Cultural Etiquette in China
Understanding Chinese culture and customs for respectful interactions
🤝 Greetings & Introductions
Appropriate Greetings:
- • Handshake: Light and brief, especially in business
- • Nod or bow: Slight bow shows respect
- • "您好" (Nín hǎo): Formal "hello"
- • "你好" (Nǐ hǎo): Casual "hello"
What to Avoid:
- • Strong handshakes or back patting
- • Hugging (except close friends)
- • Pointing with index finger
- • Touching someone's head
🥢 Dining Etiquette
Chopstick Etiquette:
- • Never stick chopsticks upright in rice
- • Don't wave chopsticks around
- • Place on chopstick rest when not using
- • Don't point at people with chopsticks
Table Manners:
- • Wait for the host to start eating
- • Try a bit of everything offered
- • Don't finish all food (shows host provided enough)
- • Tea pouring shows respect to elders
💡 Dining Tips:
In group dining, dishes are shared. Use serving spoons when available, or turn your chopsticks around to serve others.
💬 Communication Style
Direct Communication:
- • Chinese communication can be indirect
- • "Maybe" often means "no"
- • Silence doesn't always mean agreement
- • Pay attention to non-verbal cues
Useful Phrases:
- • "谢谢" (Xiè xiè) - Thank you
- • "对不起" (Duì bù qǐ) - Sorry
- • "不客气" (Bù kè qì) - You're welcome
- • "请" (Qǐng) - Please