'm out, just find me on LinkedIn.” In China, such casualness can be interpreted as disrespect. The `名片` is seen as an extension of the person themselves. How you treat their card is how you treat them. The Ritual of Exchange:

• Giving: Always stand up. Present your `名片` holding it with both hands, with the Chinese side facing the recipient so they can read it easily.
• Receiving: Accept the card with both hands. This shows you value the introduction.
• Acknowledging: Do not immediately put it away. Take a few moments to read the card carefully. Acknowledge the person's name and title (e.g., “Ah, Manager Li.”). This shows you respect their position.
• Placing: Place the card respectfully on the table in front of you during the meeting. Never shove it into a wallet or back pocket in front of the giver. Writing on someone's card in their presence is also a major faux pas.

This ritual is deeply connected to the concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face.” By treating the `名片` with care, you are giving the other person face, which is fundamental to building a good relationship, or 关系 (guānxi).

While the traditional, formal exchange of physical `名片` is still very important, especially in initial meetings or with older generations, modern technology has introduced a new layer.

• Formal Business: In any formal setting—a conference, a negotiation, a first client meeting—expect the `名片` exchange ritual to be observed. It's a non-negotiable part of professional first impressions.
• The Rise of WeChat (微信): In less formal settings, or as a follow-up, exchanging WeChat contacts has become the de facto standard. You will often hear, “我们加个微信吧 (Wǒmen jiā ge Wēixìn ba)” - “Let's add each other on WeChat.” People will show their personal QR code, which others scan to add them. This WeChat contact card serves as a digital `名片`, instantly sharing contact info, a social feed (Moments), and a direct messaging channel. For many younger professionals, this has almost completely replaced the physical card.

• Example 1:
  • 这是我的名片，请多指教。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ de míngpiàn, qǐng duō zhǐjiào.
  • English: This is my business card, it's a pleasure to meet you.
  • Analysis: `请多指教 (qǐng duō zhǐjiào)` is a very common and polite phrase used when meeting someone for the first time in a professional context, literally meaning “please give me much advice.” It's the perfect accompaniment to handing over your `名片`.
• Example 2:
  • 不好意思，我的名片刚好用完了。
  • Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ de míngpiàn gānghǎo yòng wán le.
  • English: I'm sorry, I just ran out of business cards.
  • Analysis: A practical and polite way to apologize if you don't have a card to offer. You should follow this up by suggesting adding them on WeChat.
• Example 3:
  • 我们可以交换一下名片吗？
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen kěyǐ jiāohuàn yíxià míngpiàn ma?
  • English: Could we exchange business cards?
  • Analysis: `交换 (jiāohuàn)` is the specific verb for “to exchange.” Using `一下 (yíxià)` softens the request, making it sound more casual and polite.
• Example 4:
  • 我需要印一些新的名片。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yìn yìxiē xīn de míngpiàn.
  • English: I need to print some new business cards.
  • Analysis: `印 (yìn)` means “to print.” This is a straightforward sentence you might use when talking to a colleague or assistant.
• Example 5:
  • 收到名片后，你应该用双手接过来。
  • Pinyin: Shōudào míngpiàn hòu, nǐ yīnggāi yòng shuāngshǒu jiē guòlái.
  • English: After receiving a business card, you should accept it with both hands.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the cultural rule itself. `双手 (shuāngshǒu)` means “both hands,” and `接过来 (jiē guòlái)` means “to receive” or “to take over.”
• Example 6:
  • 你的名片设计得很有创意。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de míngpiàn shèjì de hěn yǒu chuàngyì.
  • English: Your business card is designed very creatively.
  • Analysis: A nice compliment to give someone after receiving their card. `设计 (shèjì)` is “to design” and `有创意 (yǒu chuàngyì)` means “to have creativity” or “is creative.”
• Example 7:
  • 我看了一下名片，原来您是销售总监。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ kànle yíxià míngpiàn, yuánlái nín shì xiāoshòu zǒngjiān.
  • English: I took a look at the business card, and I see you're the Sales Director.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the act of reading the card. `原来 (yuánlái)` implies a “so it turns out” or “I see now” realization. Using the polite `您 (nín)` is appropriate here.
• Example 8:
  • 请给我一张您的名片，方便以后联系。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng gěi wǒ yì zhāng nín de míngpiàn, fāngbiàn yǐhòu liánxì.
  • English: Please give me one of your business cards, so it's convenient to contact you in the future.
  • Analysis: This highlights the measure word for cards, `张 (zhāng)`. `方便 (fāngbiàn)` means “convenient.”
• Example 9:
  • 现在很多人不用名片了，都直接加微信。
  • Pinyin: Xiànzài hěn duō rén bú yòng míngpiàn le, dōu zhíjiē jiā Wēixìn.
  • English: Nowadays many people don't use business cards anymore, they all just add each other on WeChat directly.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly captures the modern shift in networking habits in China. `直接 (zhíjiē)` means “directly.”
• Example 10:
  • 他递给我名片时，态度非常恭敬。
  • Pinyin: Tā dì gěi wǒ míngpiàn shí, tàidù fēicháng gōngjìng.
  • English: When he handed me his business card, his attitude was very respectful.
  • Analysis: `递 (dì)` is a key verb meaning “to hand over” or “to pass,” often used specifically for presenting documents or cards. `恭敬 (gōngjìng)` means “respectful” or “reverent.”

• Mistake 1: Casual Handling. The most common and serious mistake a foreigner can make is treating the `名片` casually. Do not:
  • Toss it across the table.
  • Accept it with one hand.
  • Immediately put it in your wallet or pocket without reading it.
  • Write notes on it in front of the person who gave it to you.
  • All these actions are seen as highly disrespectful.
• Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Measure Word. While people will understand `一个名片 (yí ge míngpiàn)`, the correct and standard measure word for flat, card-like objects is `一张 (yì zhāng)`. Using the correct measure word shows a better command of the language.
• Nuance: Physical vs. Digital. Be aware of the context. In a very formal first meeting with a large company, have your physical `名片` ready. When networking with younger entrepreneurs at a tech event, be ready to scan a WeChat QR code. The key is social awareness; observe what others are doing. If someone offers a physical card, you should offer one in return.

• 微信 (Wēixìn): WeChat. The ubiquitous social media app in China. Its contact-adding feature often serves as a digital `名片`.
• 二维码 (èrwéimǎ): QR Code. The scannable code used to add contacts on WeChat, often found on both physical and digital business cards.
• 交换 (jiāohuàn): To exchange. The formal verb for the act of swapping `名片`.
• 递 (dì): To hand over; to pass. The specific action verb for presenting your `名片` to someone.
• 联系方式 (liánxì fāngshì): Contact Information. This is the data contained on a `名片` (phone, email, address, etc.).
• 头衔 (tóuxián): (Job) Title. A very important piece of information on a `名片` that establishes a person's position and seniority.
• 关系 (guānxi): Relationships; network. The entire system of social and professional connections that exchanging `名片` is designed to build.
• 面子 (miànzi): Face; social prestige. The cultural concept of honor and respect that underpins the formal `名片` exchange ritual.