In Chinese culture, 生意 (shēngyi) holds a place of immense practical and social importance. It's often seen as a primary path to prosperity and a way to support one's family. The concept is deeply ingrained in the social fabric, celebrated for its pragmatism and resourcefulness. A useful comparison is to the English word “business.” In the West, “business” can often evoke images of large corporations, boardrooms, and stock markets (though it can also mean small-scale trade). 生意, while it can be used for large deals, carries a much stronger connotation of grassroots entrepreneurship and day-to-day commerce. It's the domain of the 老板 (lǎobǎn), or “boss,” who is actively involved in the nitty-gritty of their trade. Doing good 生意 in China is rarely just about the product or price; it is heavily reliant on 关系 (guānxi)—a network of personal relationships and mutual obligations. A deal might be sealed not in an office, but over a meal, where trust is built. Therefore, 生意 is often less about a single, cold transaction and more about fostering a long-term, profitable relationship.
生意 is a high-frequency word used in a wide range of contexts, from casual chats to formal negotiations.
The connotation is generally neutral to positive, reflecting a society that respects and encourages entrepreneurship.
A key mistake for English speakers is confusing 生意 (shēngyi) with 公司 (gōngsī).
Incorrect: 我开了一个新生意。 (Wǒ kāi le yí ge xīn shēngyi.) Correct: 我开了一家新公司。 (Wǒ kāi le yì jiā xīn gōngsī.) → “I opened a new company.” Correct: 我开始做新生意了。 (Wǒ kāishǐ zuò xīn shēngyi le.) → “I started a new business (activity).” Think of it this way: a 公司 (gōngsī) is a container, and the 生意 (shēngyi) is what happens inside and around that container. You “do” (做) 生意, but you “open” (开) a 公司. Another point of confusion can be with 商业 (shāngyè).