Chinese trade etiquette: the seven rules of chopsticks

With more and more companies and investors flocking to China to try to fuel the decline in income at home, there is likely to be a big spike in business lunches. While these are generally informal affairs, business discussion is considered off the menu (so to speak) during social occasions, it is important to understand how to use chopsticks so as not to offend your Chinese partners. Here are seven simple rules to keep you on track.

Keep your chopsticks even

When you place your sticks next to your plate or bowl, there is a small stand designed to prevent them from rolling on the table. You need to make sure you place them evenly with no overlap at either end of this bracket. Why? Apparently because this reminds the Chinese of the shape of a coffin and nobody wants death on the table outside of an Agatha Christie novel.

Do not stick your index finger

The correct way to hold your chopsticks is to use your thumb and forefinger to secure them, and then place three fingers on the side to control them. If your index finger ends up sticking out, it reminds the locals scolding them and is considered very rude. As a bonus, it is also rude to point at someone with chopsticks.

Don’t hit them against the bowl

This is really rude; When beggars approach people on the street in China, they tap the begging bowl with their fingers to attract attention. The gesture is deeply offensive and a great way to ruin a fledgling relationship with your Chinese partners.

Don’t leave chopsticks stuck in dishes

Perhaps the most unforgivable moment of impoliteness is putting the sticks in the plate and leaving them standing, it is the equivalent of showing some the middle finger on the way home. Always place them next to the plate when you are not using them to eat.

Do not pass the rice with sticks to serve to stick together

Again, take the sticks out and slide them off the plate separately – it may seem like a huge time saver, but it reminds Chinese people that incense is burned at funerals and the whole taboo of death comes back into play.

Don’t cross streams

Side by side evenly is how you lay down your sticks, that’s what the little stand is for. If you cross them, you’re essentially stating that you think your dinner partner is wrong (whatever he’s currently talking about). It is similar to the little red cross left in school books and a bit of a painful subject for the locals.

Don’t let them fall to the ground

This is wrapped in the historical belief that Chinese ancestors live below us and if you drop your utensils to the ground, you will upset their spirits. If you drop them by accident, apologize immediately. Never do it on purpose.

While these are the general rules of conduct when dining in China, it is worth noting that some areas or families may have other important customs. It is better to pay attention to your host and follow his example to avoid an offense.