What does waving a hand mean in Japan

In Japan, waving a hand can have different meanings depending on the context and the way it is done:

• One common meaning of waving a hand in Japan, especially with the palm facing downward and moving back and forth (fingers scratching motion), is a beckoning gesture that means “come here” or “over here.” It is a polite way to invite someone to approach and is different from the Western wave that means “go away”. ^{2, 6, 8}

• Another gesture involving waving the hand is waving it in front of the face with the thumb facing the waver and the pinky away. This particular wave politely indicates “no” or refusal, often used when someone wants to decline an offer or deny something. It may be accompanied by expressions like “no, no” or “chigau” (meaning “that’s not right”). ^{7, 8, 9, [10], 2}

• Waving the hand with the palm facing outward in front of one’s face can also express confusion or that the person does not understand something. ²

Thus, waving a hand in Japan primarily means either beckoning someone to come closer or politely indicating “no” or refusal, depending on the gesture style and context. It is important to be aware of these differences when interacting in Japan to avoid misunderstandings. ^{6, 8, 9, 2}

References

• What do Japanese gestures and hand signs mean?

• Japanese Hand Gestures: Speak Without Saying a Word

• 8 Body Gestures You Should Know When in Japan!

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• 2024 JB Gestures Guide

• Japanese Body Language and Gestures

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• 5 Important Gestures in Japan every Tourist Should Know