Handshakes In some Asian countries, a hard handshake is considered rude. In Vietnam, you should only shake hands with someone who’s your equal in age or rank. In Thailand, instead of shaking hands, you’re more likely to bow with your hands together and up to your chest.
In this post
Which cultures shake hands?
In some cultures and countries, such as Brazil, France and Morocco, handshakes are usually accompanied by light kisses on the cheek, even in business situations. The handshake is an ancient process that dates back as far as the 5th century BC in ancient Greece.
Is shaking hands a cultural norm?
For many of us, handshakes are the only way we know to greet someone. It is taught and reinforced time and again. Handshakes, therefore, are a cultural norm and tradition. Their perfunctory nature for many North Americans is so ingrained that we rarely give it a second thought.
Is shaking hands rude in Japan?
Meeting and Greeting
A handshake is appropriate upon meeting. The Japanese handshake is limp and with little or no eye contact. Some Japanese bow and shake hands. The bow is a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese.
Why do Japanese not shake hands?
Where you come from it may be a sign of friendliness and a positive attitude but in Japan, it’s aggressive. When the Japanese shake hands they do it with a certain softness. This can be interpreted by foreigners as ‘weak’ and demonstrative of something being held back, or that things aren’t quite right.
Do Chinese shake hands?
Meeting and Greeting
Chinese may nod or bow instead of shaking hands, although shaking hands has become increasingly common. When introduced to a Chinese group, they may greet you with applause.
What does a handshake mean in different cultures?
A handshake should be firm and is often prolonged. In Namibia, thumbs are locked in the middle of the handshake. In Liberia, people slap hands and then execute a complex finger snap. In eastern and southern Africa, holding your right elbow with your left hand during the handshake is a sign of respect.
Do they shake hands in Europe?
EUROPEANS – While their handshake is the western style, eastern and western Europeans re-shake hands whenever they are apart for a period of time. For example, it is considered polite to shake hands when you leave for lunch and when you return.
Is shaking hands a Western culture?
Cultural Considerations
Though cultures have different forms of greeting used around the world, the handshake is by no means a strictly Western practice, experts say.
Is shaking hands appropriate in Latin America?
Men never greet with a kiss in Spanish-speaking countries. Shaking hands is not appropriate for a business setting in Latin America. Spaniards greet with one kiss on the right cheek.
What culture shakes with left hand?
8. SOUTH KOREA. As in China, the most senior person (either in age or status) should start the handshake, and the grip should be soft. Do NOT bury your free hand in your pocket, but feel free to grasp their right arm with your left hand as you shake.
Is it rude to hug in Japan?
Best not greet a Japanese person by kissing or hugging them (unless you know them extremely well). While Westerners often kiss on the cheek by way of greeting, the Japanese are far more comfortable bowing or shaking hands. In addition, public displays of affection are not good manners.
Is Left handshake disrespectful?
Shaking hands, pretty much anywhere
But it’s also out of the question virtually everywhere else in the world. In fact, colloquially across the United States, the term “left-handed handshake” is considered an insult and refers to insincere promises. Sources: Emily Post Etiquette: “Passing Food at the Table”
What is considered rude in Japan?
Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.
Is it rude to be early in Japan?
Be early
But in Japan, time is strictly observed to the point where it is normal and respectful to arrive at least 10 minutes early to any meeting. Besides being polite, this is also in consideration of potential delays or setbacks, as well as unexpected problems.
Is it polite to bow in Japan?
Unlike in western culture, bowing in Japan, known as ojigi, is an important etiquette that is learned from a young age. Depending on the situation, a bow can be a small nod of the head or a deep bend at the waist. A deep, long bow indicates respect, and a smaller nod is usually less formal.
Is eye contact rude in China?
Making eye contact in China is a sure-fire way to make enemies, not friends. The Chinese people view eye contact as a necessary tool, but not in the same way that other cultures do. In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. It is meant to challenge the other person and is a sign of disrespect.
How do they greet in Italy?
The common verbal greeting is “Ciao” (Hello). This is quite casual. People may also say “Buongiorno” (Good day) or “Buonasera” (Good evening) to be more formal. Address a person by their title and last name, and continue to do so until invited to move to a first-name basis.
What is the longest handshake ever?
33 hr 3 min
The longest handshake was 33 hr 3 min, and was achieved by Alastair Galpin and Don Purdon (both New Zealand) and Rohit Timilsina and Santosh Timilsina (both Nepal) in Times Square in New York, New York, USA, on 16 January 2011. 17 people like this. judging by the look on their faces, they never spoke again afterwards.
Where did the unspoken rule of shaking hands come from?
It’s become so ubiquitous that you may never have thought about why people shake hands. The history of the handshake dates back to the 5th century B.C. in Greece. It was a symbol of peace, showing that neither person was carrying a weapon.
How do Americans greet each other?
Firstly, Americans always say “Hi, how are you?” and generally don’t wait for an answer as they continue walking past someone. Meanwhile, the other person is responding, “Good, how are you?” while they continue walking, too.