Supplier Communication
What Chinese phrases do you need to talk to suppliers?
The core phrases you need are greetings, price and MOQ questions, sample requests, lead time checks, quality clarifications and polite follow-ups. This page gives you an operational table with characters, pinyin and what each phrase triggers on the supplier's side, so you can send messages that get clear answers instead of vague replies.
By Renata · October 4, 2026 · 6 min
Start with the phrases that set the tone
Chinese suppliers receive many messages a day. A short, polite opening in Chinese signals that you are serious and helps you stand out from buyers who only send one-line English messages. It also reduces the chance of your message being ignored or answered with a copy-paste reply.
Use these phrases at the start of a WeChat or email conversation. They are simple, respectful and work in most B2B contexts. You do not need perfect grammar; clarity and politeness matter more.
- Use 您好 (nín hǎo) instead of 你好 (nǐ hǎo) for a more formal tone.
- Add 请问 (qǐng wèn) before a question to soften it.
- End with 谢谢 (xiè xie) to keep the tone friendly.
| Chinese | Pinyin | What it triggers |
|---|---|---|
| 您好 | nín hǎo | Polite hello; supplier sees you as formal and respectful. |
| 请问 | qǐng wèn | May I ask; softens the question, invites a reply. |
| 我想咨询一下 | wǒ xiǎng zīxún yīxià | I would like to inquire; signals a serious buyer. |
| 谢谢 | xiè xie | Thank you; keeps the conversation warm. |
| 麻烦您了 | máfan nín le | Sorry to trouble you; shows patience and respect. |
Ask about price, MOQ and samples without confusion
Price and MOQ are the first real business topics. If you ask in English, you may get a number without context. Asking in Chinese with the right phrases often triggers a more detailed answer, including tiered pricing or sample conditions.
Be direct but polite. Suppliers appreciate buyers who know what they want. If you need a sample, say so clearly and ask about the cost and lead time in the same message.
- Always confirm the currency and unit (piece, set, carton).
- Ask if the price includes tax or not.
- For samples, ask who pays the shipping.
| Chinese | Pinyin | What it triggers |
|---|---|---|
| 价格是多少？ | jiàgé shì duōshao? | What is the price? Supplier replies with a number or range. |
| 最小起订量是多少？ | zuìxiǎo qǐdìngliàng shì duōshao? | What is the MOQ? Supplier states minimum order quantity. |
| 可以发样品吗？ | kěyǐ fā yàngpǐn ma? | Can you send a sample? Supplier explains sample policy. |
| 样品费怎么算？ | yàngpǐn fèi zěnme suàn? | How is the sample fee calculated? Supplier gives cost or free sample terms. |
| 运费谁付？ | yùnfèi shuí fù? | Who pays shipping? Supplier clarifies freight terms. |
| 有折扣吗？ | yǒu zhékòu ma? | Is there a discount? Supplier may offer tiered pricing. |
Clarify lead time, quality and packaging
Once price and samples are discussed, you need to pin down production time and quality details. Vague answers here cause delays later. Asking in Chinese with specific terms helps you get concrete dates and standards.
If something is unclear, repeat the question with 请确认 (qǐng quèrèn) to ask for confirmation. This phrase is useful when you want the supplier to double-check before committing.
- Ask for the lead time in days, not weeks.
- Request photos or video of the packaging before shipping.
- Confirm the material and any certifications.
| Chinese | Pinyin | What it triggers |
|---|---|---|
| 交货期是多久？ | jiāohuòqī shì duōjiǔ? | How long is the lead time? Supplier gives a timeframe. |
| 质量怎么样？ | zhìliàng zěnmeyàng? | How is the quality? Supplier describes materials or standards. |
| 包装是什么样的？ | bāozhuāng shì shénme yàng de? | What is the packaging like? Supplier sends photos or specs. |
| 请确认 | qǐng quèrèn | Please confirm; supplier double-checks details. |
| 可以视频看厂吗？ | kěyǐ shìpín kàn chǎng ma? | Can we do a video factory tour? Supplier may agree or decline. |
Handle problems and follow-ups politely
Delays, defects or misunderstandings happen. How you phrase your concern matters. In Chinese business culture, direct accusations can damage the relationship. Use phrases that state the problem and ask for a solution.
Follow up regularly but not too often. A short message with 跟进 (gēnjìn) shows you are tracking progress without being pushy. If you need to escalate, do it calmly and factually.
- State the issue clearly, then ask 怎么办 (zěnme bàn), what to do.
- Avoid blaming language; focus on facts.
- Give a deadline for the reply if needed.
| Chinese | Pinyin | What it triggers |
|---|---|---|
| 有问题 | yǒu wèntí | There is a problem; supplier asks for details. |
| 怎么办？ | zěnme bàn? | What should we do? Supplier proposes a solution. |
| 请尽快回复 | qǐng jǐnkuài huífù | Please reply as soon as possible; supplier prioritizes your message. |
| 跟进一下 | gēnjìn yīxià | Follow up a bit; supplier gives a status update. |
| 我们理解，但需要解决 | wǒmen lǐjiě, dàn xūyào jiějué | We understand, but it needs solving; supplier sees you as reasonable but firm. |
When phrases are not enough: live interpreting
Phrase tables help for routine messages. But when a supplier sends a long explanation, a contract clause or a technical spec, you may need real-time help. That is where live interpreting comes in. Renata sits in on video and WeChat calls between Portuguese- or English-speaking buyers and Chinese suppliers, reads and writes supplier messages, and explains what an answer really means.
She is not a sourcing agent. She does not audit factories, inspect quality, handle samples, arrange freight, clear customs or guarantee a supplier. She also does not do sworn, certified, legal or medical document translation. Her Chinese is HSK 4, which is solid everyday and operational business Chinese, not legal or technical level.
- Remote interpreting: 25 EUR per half hour.
- On location in the Lisbon area: 45 EUR/hour, minimum 2 hours.
- Contact only via WhatsApp +351 935 328 206.
Learn the phrases yourself with Portuguese or English support
If you want to handle more supplier messages on your own, you can learn the phrases with guidance. Renata teaches Brazilian Portuguese online to English speakers, evening hours only, a few per week. Capacity is small and stated honestly. She does not teach European Portuguese and does not prepare anyone for the CIPLE exam, because that exam tests European Portuguese and marks Brazilian usage wrong.
Prices: paid diagnostic lesson 45 EUR, credited against a later package, never a free trial. One-to-one evening lesson 65 EUR/hour. Five-lesson pack 300 EUR. Small group of max 4 people 89 EUR/month. Children 69 EUR/month. There is no A1-A2 self-study course on sale yet, only a waiting list.
- Paid diagnostic lesson: 45 EUR, credited later.
- One-to-one: 65 EUR/hour.
- 5-lesson pack: 300 EUR.
- Small group (max 4): 89 EUR/month.
- Children: 69 EUR/month.
Common questions
What are the most important Chinese phrases for talking to suppliers?
Start with greetings like 您好 (nín hǎo) and 请问 (qǐng wèn). Then learn price and MOQ questions: 价格是多少 (jiàgé shì duōshao) and 最小起订量是多少 (zuìxiǎo qǐdìngliàng shì duōshao). For follow-ups, use 跟进一下 (gēnjìn yīxià). These cover most routine messages.
Do I need to speak Chinese to work with Chinese suppliers?
No, many suppliers work in English. But using a few Chinese phrases builds rapport and can get you clearer answers. For complex issues, a live interpreter can help. Renata offers remote interpreting at 25 EUR per half hour.
What does 麻烦您了 (máfan nín le) mean and when do I use it?
It means sorry to trouble you. Use it when you ask for something that requires extra effort, like a custom sample or a rush order. It shows respect and often gets a more helpful response.
How do I ask for a sample in Chinese?
Say 可以发样品吗 (kěyǐ fā yàngpǐn ma), can you send a sample. Then ask 样品费怎么算 (yàngpǐn fèi zěnme suàn) for the cost and 运费谁付 (yùnfèi shuí fù) for shipping. This gives you full clarity before committing.
What should I say if there is a quality problem?
State the issue calmly: 有问题 (yǒu wèntí). Then ask 怎么办 (zěnme bàn), what should we do. Add 我们理解，但需要解决 (wǒmen lǐjiě, dàn xūyào jiějué) to show you understand but need a solution. This keeps the conversation constructive.
Can Renata help me talk to suppliers directly?
Yes, she provides live interpreting and message support between Portuguese- or English-speaking buyers and Chinese suppliers. Remote is 25 EUR per half hour. On location in the Lisbon area is 45 EUR/hour, minimum 2 hours. Contact only via WhatsApp +351 935 328 206.
Want someone on the call?
Renata joins the call with you and your supplier, reads and writes the Chinese messages, and tells you what the answer really meant. Remote it is 25 EUR per half hour. She is not a sourcing agent and does not do sworn translation.
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