Basic Chinese Expressions for Your First Day at Work

Self-Introduction

Briefly introduce yourself to your colleagues so they can know your name, position, and department.

Common Expressions:

  • 我叫…… (Wǒ jiào …) — My name is …
  • 我是……部门的…… (Wǒ shì … bùmén de …) — I am … from … department
  • 很高兴认识大家 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshì dàjiā) — Nice to meet everyone

Example Sentences:

  1. 我叫李明，是市场部的新员工。
    Wǒ jiào Lǐ Míng, shì shìchǎng bù de xīn yuángōng.
    My name is Li Ming, I am a new employee in the Marketing Department.
  2. 很高兴认识大家，希望能和大家合作愉快。
    Hěn gāoxìng rènshì dàjiā, xīwàng néng hé dàjiā hézuò yúkuài.
    Nice to meet everyone, I hope we can work well together.

Greetings and Small Talk

Greeting colleagues or having simple conversations helps build friendly relationships.

Common Expressions:

  • 早上好 / 上午好 (Zǎoshang hǎo / Shàngwǔ hǎo) — Good morning
  • 你好吗？ (Nǐ hǎo ma?) — How are you?
  • 今天工作顺利吗？ (Jīntiān gōngzuò shùnlì ma?) — Is work going well today?

Example Sentences:

  1. 早上好，我是新来的李明。
    Zǎoshang hǎo, wǒ shì xīn lái de Lǐ Míng.
    Good morning, I am the new employee Li Ming.
  2. 你今天工作顺利吗？
    Nǐ jīntiān gōngzuò shùnlì ma?
    Is your work going well today?

Asking for Help or Guidance

When you are new and unfamiliar with procedures, politely asking colleagues for help is important.

Common Expressions:

  • 请问……怎么做？ (Qǐngwèn … zěnme zuò?) — Excuse me, how do I …?
  • 能帮我一下吗？ (Néng bāng wǒ yíxià ma?) — Can you help me?
  • 对不起，我还有点不懂。 (Duìbuqǐ, wǒ hái yǒu diǎn bù dǒng) — Sorry, I still don’t quite understand.

Example Sentences:

  1. 请问，公司的打印机怎么使用？
    Qǐngwèn, gōngsī de dǎyìnjī zěnme shǐyòng?
    Excuse me, how do I use the office printer?
  2. 能帮我看看这个文件吗？
    Néng bāng wǒ kàn kàn zhè ge wénjiàn ma?
    Can you help me check this document?
  3. 对不起，我对这个流程还有点不懂。
    Duìbuqǐ, wǒ duì zhè ge liúchéng hái yǒu diǎn bù dǒng.
    Sorry, I don’t quite understand this process yet.

Daily Communication

Appropriate greetings, expressions of gratitude, and farewells help you make a good first impression.

Common Expressions:

  • 谢谢你的帮助 (Xièxiè nǐ de bāngzhù) — Thank you for your help
  • 不客气 (Bù kèqì) — You’re welcome
  • 明天见 / 回头见 (Míngtiān jiàn / Huítóu jiàn) — See you tomorrow / See you later

Example Sentences:

  1. 谢谢你的耐心指导。
    Xièxiè nǐ de nàixīn zhǐdǎo.
    Thank you for your patient guidance.
  2. 不客气，很高兴帮你。
    Bù kèqì, hěn gāoxìng bāng nǐ.
    You’re welcome, I’m happy to help.
  3. 明天见！
    Míngtiān jiàn!
    See you tomorrow!

Summary

The first day at a new job is often filled with anticipation and nervousness. Mastering basic Chinese communication expressions helps you introduce yourself smoothly, build friendly relationships, and politely seek guidance when needed. Through daily greetings, thanks, and farewells, you will gradually integrate into the team and leave a positive first impression. Remember, good communication is the first step toward a successful career and an important way to demonstrate your professionalism and approachability.