Stephany TongChris Coraggio

Lily ZhenCristina Chow

Rita Wu

Nod politely or bow slightly when greeting (handshake is also acceptable in formal situations)

Shopkeepers always say “Welcome” (Huanying)

Conversations often start off with “Have you eaten yet?”-answer is always yes even if they have not eaten

Address people formally with title (example: Uncle Wang)

Close friends of same gender can sit, stand, and walk close together, maybe arm in arm

Respectable distance from older and people of important position

To beckon, palm faces down waving fingers

Point with entire hand instead of a single finger

Common to spit in public after clearing throat

No public displays of affection

Polite to bring small gifts when visiting, especially visiting someone older

Host offers small snacks several times before accepting refusal

Tipping at restaurants used to be considered an insult, now more accepted

After meal, chopsticks go on table, not back in the bowl

Slurping is not impolite, but a compliment to the host

Bring plate/bowl close to mouth while eating