What are examples of inappropriate gestures for Chinese people?

Answer 1

Truly inappropriate actions convey feelings of disrespect or arrogance such as spitting on/at someone, swearing at someone, laughing at someone, being inconsiderate or impolite, and inappropriate hand gestures.

Some more specific examples can be:

- Giving gifts, presents, namecards, papers, etc with only one hand. (Always give/receive items with both hands.)

- Moving things with feet. (Bend down and move things with your hands. Don't move things with your feet.)

- Pointing the bottom of your feet towards another person.

- Don't touch another person's head. Not even when it comes to children.

- Do not beckon people with your hands or fingers (This is what you do with animals and pets.. not people.)

Some of these may or may not have been passed down from generation to generation. While some might not think twice about some of these things, some will take great offense. But always remember...regardless of race or culture, treat others as you would like to be treated. If you do something 'inappropriate' by accident, people will, more often than not, be able to tell and will inform you of something you may have done that offended them. At which point, apologize and make note not to do so again.