Let's schedule a call.
约个电话 is the standard, natural way to propose a call. In Chinese supplier communication, calls are less frequent than in Western business — WeChat messages do most of the work.
我们约个电话吧。
Let's schedule a phone/video call — suggesting a verbal conversation, usually for relationship building or discussing complex issues that are hard to resolve in text.
We schedule a phone call [suggestion].
Let's schedule a phone/video call — suggesting a verbal conversation, usually for relationship building or discussing complex issues that are hard to resolve in text.
WHEN IT FITS
“我们约个电话吧” is the call proposal that works in Chinese business culture — but it’s worth knowing that calls play a different role in Chinese supplier relationships than in Western ones. In Western business, “let’s jump on a call” is often the default next step. In Chinese supplier communication, WeChat text messages handle 80% of business. Written communication leaves a record, can be translated, and can be answered during gaps in a busy production day. A call interrupts that flow. Proposing one should have a reason — and “I prefer talking to typing” is not a reason that will land well with a Chinese factory manager.
When a call is the right move: relationship building (first contact with a new supplier, or a major milestone like completing the first order), complex problem-solving (a quality issue with multiple variables, a design change with cascading effects), or escalation (text communication has stalled or gone in circles). In each case, name the reason in the proposal: 想跟你们聊聊长期合作的事 (want to chat about long-term partnership), 质量问题我们语音沟通一下效率更高 (on the quality issue, a voice chat will be more efficient), 最近沟通有点不顺, 我们电话对一下 (communication has been a bit rough lately, let’s get aligned on a call). Each of these gives the supplier a reason to step away from the production line and pick up the phone.
The logistics: WeChat voice calls (语音通话) or video calls (视频通话) are the standard, because every Chinese supplier already has WeChat. Tencent Meeting (腾讯会议) is the equivalent of Zoom for more formal video conferences. WhatsApp and Skype are uncommon for domestic Chinese suppliers. When proposing a specific time, offer a narrow window: 明天下午3点到4点之间 (tomorrow between 3 and 4pm). And after the call, send a brief written summary: 刚才电话沟通的几个要点, 我文字确认一下 (let me confirm in writing the key points from our call). This restores the written record and ensures both parties came away with the same understanding. The call solves the problem; the follow-up message prevents a new one.
HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY SAY IT
这个事情文字说不清楚，我们约个电话吧。你什么时候方便？
This is hard to explain clearly in text — let's schedule a call. When are you free?
Proposing a call because text isn't working — valid reason, names the problem明天下午3点方便吗？我们电话过一下方案。
Tomorrow at 3pm work for you? Let's go over the plan on the phone.
Specific time proposal + agenda — efficient call schedulingCHOOSE BY SITUATION
方便语音吗？
Is it convenient to do a voice call? — the WeChat-native way to ask, referring to WeChat voice calls.
You want a quick, informal WeChat voice call rather than a scheduled phone meeting我们视频会议一下？
Shall we do a video conference? — for more formal meetings, often using WeChat video or Tencent Meeting.
You need to share screens, show samples, or have a more formal meeting