Part of learning Chinese is learning the culture of what can be said when. Some compliments may be treated as insults in the Western world and vice versa. Keep an open mind to such comments as they need to be taken within context. Some comments may seem quite direct, such as “You are very tall” or “You are quite fat.” What is considered “beautiful” in Asia may differ from the West. Asian people tend to regard bigger eyes and fairer skin as being beautiful, so you may receive compliments on that, if it applies to you. By learning what is appropriate and not appropriate, you can return the same compliment where the context allows it.

You may find that the Chinese are fond of asking questions that Westerners may find quite personal, such as strangers asking your age, weight or even how much you earn! In order not to offend the questioners, you can choose whether to reveal such information or to come up with a polite response if you choose not to. It is worth taking the time to find out from a local how to best respond to such questions in order to maintain a positive first impression wherever you go.