名片

• Pinyin: míng piàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth) — calling out one's name in the dark; 片 = half of a 木 (tree) split into thin pieces

Meaning

Business card; calling card. A small card bearing a person's name, job title, and contact information.

In Chinese business and social culture, exchanging 名片 is an important ritual when meeting someone for the first time. The card typically includes one's name, company, position, phone number, and email address. In modern times, digital business cards are also becoming popular.

Examples

1. 请问您有名片吗？我想和您保持联系。 Excuse me, do you have a business card? I'd like to stay in touch with you.
2. 他递给我一张名片，上面写着总经理。 He handed me a business card that said 'General Manager.
3. 我的名片用完了，下周再去印一些。 I've run out of business cards; I'll go print some more next week.

Usage Guide

Context: business, networking

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 初次见面，这是我的名片。(Nice to meet you. Here is my business card.)
• 你能给我一张名片吗？(Could you give me a business card?)

Don't Say

• 对朋友说'给你我的名片' (Don't formally present a business card to close friends — just share your phone number directly)

Origin & History

A compound of 名 (name) and 片 (thin flat piece) — literally a 'name piece' or 'name card.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal