The common form of addressing people among ordinary Chinese is “tongzhi”, which means “comrade”, and which is habitually placed after the surname, if the latter is known: for example, “Wang tongzhi” or “Zhang tongzhi”. Tongzhi indicates a congenial relationship with the meaning of mutual help, trust, and understanding. (Nowadays it is better to address people as Xiansheng, which means Mr, or Xiaojie, for a younger female)

As a gesture of familiarity or respect between colleagues, the word “lao” (old) or “xiao” (little or young), may be placed before the surname regardless of gender; e.g., “Lao Wang”, “Xiao Zhang”. It is considered disrespectful for people to directly address their elders by their given name.

Professional titles are often placed after the surname as a form of address, especially “laoshi” (teacher), “Jingli” (manager), etc.. Students will often refer to their teachers as “Wang Laoshi” (Teacher Wang), “Li Laoshi” (Teacher Li), and so on, instead of using the title “comrade”.

Nodding and shaking hands are usual greetings when meeting and parting, and the spoken greeting is “Ni hao.” (Hello.), or “Ni hao ma?” (How are you?); and at parting, “Zai jian.” (Goodbye.).  A handshake also expresses gratitude, congratulations and encouragement. In some areas of the country, especially the mountainous areas, the traditional greeting of clasping both fists together in front of the chest can still be seen.

Upon meeting someone you know, the Chinese may ask you “Have you eaten yet?” or “Where are you going?” These questions are to be taken literally; although, they do have an element of greeting in them. When starting a conversation, the Chinese may ask questions that seem very rude to a Westerner, such as inquiries about the material status, age, salary and so on. A brief explanation that such questions are not polite in one’s own society will suffice, instead of an answer.

Public kissing or embracing are considered rude and somewhat offensive in China, and should be avoided.