Business Chinese
This course is ideal for people who want to communicate with Chinese speakers in business settings. Classes are available in-person or online.
Business Chinese
Gain the language skills and cultural knowledge to thrive in Chinese business environments.
Doing business with China isn’t just about knowing the right words—it’s about understanding the culture, etiquette, and business norms that shape professional relationships.
This 12-week course is designed for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and business school students who need practical, work-related Mandarin skills rather than generic language learning.
With a strong focus on speaking and listening, you’ll gain confidence in using Mandarin in real-world business settings, from meetings and networking to negotiations and formal events.
Each level includes a guest speaker session, providing valuable insights into how Mandarin is used in professional environments.
Registration NOW OPEN
Spring 2026 Timetable
Course information:
📅 Course dates (Pre-Easter): Thursday 5 February - Thursday 26 March 2026
📅 Course dates (Post-Easter): Thursday 23 April - Thursday 21 May 2026
🕒 Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm
🎓 Attendance: In-person and online
📚 Course length: 12 weeks
📈 Level: Beginners and Elementary level
📌 Course Fees
- Early bird with 10% discount, ends on Friday 23 January 2026, 11:59pm GMT:
- £162 - Early bird General public
- £144 - Early bird Concessions (Over 60's or current staff and students at the University of Sheffield)
- Standard rates:
- £180 - General public
- £160 - Concessions (Over 60's or current staff and students at the University of Sheffield)
📍 Location: Room no. TBC, Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, S3 7ND
Limited places available - secure your spot today!
Registration NOW OPEN
Who is this course for?
- Professionals working with Chinese-speaking clients, suppliers, or partners
- Business owners expanding into Chinese markets
- Entrepreneurs looking to navigate China’s business landscape
- Business school students seeking a competitive edge in international markets
- Anyone attending trade fairs, conferences, or networking events in China
Course Structure
This hybrid course is available both in-person and online, with structured weekly sessions that focus on business communication and cultural understanding.
📌 Beginners (Thursdays)
Who: For those with no prior knowledge of Mandarin but a business focus.
Topics cover presenting yourself and your business, as well as establishing business relationships.
- Greeting people
- Getting to know each other
- Introducing your business
- Making a business appointment
- Discussing a Business Schedule
- Attending a company party
- Hosting a dinner banquet
- Buying business gifts
- Visiting business associate's home
- Congratulating your hosts on special occasions
📍 Outcome: Each topic is introduced in a two-hour learning session. With sufficient self-study, learners are expected to reach HSK 1 / CEFR level A1.
By the end of the course, students will be able to use appropriate expressions in a formal setting on occasions of reception, introduction, apology, congratulation, carrying out essential business activities listed in the weekly topics at each level. In addition, the course will also equip learners with the essentials of intercultural communication competence, by classroom interaction, supplementary materials, as well as guest talks.
📌 Elementary (Thursdays)
Who: For learners of HSK 1/2 equivalent, i.e., 150 vocab and above.
Learning outcomes:
- Prepare scripts for business speeches and short summaries of meetings.
- Engage in formal discussions on selected topics, such as trade, economics and business culture
- List key ideas in written materials, such as financial newspaper articles, official documents and letters.
- Compose basic business communications including text messages, brief summaries, emails, and letters.
Course content:
Topics cover working with a partner and promoting your business and your products. By the end of course, students will have covered the following topics:
- Recruiting business partners
- Attending a business meeting
- Staying in for business
- Using company facilities
- Digital marketing (use of apps)
- Introducing products and services
- Finding sales representatives
- Negotiating a deal
Each topic is introduced in a two-hour learning session. With sufficient self-study, learners are expected to reach HSK 2/ CEFR level A2 and above.
📍 Outcome: Each topic is introduced in a two-hour learning session. With sufficient self-study, learners are expected to reach HSK 2/ CEFR level A2 and above.
Teaching materials
Core textbook for Beginners and Elementary level: Huang, Y. and Wei, C. (2017) Business Chinese: 20 Essential Topics, London: Cypress Book
Beyond the language – Understanding business culture
Mandarin is more than just words—it reflects a business culture built on hierarchy, subtlety, and respect.
- Understand Chinese business etiquette – Learn the right way to greet colleagues, exchange business cards, and address senior executives.
- Develop guanxi (relationship-building skills) – Understand the role of trust and networking in Chinese professional relationships.
- Learn negotiation strategies – Navigate business conversations without being too direct or losing authority.
This course provides the language and cultural insights you need to make a lasting impression in Chinese business settings.
What People Are Saying
Business is about creating opportunities. A large Chinese community exists, with needs that go unfulfilled because they don’t know who to speak to. Knowing Chinese gives you an advantage—it helps you connect with this world.
Kelvin Quick, Entrepreneur
The explanations about Chinese culture and the origin of some of the radicals were very cool. I also really appreciate the personalized help with pronunciation during partner dialogue practice time!
Past participant
Sign Up Today
Take the first step towards mastering Business Chinese – register today!
Register now!
For more information, please contact Confucius Institute:
Email: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk
Tel: 0114 2228332