how to end an email in chinese

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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17-01-2025

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How to End an Email in Chinese: A Guide to Professional and Casual Closings

Ending an email correctly is crucial in any language, and Chinese is no exception. The right closing can significantly impact the overall tone and professionalism of your communication. This guide will walk you through various ways to end an email in Chinese, depending on your relationship with the recipient and the context of your email. We'll cover both formal and informal closings, providing examples and helpful tips for choosing the most appropriate ending.

Understanding the Nuances of Chinese Email Closings

Unlike English, which often uses a standardized closing like "Sincerely" or "Regards," Chinese email closings are more nuanced. They reflect the level of formality and the relationship between the sender and recipient. Choosing the wrong closing can come across as inappropriate or even disrespectful.

Formal Email Closings (正式邮件结尾)

These are used for business emails, official correspondence, and communications with individuals you don't know well or have a superior position to.

• 此致敬礼 (Cǐ zhì jìng lǐ): This is the most formal closing, literally translating to "With this, I respectfully greet you." It's suitable for extremely formal occasions and rarely used in everyday business communication.
• 敬礼 (Jìng lǐ): Meaning "respectfully," this is a slightly less formal but still very polite closing suitable for most formal emails.
• 您好 (Nín hǎo): Meaning "hello," this can be used as a polite closing, particularly if you're already familiar with the recipient's name. It's less formal than "敬礼" but still appropriate for professional contexts.
• 此致 (Cǐ zhì): Meaning "with this," this is a more concise formal closing, often used in conjunction with the sender's name and title.

Example of a Formal Email Closing:

此致，
[Your Name]
[Your Title]

Informal Email Closings (非正式邮件结尾)

These are used for emails to friends, family, colleagues you know well, or in less formal business settings.

• 谢谢 (Xiè xie): Meaning "thank you," this is a common and versatile closing for informal emails. It expresses gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration.
• 祝好 (Zhù hǎo): Meaning "best wishes," this is a warm and friendly closing suitable for most informal contexts.
• 再见 (Zài jiàn): Meaning "goodbye," this is a simple and straightforward closing, appropriate for casual emails.
• 聊聊 (Liáo liáo): Meaning "to chat," implies an openness to further communication and is suitable for closer relationships.

Example of an Informal Email Closing:

谢谢！
[Your Name]

Adding Your Name (署名)

After your chosen closing, you should always include your name. In formal emails, you might also include your title or company affiliation. In informal emails, a simple name is sufficient.

Choosing the Right Closing: Key Considerations

• Your relationship with the recipient: Are you emailing a close friend, a colleague, or a superior?
• The context of the email: Is it a formal business email or a casual personal message?
• Your company's communication style: Some companies may have specific guidelines for email closings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use English closings in a Chinese email?

A: While acceptable in some informal settings, particularly with international colleagues, it's generally best to use Chinese closings to show respect for the recipient's culture.

Q: What if I'm unsure which closing to use?

A: When in doubt, err on the side of formality. It's better to be slightly too formal than too informal. "敬礼" or "您好" are safe choices for most professional emails.

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of ending an email in Chinese is key to effective and polite communication. By understanding the nuances of formal and informal closings, and considering the context of your email, you can ensure your messages are well-received and leave a positive impression. Remember to practice and choose the closing that best suits your relationship with the recipient and the overall tone of your communication.