International Letter Tips and Tricks

Language

Tips

Chinese

The fax machine is still an important tool for communicating in China. If you have a fax number, make sure to include it.

French

The pronoun “tu” (meaning “you”) should never be used in formal correspondence. Always use “vous.”

German

It is customary to refer to any previous correspondence in your letter, using the date of the last correspondence and a reference number if applicable.

Italian

Avoid using abbreviations in letters, although they are acceptable for the envelope.

Japanese

Rhetorical questions inquiring about the recipient’s health or family are considered to be a polite gesture (e.g., How are you doing?).

Korean

Polite requests (i.e., “please” + the imperative verb) are preferred over a more direct call to action.

Spanish

“Querido/querida” (which means “dear”) is too personal for business communication. “Estimado/estimada” (which means “esteemed”) should be used instead.