Chinese and Taiwanese culture are in stark contrast with popular European culture and American culture in many ways. So, if you want to play it subtle and want to break up with your Chinese or Taiwanese boyfriend, girlfriend or just-friend, here is a list of things that you can gift him or her (and reasons why they are considered as break up gifts):
True, some clocks or watches are super cute and quite expensive too. But Chinese for 'send clock' is 'sòng zhōng' which sounds similar to what funeral ritual is called.
Giving handkerchiefs can be translated as 'duàngēn' in Chinese, which is also a farewell greeting. It is especially the worst gift you can choose for your Chinese or Taiwanese boyfriend or girlfriend as it will means that you want to break up with him or her.
I would consider a Swiss knife as a cool gift. But Chinese perhaps don't agree with me. They consider that sharp tools used to cut things should be given as gifts only when you want to break up with your loved one or severe your friendship or relation with someone.
No matter how cool straw sandals might look, they indicate that you want the person to part ways with you - indicating end of friendship or relationship.
'Giving shoes' sounds like 'sòng xiézi' in Chinese, which also means 'to break up'. So, here's another break up gift for you.
A more subtle way to ask your Chinese friend to buzz off forever is to offer him or her an umbrella. If it is raining and you want to offer genuinely help, you would let your friend huddle along under your umbrella as you walk him or her to the intended destination and bring back the umbrella with you.
Though buying a hat is not a typical gift anymore, yet one should be particularly wary of buying a green hat for a Chinese. The green hat is called 'dài lǜ mào' in China, which implies that one's wife is unfaithful.
Green colour is also associated with the colour of turtle who hides his head in his shell in face of a danger and represents cowardice in China. Hence, calling someone a 'turtle' is considered a grave insult in China too.
Never gift a set of four to a Chinese. 'Four' is 'sì' in Chinese which is quite similar to 'sǐ' or 'death'.
In China, it is a tradition to hand out towels at funerals. Hence, they are associated with death and gloom - no matter how colourful they are.
White flower bouquet looks beautiful in the hands of American or European brides. But white flowers are often used at funerals in China and hence, they symbolize 'death' there.
White and black colours are associated with 'deaths' and 'funerals'. So, presents, envelopes or wrapping papers in these colours are considered inappropriate in China and Taiwan. I wonder if it's hold true for a sleek black limousine, a white envelope full of dollars or sparkling white diamond necklace too.
Clocks or Watches
Besides, clocks and watches reminds one that time is running out and it symbolizes end of relationships, friendships and life.
Handkerchief
Giving handkerchiefs can be translated as 'duàngēn' in Chinese, which is also a farewell greeting. It is especially the worst gift you can choose for your Chinese or Taiwanese boyfriend or girlfriend as it will means that you want to break up with him or her.
Sharp Objects like Knives and Scissors
I would consider a Swiss knife as a cool gift. But Chinese perhaps don't agree with me. They consider that sharp tools used to cut things should be given as gifts only when you want to break up with your loved one or severe your friendship or relation with someone.
Shoes, especially Straw Sandals
No matter how cool straw sandals might look, they indicate that you want the person to part ways with you - indicating end of friendship or relationship.
'Giving shoes' sounds like 'sòng xiézi' in Chinese, which also means 'to break up'. So, here's another break up gift for you.
Umbrella
A more subtle way to ask your Chinese friend to buzz off forever is to offer him or her an umbrella. If it is raining and you want to offer genuinely help, you would let your friend huddle along under your umbrella as you walk him or her to the intended destination and bring back the umbrella with you.
Some other 'gloom and doom' gifts for Chinese (to drop hints):
Green Hat
Green colour is also associated with the colour of turtle who hides his head in his shell in face of a danger and represents cowardice in China. Hence, calling someone a 'turtle' is considered a grave insult in China too.
Set of Four Gifts
Never gift a set of four to a Chinese. 'Four' is 'sì' in Chinese which is quite similar to 'sǐ' or 'death'.
Towels
In China, it is a tradition to hand out towels at funerals. Hence, they are associated with death and gloom - no matter how colourful they are.
White Flowers
White flower bouquet looks beautiful in the hands of American or European brides. But white flowers are often used at funerals in China and hence, they symbolize 'death' there.
White or Black coloured Gifts
White and black colours are associated with 'deaths' and 'funerals'. So, presents, envelopes or wrapping papers in these colours are considered inappropriate in China and Taiwan. I wonder if it's hold true for a sleek black limousine, a white envelope full of dollars or sparkling white diamond necklace too.
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