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见什么人说什么话

jiàn shén me rén shuō shén me huà
Tailor your words to the person.

See what kind of person, speak what kind of words.

Adjust your language and topics based on who you are talking...

Adjust your language and topics based on who you are talking to. It is a practical guide for effective communication, emphasizing empathy and social awareness.

This saying is a more neutral, positive version of the previous one. It aligns with Confucian ideas of propriety (li) — speaking appropriately for the relationship and occasion.

Someone might say this when advising a young person to speak respectfully to elders, casually with peers, and professionally with superiors.

Chinese communication is highly relational, and using the wrong tone or topic can damage relationships. This saying encourages people to be observant and respectful of social hierarchies and contexts, which is essential for maintaining harmony and face.

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