Forms of address and politeness

[dougm24]

Hi

I have to make a speculative call to someone in the government and I'm wondering what the best way to address them would be, the choices seem to be just 先生，as 同志 or his position 副局长.

Any ideas which is the most appropriate?

Doug

[skylee]

I suggest 先生 or 局長 (promote him a bit and he would be happy).

[vickyshi1207]

I agree with skylee. Don't choose 同志。 It's too formal

[dougm24]

Thanks, I didn't think 同志 would work - but thought it was too old-fashioned rather than formal. I think the flattery route might be the best

Doug

[seesaw]

I didn't think 同志 would work - but thought it was too old-fashioned rather than formal.

We might say, it is too old-fashioned to use it informally.

[Janedcm]

my review :

副局长 is the best, of course you'd better speak his family name 姓(xing) before 副局长.

for example:if his family name is 王(wang)or李(li),you may call him"王/李副局长,你好".

most chinese , especially those governors ,prefer being called by their titles.

[venture160]

BY ALL MEANS DON"T SAY 副局长 call him 局长。 its an offense. make sure you "one-up" his title, its polite.