Common social taboos and gestures to avoid in China
Chinese Etiquette Essentials: A Guide for Learners: Common social taboos and gestures to avoid in China
Common social taboos and gestures to avoid in China include both cultural behaviors and nonverbal signals that can be seen as disrespectful or offensive. Here is a comprehensive summary:
Common Social Taboos in China
- Wearing a green hat: Symbolizes that a man is being cheated on by his wife, which is highly embarrassing. 1, 2, 3
- Using or gifting clocks: Clocks (钟, zhōng) symbolize death (终, zhōng), so gifting clocks is taboo and considered as giving bad wishes. 2, 1
- Avoiding the number 4: The number 4 sounds like the word for death (死, sǐ) and is considered unlucky, so it is avoided in everyday life. 1, 2
- Not sharing pears: Sharing pears (分梨, fēn lí) is taboo because it sounds like “to separate” (分离), implying a breakup. 2
- Chopstick etiquette: Sticking chopsticks vertically in a bowl is seen as very bad manners since it resembles incense sticks used at funerals. 4, 5, 1, 2
- Avoid whistling at night: It is said to attract wandering spirits and is considered ominous. 2
- Mentioning death: Death-related topics or the word “death” (死, sǐ) are taboo, especially during celebrations. 6
- Gifts: Avoid gifting sharp items (knives, scissors), umbrellas (break up), and clocks. 3, 1
Gestures to Avoid in China
- Excessive hand movements: Chinese tend to speak with restrained gestures, so excessive or dramatic hand movements may be perceived negatively. 7, 8, 9
- Pointing with an index finger: It is rude; use an open hand to gesture or beckon someone. 8, 9
- Giving the pinkie finger: It implies weakness and is considered rude. 9
- Middle finger: Just like in Western culture, it is offensive. 9
- Calling someone with fingers wiggling palm-up: This is very disrespectful and associated with calling animals. 9
- Winking: Considered vulgar or inappropriate, especially in formal or unfamiliar settings. 7, 8, 9
- Whistling: Seen as disrespectful or vulgar, avoid it. 8, 9
- Pointing feet at people or using feet to gesture: Feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body and pointing feet at someone or putting feet on furniture is impolite. 10, 8, 9
- Public displays of affection: Excessive PDA is frowned upon. 9
- Prolonged eye contact: May be seen as aggressive or confrontational, unlike Western norms. 9
These social taboos and gestures are deeply embedded in Chinese cultural and social etiquette and observing them helps show respect and avoid unintended offense when interacting with locals in China.
This summary covers the main taboos and gestures to avoid based on recent insights from multiple China culture sources. 11, 1, 7, 8, 2, 9