What Should You Avoid Gifting In China: Cultural Considerations

If you’re planning to give gifts to Chinese individuals, it’s essential to be aware of cultural considerations to avoid unintentionally causing offense. Here’s a list of items that are generally best avoided when giving gifts to Chinese people:

1. Handkerchiefs: In Chinese culture, giving someone a handkerchief is associated with parting ways. It’s often interpreted as if you are saying goodbye forever. To avoid sending the wrong message, it’s wise to choose a different gift.

2. Sharp Objects: Items like knives or scissors should be avoided as gifts. They can symbolize the cutting of ties or relationships, which is not a positive connotation when giving a gift.

3. Shoes: Gifting shoes can be seen as implying that you want the person to walk away from you or their current life. This symbolism can make shoes an inappropriate gift choice.

4. The Number 4: In Chinese culture, the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for “death.” Thus, it’s best to avoid gifts that come in sets of four or have the number four prominently displayed.

5. Clocks: Clocks, especially those associated with funerals or timepieces that count down to a limited time, can be interpreted as reminders of mortality. These are generally not suitable gifts.

6. Pears: The word for “pear” in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “separation,” so gifting pears can convey the message of wanting to separate from the recipient, which is not a positive sentiment.

Understanding these cultural nuances will help you choose more appropriate gifts when celebrating with Chinese friends or acquaintances.

Certain gifts are considered inappropriate in Chinese culture due to cultural beliefs and superstitions. For instance, presenting a mirror as a gift is discouraged as it is believed to attract ghosts, making it an undesirable choice. Clocks, umbrellas, pears, and shoes are also considered inauspicious gifts in Chinese customs. This is because they share homophones with words or phrases associated with negative connotations. For example, the term for “clock” sounds similar to a term representing the end of a life cycle, thus making it an ill-fated gift choice. Similarly, umbrellas may symbolize the severing of relationships, while pears and shoes have homophones that are linked to unfortunate events or situations. To show respect for Chinese customs, it’s advisable to avoid presenting these items as gifts.

When it comes to selecting an appropriate gift in China, there are distinct preferences based on the context. In personal settings, thoughtful options include souvenirs representing your homeland, culturally enriching books, fine wines, local specialties from your country, or indulgent chocolates. In the realm of business, it is customary to present items featuring your company’s logo, professional-grade pens, select wines and liquors, or unique products emblematic of your nation. These choices are well-received and convey a sense of consideration for the recipient’s interests and cultural background.

• Handkerchiefs. To give a handkerchief to someone (送巾, sòng jīn) sounds like 斷根 (duàngēn), a farewell greeting. …
• Umbrellas. …
• Shoes, Particularly Straw Sandals. …
• Green Hats. …
• Sharp Objects Like Knives and Scissors. …
• Cut Flowers Particularly Yellow Chrysanthemums/White Flowers. …
• Anything in White or Black.

• Handkerchiefs. A handkerchief is considered a gift of parting and so if given it is often assumed that you are saying goodbye forever.
• Sharp objects. …
• Shoes. …
• The Number 4. …
• Clocks. …
• Pears.

• Shoes. Mirrors are believed to reflect negative energy, so it is best to avoid giving them as gifts.
• Mirrors. Perfume is believed to attract negative energy, so it is best to avoid giving it as a gift.
• Perfume. …
• Clocks. …
• Pictures Of Deceased People.