Social and Culture of Chinese Gestures

Do (Know)

• Social and culture of China do permit people stand close to each other while talking. The reason for doing this is to show politeness, trust, and willing to fit in.
• The natives show more affection to their same gender, for example, to their best friend. Males will put their arms over another male shoulder, and female hold each other hand. This gesture shows that they are the best of friends.
• If you feel that you being over friendly by a Chinese person, then don't hesitate to yell "Boo" meaning "No" directly to that person.

Don't

• Even though, people stand close to each other but it does not mean that you can touch the opposite sex.
• Couple does not show public affection to each other, but this tradition may change over time.
• Do not use too much hand gestures when talking.
• Don't show emotion when you are angry or mad. In Chinese tradition, only lower class people cannot control their emotion.
• Don't ever touch a person's head (including children's) on any occasion. This is the most disrespectful gesture that you can do to an Asian person.

How to show affections?

As I mention before, Chinese people tend to stand closer than Western people while talking, even when they are not crowded. The reason I can think of is because they do not have enough land, and that is actually one of the reasons to explain this behavior.

However, the main reason is the sign of politeness and trust. According to Chinese social and culture rule, if you stand far always from your friend or colleagues, they may take that you are unwilling (to fit in) and unfriendly.

Chinese people will show more affection to same gender than Western. For example, if two men walk together, who are close friends; they may put their arm over the person's shoulder, and stand very close (no sexual intention.)

Same as women, it is very often to see two female hold each other's hands and walking down the street (and again no sexual intention.)

Even though, people are standing close to each other that does not mean it is alright to touch the opposite sex. So if you are a woman, who visiting China, then don't think people standing close and touching meaning they are friendly (especially the male).

If you happen to be in this situation and feel uncomfortable, then do not hesitance to yell "Boo". Since, you and I do not speak Mandarin; this word is the quickest way to said "No" to another person.

You might think if they show that much affection to their friend, imagine what they do with their partner. The answer is nothing much. Sorry, to disappointed you. Public displays of affections are uncommon even for married couples.

This tradition may change because the young people are getting use to the modern day, but still it could take awhile. If you need proved, you can watch all the Chinese movies (how many times did Jet Lee kiss in a movie?) Maybe twice... maybe once... just kidding it is positively none.

Do you know sign language?

Chinese people do not use that much hand gestures and American do. If you come from America, do avoid using too much hand gestures. Because they stand so close, you may poke someone's eyes out. Believe me; it is not very hard to do. All you need to do is just point your finger.

When you are having a conversation and there is a conflict. The important things to remember is do not get upset or angry. The Chinese people may look down on you. Because to them, only the people in lower class or uneducated cannot control their emotion.

When you go to China or even in whole Asia, and you forget everything on this website, please, just remember one thing. Don't ever touch people head on any occasion and even on children. This gesture is very disrespectful.

Please, try to constrain yourself when you see a monk. I know it is very tempting. In Asia's culture, the head on the body is a sacred thing. Why? The simple explanation is that the head only use to think and honor your family, and nobody else can touch it except your parents.

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