Table manners in chinese culture. The difference between Chinese and Western table manners 2022-12-26

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Table manners are an important aspect of Chinese culture, as they reflect not only on the individual but also on their family and community. In Chinese culture, the act of eating is not just about satisfying hunger, but also about building relationships and showing respect. Therefore, it is important for individuals to follow proper table manners in order to show consideration for their hosts and for those who are sharing the meal.

One important aspect of Chinese table manners is the use of chopsticks. In China, chopsticks are the primary utensil for eating, and there are specific rules for their use. For example, it is considered rude to point or wave with chopsticks, or to use them to spear food. Chopsticks should also not be left sticking upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense sticks used in funerals and is therefore considered unlucky.

Another important aspect of Chinese table manners is the use of bowls and plates. In Chinese culture, it is customary to share food from communal dishes, rather than each person having their own individual plate. It is also considered polite to hold the bowl close to the mouth while eating, rather than using a fork or spoon. This is because the Chinese believe that the aroma and flavor of the food is best experienced when it is closer to the nose and mouth.

Another important aspect of Chinese table manners is the use of seating and order of serving. In a traditional Chinese meal, the host or eldest person at the table will usually sit at the head of the table, with the guests seated in order of age or seniority. It is also customary for the host to serve the guests, rather than for individuals to serve themselves.

In addition to these specific table manners, it is also important to show respect for the food and for the host by not wasting food and by not eating too quickly. It is also considered polite to compliment the host on the food and to express gratitude for the meal.

Overall, table manners are an important aspect of Chinese culture, and following proper etiquette helps to show respect and consideration for others. By learning and following these customs, individuals can show their appreciation for the culture and for those who are sharing the meal.

Chinese Dining Culture: Table Manners, Etiquette, Eating Habits

table manners in chinese culture

After sitting down, you should maintain an upright posture, but you don't have to be as rigid as a wooden person and pay attention to keeping a proper distance from the dining table. Learning the appropriate way to act and what to say will not only help you feel like a native, but will also make those around you more comfortable, and able to focus on you, instead of your interesting eating habits. At the same time make sure you lower your glass than the one of your host. If the tableware falls to the ground, ask the waiter to pick it up. You don't have to panic and apologize but embarrass the other person. When setting down your chopsticks, place them horizontally on top of your plate, or place the ends on a chopstick rest.


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The difference between Chinese and Western table manners

table manners in chinese culture

There are also restaurants or chefs who, in order to create their own dishes, come up with the idea of creating another plate of their own, thus there will be more plates, not fewer. If there are involuntary noises such as sneezing or bowel sounds, you should say "I'm sorry," "I'm sorry," or "Excuse me" to apologize. A dining table for diners. When this happens, turn your chopsticks around moving from the communal bowls to your bowl. Do not wipe the lipstick mark on the rim of the cup with your fingers. After tearing off and eating, you should tear off the small piece first, then apply it on the small piece, and take it in your mouth. Chinese are particular about food, as well as what they look like when eating food.

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Table manners

table manners in chinese culture

When chewing food, be sure to close your mouth to avoid making any noise, and do not take the food in your mouth until you have swallowed it. It is not advisable to smoke while the staple food is in progress. Appetizer, main course choose one of fish or meat , and dessert are the most appropriate combination. Of all things, the seating arrangement is the most important part of dining etiquette in China. At the time, he believed that one cannot separate food from friends, and he preferred to drink with his townsmen at his table. The Order of Seat Chinese banquet has a strict rule about seat order. Never wear a belt or hang on the neckline of a suit.

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Table Manners in China

table manners in chinese culture

You must wait until everyone is seated before using the napkin. In case you cannot help, you should turn around and sneeze, wrap it in a towel, and say "I'm sorry". The waiter Yihou approaches and gently informs the waiter to change. Peel and slice peaches and melons, then use a fork to eat. After cutting, use a fork to eat.

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The Cultural Differences in Table Manners between China and English

table manners in chinese culture

In order to prevent the temperature of the hand from increasing the temperature of the wine, use your thumb, middle finger, and index finger to hold the foot of the cup, and place the little finger on the bottom of the cup to fix it. If there are ladies at the table, they should wait for the ladies to take a seat. It is the minimum politeness to avoid making a sound when drinking soup. The speed of eating should be synchronized with the host and hostess, not too fast or too slow. Also, close your mouth when chewing as a gesture of etiquette and a way to boost your digestion.

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The Difference of Table Manners between China and the West

table manners in chinese culture

The most decent way to seat is from the left side. If they are not or you are unsure, wait for someone to serve food to their own plate, and then copy what they do. Drink soup with a spoon in small sips. This will show respect. If you want to vomit, you should vomit it in your palm and put it in a dish. The method of holding the knife and fork is to lightly hold the end and press the index finger on the handle. Chopsticks Chopsticks play the most important role in Chinese cuisine culture.

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Traditional Chinese Etiquette, Manners in China, Daily Life in China

table manners in chinese culture

China and the west, because of the influence of the different social, cultural, and historical background, have two different cultures. When the chair is pulled apart, the body stands up straight at the distance of almost touching the table. For harder ones, use a knife. Please take the guests to the seats first, and then ask the elders to take the seats next to the guests one by one, and enter from the left side of the chair. Sometimes our families laugh and sometimes eat with our mouth open , but I would never expected this to be the norm in China. Napkins should also be folded and placed on the table. However, this is the requirement of westerners for the quality of life.

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Chinese Table Manners

table manners in chinese culture

Thank you for writing such a great article. The outer side of the fork is the side farther from the disk. If you want to use the condiments placed in front of other guests at the same table, you should ask the neighboring guests to help pass them. The spoon can be held by holding a pen. Before serving, you might as well have a lighter wine such as champagne, sherry, or gill. When eating large vegetables, use a knife and fork to fold and cut.

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