Do you shake hands in China?

Meeting and Greeting
Shake hands upon meeting. Chinese may nod or bow instead of shaking hands, although shaking hands has become increasingly common. When introduced to a Chinese group, they may greet you with applause.


Is it rude to shake hands in China?

Handshakes are the standard, casual greeting. The grip tends to be lighter than the Western handshake and is also sustained for longer. In formal situations, people bow slightly or nod politely to greet one another formally.

Do Asians shake hands?

The handshake is the most common. Among Orientals, they may make a slight bow. Shake hands with everyone present at a business meeting or social occasion.


What is seen as disrespectful in China?

Do not touch, hug, lock arms, back slap or make any body contact. Clicking fingers or whistling is considered very rude. Never put your feet on a desk or a chair. Never gesture or pass an object with your feet.

Are there cultures that don't shake hands?

In Thailand, instead of shaking hands, you're more likely to bow with your hands together and up to your chest. And don't be surprised if someone from France and many other places pulls you in for a double cheek kiss!


Corporate Training Chinese Cultural Awareness - Bow or Shake Hands



In what countries is it rude to shake hands?

For instance in some countries and cultures, firm handshakes are seen as rude and a sign of aggression. In places such as China; the Middle East; North, Southern and West Africa; and South America, handshakes are usually lighter and last much longer than in Western countries.

Is it OK to shake hands in Japan?

A handshake is appropriate upon meeting. The Japanese handshake is limp and with little or no eye contact. Some Japanese bow and shake hands. The bow is a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese.

Is it rude to smile in China?

If you're from a culture that encourages smiles when greeting strangers or service people, or saying hello to strangers on the street, you may need to adjust this practice if you plan on venturing to China. The Chinese do not smile at strangers, foreign or not.


What are taboos in China?

Every culture has its own taboos, and it is important to remain aware of them when traveling or encountering another culture to ensure you don't commit a social faux-pas. In Chinese culture, some of the most common taboos involve gift-giving, birthdays, and weddings.

What are the don'ts in China?

Don't
  • Don't put bones, seeds or other inedibles into in your rice bowl. Use a tissue or your hand to place them in the small plate provided — or observe how others deal with them.
  • Don't tap your chopsticks. ...
  • Don't use your own chopsticks to pick food from the central dishes.


Is shaking hands rude in Japan?

Shaking hands in Japan is more significant than it is in the west. It symbolizes things like strong relationships, large deal signings and high profile mergers. On another note, Japanese culture is not very touchy-feely.


Do people in Hong Kong shake hands?

Hong Kongese culture has adopted the western handshake as the norm. It should be accompanied with a nod and direct eye contact. A Chinese Hong Kongers' handshake may be rather light. Older Chinese Hong Kongers may lower their eyes while greeting someone.

Do people shake hands in South Korea?

Handshakes are also a common form of greeting in South Korea. Koreans mostly use their right hand for all greetings.

How do you show respect in China?

If you are meeting someone in a business context, shake hands and smile. If it is someone older than you with some sort of rank, you may do a very slight bow from the shoulders (as opposed to a full-fledged bow from the waist) as a sign of respect. Do accept business cards with two hands. It's a sign of respect.


How do you greet a Chinese person?

In Chinese, the most common way to say “Hi” is “你好(nǐhǎo)”. Sometimes we may use “您好(nínhǎo)” to show respect to our teachers or the seniors. Besides “你好(nǐhǎo)” and “您好(nínhǎo)”, there are other ways to greet others in daily life. We like to ask about a person's action.

Is tipping in China disrespectful?

Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances so when taking a taxi, enjoying a refreshing drink or tucking into a delicious meal there's no requirement to leave any gratuities. Gratuity is even illegal in airports and some establishments in China!

Are tattoos in China taboo?

Tattoos have a long history in China. But for most of that history they were stigmatized, associated with prisoners, vagrants and the criminal underworld. Thanks in part to the influence of celebrities and sports stars, tattoos have become much more socially accepted in the past decade.


What colors are taboo in China?

It is widely known that Chinese people love red because it is perceived to symbolise luck, blessings and happiness. In contrast, blue is considered a 'taboo' colour. This belief is found in regional folktales and is especially strong in several parts of southern China, notably Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

Is China a shame culture?

Like many group-oriented cultures, Chinese culture emphasises shame. How- ever, due to its own cultural value system and development, Chinese concepts of shame may possess their own features. The importance of shame in Chinese culture is associated with the dominant social and moral thought of Con- fucianism.

Are Chinese friendly to foreigners?

Chinese people are generally very warm and welcoming towards foreigners. This often leads to a lot of preferential treatment.


Is it OK to chew with your mouth open in China?

Eating noisily and with one's mouth open may be considered rude in the West. However, slurping, smacking the lips and leaving the mouth open when eating can be viewed as demonstrating enjoyment of the food and a friendly atmosphere in China.

Is being late rude in China?

– Punctuality is vital. Being late is a serious offence in the Chinese business culture. – When the meeting is finished, you are expected to leave before your Chinese counterparts.

Is hugging rude in Japan?

Never hugging or kissing

In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples. Our editor Kanako said that she's never hugged any of her family members as a grown woman.


Is it rude to make eye contact in Japan?

In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others' necks because this way, the others' eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].

Is it rude to cross your legs in Japan?

Crossing your legs is considered very casual and improper even if you do your best to cross them tightly and stylishly. Instead, experience the “seiza,” an excruciating form of traditional Japanese sitting (on your knees), invented especially to torture foreigners.
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