In formal situations, people bow slightly or nod politely to greet one another formally. The bow is from the shoulders and should be greater if the person you are greeting has a higher status than you. If seated, the Chinese will stand up out of respect when they are introduced to someone.
However, in modern Chinese societies, bowing is not as formalized as in Japan, South Korea and North Korea. Bowing is normally reserved for occasions such as marriage ceremonies and as a gesture of respect for the deceased, although it still sometimes used for more formal greetings.
The Chinese dislike being touched by strangers. 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.
Take a bow, at the waist with people older than you, but only a slight nod of the head with younger folks. Use two hands. Don't cross your chopsticks. Cover your shot glass when you drink it.
A simple, soft handshake, a smile, and a friendly 'hi' or 'ni hao' (or 'nin hao' to greet older Chinese people) will often suffice. When addressing Chinese people, address the eldest or most senior person first. Also, address the newly-met people with their honorific title and family name.
In Chinese or East Asian cultures, people bow to elders, superiors or others when appropriate in order to give respect or show appreciation; use both hands to receive business cards or presents from others to express gratitude and to display good manners; or bend over slightly while shaking hands with guests to extend ...
When it comes to social etiquette in Hong Kong, there aren't many special gestures (such as bowing) for when you greet someone in Hong Kong. Simply saying Cantonese greeting words will do: Cantonese character: 你好
While bowing may be a popular gesture of respect in Japan and Korea, it is less common in China. However, you may receive a slight bow or polite nod as a greeting—be sure to return it. Nonetheless, the handshake is currently the most popular way of 'breaking the ice' in formal settings.
Guizi (鬼子; pinyin: guǐzi) is a Mandarin Chinese slang term for foreigners, and has a long history of being used as a racially deprecating insult.
In Chinese culture, some of the most common taboos involve gift-giving, birthdays, and weddings.
In formal situations, people bow slightly or nod politely to greet one another formally. The bow is from the shoulders and should be greater if the person you are greeting has a higher status than you. If seated, the Chinese will stand up out of respect when they are introduced to someone.
When it comes to Chinese etiquette, businesses are often uncomfortable with you crossing your legs (even if most people in casual situations are totally comfortable with this). During a business occasion, it's considered bad-looking and rude.
There are different degrees of bowing in Japan, and as a tourist you're not expected to know this aspect of the culture intimately. The bow that is most important for tourists to know is the slight bow, or eshaku. This is the most casual bow and it's a polite way of saying thank you or excuse me.
generally do not bow as in Korea or Japan, except on very formal occasions, such as when receiving an award or addressing an audience.
Thailand's wai greeting – where you bow your head and place your hands together in a prayer position – is a common way of saying hello and being friendly. To fit in with the local way of life, return this gesture when it's directed at you, and smile while doing so.
Meeting and Greeting
Your handshake should be firm. Singaporeans may bow slightly as they shake your hand. Many Westerners are generally taller than Singaporeans, so it would be polite to give a small bow. A slight bow for Chinese or older people is polite.
Chinese naming conventions arrange names as follows: [FAMILY NAME] [given name]. For example, ZHANG Chen (male) and WANG Xiu (female).
Noun. A Chinese prefix used with a shortened form of peoples' given names to express familiarity, roughly equivalent to Mister or Miss. Ah Ming moved out of Chinatown last year.
As my father lifted me up to my yeye's thin, colourless face, I summoned the courage to kiss my grandfather goodbye. Bowing three times in Chinese culture is way of showing respect to Heaven, Earth and all life. It is a gesture that humbles us to the mystery and power of what is vast and unspeakable.
Xièxiè – the most common Chinese thanks
So whenever you want to express your gratitude in Chinese, it's safe to say xièxiè (谢谢). And because it is a universal formula, it can be used safely in most social interactions.