Common Japanese body language cues to respect
Mastering Japanese: Key Cultural Mistakes to Avoid: Common Japanese body language cues to respect
Common Japanese body language cues to respect prominently include various forms of bowing, which convey different levels of respect, greeting, gratitude, or apology. The depth and duration of a bow signify its meaning:
- A light bow (about 15 degrees, called “Eshaku”) is an informal gesture used for casual greetings or acknowledgment.
- A deeper bow (about 30 degrees, called “Keirei”) is formal and used to show respect in greetings, thanks, or apologies in business or formal situations.
- The deepest bow (about 45 degrees or more, called “Saikeirei”) expresses the highest level of respect or a deep apology, often used in official or very serious contexts.
Other typical body language respectful cues include:
- Using both hands when giving or receiving anything to show humility and respect.
- Avoiding pointing with the index finger; instead, use an open hand to indicate direction.
- Avoid touching someone’s body or possessions without permission, as it is considered impolite.
- When referring to oneself, Japanese point to their face with an index finger near the nose, rather than the chest.
- A polite way to say “no” or decline something is by waving a hand in front of the face or making an “X” shape with the arms.
- Brief eye contact is made to signal attention, but prolonged intense eye contact is generally avoided.
These cues reflect deep-rooted cultural respect and politeness norms in Japan and are key to positive interpersonal communication there. 1, 2, 3, 4