In Chinese culture, being 守时 (shǒushí) is not merely a suggestion; it's a fundamental expression of respect (尊重, zūnzhòng). While in some Western cultures being “fashionably late” might be acceptable in certain social contexts, this concept does not translate well into Chinese culture, especially for formal or initial meetings. Being punctual demonstrates that you value the other person's time as much as your own. In a business context, arriving late can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect, a lack of seriousness, or even arrogance, potentially damaging a business relationship before it begins. It is common practice to arrive 5-10 minutes early for important appointments to show preparedness and sincerity. This emphasis on punctuality is tied to the collective nature of the culture. Wasting someone's time is seen as disrupting their plans and, by extension, causing inconvenience to the group. Therefore, being 守时 (shǒushí) is a way of maintaining social harmony and showing that you are a reliable and considerate member of the community or team.
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 守时 (shǒushí) and 准时 (zhǔnshí).
Key Mistake: Using 守时 (shǒushí) to describe an inanimate object or a single event. While you can say “他很守时” (he is a punctual person) and “他准时到了” (he arrived on time for this event), you would not say “火车很守时”. You must say “火车很准时”.