Identify yourself and ask whether it is a convenient time to talk.
At the start#
State your name and reason for calling. Check the time zone before placing a call, and ask whether the person prefers another time or a written message.
If there is no answer#
Leave a brief message that identifies you and how to respond, if the person’s service permits it. Do not assume that an unanswered call carries a cultural meaning or that everyone uses one preferred app.
Useful words#
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 电话 | diàn huà | telephone; phone call |
| 留言 | liú yán | to leave a message; message |
Editorial scope and lexical reference#
The checklist is editorial advice. The source below supports the word meanings, not a claim that these suggestions are rules followed by all Chinese people. No interview, survey or measured effectiveness is asserted.
Lexical data adapted from CC-CEDICT contributors / MDBG, 23 October 2026 release, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Dictionary release.