Chinese Business Card Translation

When travelling overseas to meet with Chinese counterparts or receiving Chinese visitors in your own country, it is essential that you provide a business card presented in Chinese. Presenting your business card in Chinese conveys respect to both your Chinese associate and to their culture. It also enables them to instantly comprehend your role and position within your company.

We translate business cards into a wide variety of languages, however, one of the most common language requests are for business cards to be translated into Chinese (Simplified Script). For Mainland China, Mandarin speaking audience, business cards should be translated into Simplified Chinese Script. For Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwanese audiences, business cards should be presented in Traditional Chinese Script.

Generally, we provide bi-lingual translations for business cards. We provide the English version of the card on one side and the translated version on the other side of the card.

We can work from either artwork files, e.g. InDesign and Illustrator or from high resolution PDF. When translated has been completed, we can provide you with print ready high resolution PDF files.

Australian Multi Lingual can supply you with translated business cards in the format of your choosing within a 24 hour turnaround time. We can also print and deliver your translated business cards.

As one of the most established translation companies in Australia, we have worked with our primary Chinese translators for over a decade. Our business card translators are accredited by NAATI at professional level.

Dos and Don'ts of Chinese business card translation

Each business card is different from the next. We are happy to discuss the details of the translation prior to commencing work. However, there are four rules which apply to the translation of business cards.

Translated business cards should be presented in a bi-lingual format. Either English on one side with the translated version on the flip side or one side in bi-lingual format.

Avoid 1300 and 1800 numbers as these prefixes will only work in Australia.

Avoid translating or transliterating addresses into the target language. Addresses should always remain in English.

We can transliterate your name so that your Chinese counterparts can attempt a correct pronunciation. Another option is to adopt a Chinese name, ideally one with meaning as this will be taken as a sign of respect as well. We would be more than happy to assist with finding you a suitable Chinese name.

How to present your business card to your Chinese counterpart

What may be acceptable behaviour in this country, can be frowned upon, or even insulting, in other countries.

If you are presenting a business card to a Chinese counterpart, use two hands and make sure the writing is facing the person you are giving it to. Ensure that you present the business card with the Chinese side facing the recipient.

The Chinese prefer to be formally introduced to a new business associate. If you are handed a business card, the business card should be received with both hands and you should take time to examine it before putting it away. Never place the business card into your back pocket as this is considered extremely disrespectful.

For additional information, please visit our page of correct business etiquette in China

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Each business card is different from the next. We are happy to discuss the details of the translation prior to commencing work. There are however three rules which apply to the translation of business cards.

Translated business cards should be presented in a bi-lingual format: English on one side, translated version of the flip side.

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