How to write a Chinese letter

[Lu]

It came up in another topic and as I was writing my reply I thought I'd just start a new one. Below is what I learned a Chinese letter should look like. Others may have learned differently and I'd love to know how, because with some luck I can improve my email-skills.

 

张老师：

 

你好！内容内容内容。

 

祝

一路顺风，万事如意

 

姓名 敬上

 

张老师: name and title of the addressee. If it's a friend, just write their name.

你好: start with this (or 您好)

内容: your actual message

祝 etc: I wish you...

一路顺风: here you write something you wish the person. Health, good luck, whatever you like. Goes on the next line. There is a number of set phrases you can use for various persons and occasions. If you want to make things easy for yourself, just write 好. 秋安 is one example, only suitable when it's actually autumn.

姓名: your name goes here, then a space, then 上 (sends this) or 敬上 (respectfully sends this)

[edelweis]

the date is missing?

[889]

Add the date below your name in 年月日 format.

 

Isn't 敬上 a bit formal for an everyday letter?

[Chelsea Qin]

亲爱的（或敬爱的）XXX:Dear ***
two space您（或你）好！
two space正文message

此致
敬礼regards
OR two spce祝福语wishes
                          
                                                                                                       


                                                                 below right corner姓名name
                                                                 日期date