Note: The spoken Chinese Mandarin language has 4 spoken tones.
We have attempted to re-create those below
where after each syllable we tell you (1),
(2), (3), or (4) as they correspond to each
of the 4 tones. We encourage you to complement
your Xianzai.com Emergency Chinese newsletter
with a good offline study program.
Signing a Contract: qian(1)
he(2) tong
NEW
WORDS
Contract: he(2) tong
Signature: qian(1) ming(2)
Initial: shou(3) xie(3) zi(4) mu(3)
Notary: gong(1) zheng(4) ren(2)
Lawyer: lv(4) shi(1)
LESSON
- Is the new contract ready?
xin(1) he(2) tong zhun(3) bei(4) hao(3)
le ma?
- Where should I sign?
wo(3) ying(1) gai(1) zai(4) na(3) er qian(1)
zi(4)?
- Do you want my initials or my signature?
ni(3) xiang(3) yao(4) wo(3) de shou(3) xie(3)
zi(4) mu(3) hai(2) shi(4) wo(3) de qian(1)
ming(2)?
- How much will the lawyer charge?
lv(4) shi(1) yao(4) shou(1) duo(1) shao(3)
qian(2)?
- My friend is a Notary.
wo(3) de peng(2) you(3) shi(4) ge(4) gong(1)
zheng(4) ren(2).
* Tip: Signing a contract in China is
essentially the same as anywhere else. By signing,
you are agreeing to a legally binding set of
terms and conditions.
Most contracts in China are written in Chinese
and if you are not 100% sure of what you are
signing, get some expert professional advice
BEFORE putting your name to the contract.
