There's also a rule I picked up from personal experience: If you're giving a home decoration or flowers as a gift, do NOT get something that's white, In China it's the colour they use at funerals. If you're not sure what colour to get, red is the best, it represents joy and good fortune in China.
Zheng Fu It is? Because I went to a friend's house to give her a white Poinsetta plant, and I had nothing white on my head, yet offering them the plant didn't seem to sit well with them because of the white colour.
Hanako Fairhall yes, white flower not a good choice, in general. Also, do not give Chrysanthemum flowers to people, that's for funeral or dead people as well. :)
It's true what you said about China and Japan having a volatile history, but a lot of the traditions and etiquettes you just mentioned in your video are also similar between both countries like never sticking your chopsticks straight up in the air and making sure to handle a business card with two hands.
about number 10. To be more precise, "give a clock as a gift" (送鐘) and "pay one's last respects" (送終) are homophone in Chinese. That's why it's a taboo to give people clocks.
The one about not comparing Japan/China is kind of funny... because pretty much everything on this list applies to Japan. Even the part about not comparing Japan and China.
It's not about just Japan and China, it's more about all of the Far East in general since Chinese culture has influenced the entire Far East for millennia
아담 Adam No... It really is more about Japan and China. Most Chinese Students I know don't get mad it you compare China and say South Korea... but they do get mad over Japan and China. (tt's because of world war II)
Ahh... Ya, It really depends. I mean even large parts of china don't have the same Customs as the Han Chinese. But ya all of them seep out a bit. For instance. Loas and Cambodia, are far more Thia then Chinese. But I get the jest of your statement.
I'm Chinese, and I think these are very precise and useful for westerners. The green hat thing lol, we Chinese sometimes find St. Patrick's Day funny...lmao
Also, if someone from China compliments you, don't respond with "thank you" or "xiexie" (谢谢）, "nali nali"（哪里哪里） is the standard reply. It gives the impression that you're are humble and that you don't think that you deserve the compliment.
thanks for the heads up. like I said my contacts kept bringing up not giving clocks, and I your explanation was better than theirs :) all the best to you!
Men, you really have a open mind and know how to respect locals when traveling. You respect them; they respect you. I think you're always welcomed in China.
Jmarco Cruz You are a vile and disgusting excuse for a human being. Shame on you for being part of the human race's problem when it would have been so easy to have been part of the solution.
it's bad to let others take off their shoes,i'm Chinese,i never go to people's house who make me take off shoes,maybe i think their slippers dirty.And in fact,many Chinese families have no this habit.
Also seems more like a hygiene thing. We usually take our shoes off in the netherlands as well. Though every household seems different in that respect.
Nice video @Simiao Kong. it is all corrected but the clock part. Also remember, when you at dinner/lucnh, try to pour water/tea/wine to people beside/around you first then pour your own, especially when you are the youngest :) great video
The shoes switch (no outdoor shoes worn indoors) can be a bit confusing. Many Chinese will tell you not to take off your outside shoes, but they really are pleased if you insist on taking off your shoes. This is a bit like the "fight to pay the bill" argument. You are expected to insist on taking off your shoes, even if they say "It doesn't matter".
thanks. I was just going with what I was informed by the people I surveyed on ways westerners may offend people in china. I spoke with banking and insurance executives from China, I spoke with professors as well as Chinese students and these were the one's that came up the most. thanks for the heads up! much appreciated!
I always want to declare something, especially when I see a lot of interesting comments. (1) It will be fun for anyone going to any countries to talk about the seperation of that country. No one in that country gonna be happy about that. Especially for China. China has existed as one completed whole part in more than 70% of its history. Anyone who goes or will go to China should think about this cultural and historical background. (2) As will as the government. Unlike Western people, vast majority of Chinese consider the government as a role of parents and protecter of China, instead of someone who people or citizens hired to manage the country. So in a common talk or conversation, Chinese people can freely say something bad about the goverment, but they will not like a foreigner talking about that. Whatever you say, good or bad, Chinese people will consider you are lack of manner and know nothing, unless you are really an expert on China who can say my above words. This is a signifiant cultural differnce that Westerners always cannot figure out. (3) The story of 绿帽子 or green hats is from Yuan (元）Dynasty. The emperor made a law that asked all of the men worked in brothels to wear green hats. After so many years, the information and meaning of that is distorted. And it has nowadays meaning.
the clock one was one my friends tried to explain to me but I guess it didn't quite translate so well. thanks for the heads up with the extra tips ;) all the best!
I hoping to make it to Japan one day. Its funny, my original reasoning for trying to learn languages and start thinking about it was when I was in grade school and I wanted to go to Japan. My parents could not find a Japanese teacher for me so it never really happened but I still remember 25 years ago thinking, I want to go to japan. so lets hope one day.
Hey Mark,, I am going to work in Beijing in 2016,, I am a South African so obviously scared out of my mind and I do not know what to expect,, but your videos have helped SO much and I feel a lot better now,, I also know these videos were posted some time ago, but stillThank you
lots of western tourists, not quite as safe as china (but still safer than Europe or usa), tons of temples, great beaches and nature. border guys want to make sure you have a ticket to leave the country. make sure you get out of Bangkok to see some really great stuff (Bangkok is cool but better to see more of the country)
I'm half Japanese and these are the things my grandma taught me. Even if there is a political and economic tension between these two countries, there is a deep cultural link and it's sad to see just the negative news. I have some chinese friends and most of them ( who are educated) are not so anti-japanese as said in western media. One day Marc, I hope to see your 5 things love and hate series about Japan as well.
giving a clock does not actually mean counting your days. It almost means attending your funeral. In Chinese, 送终(sending dead people to cemetery or something similar) = 送钟 (giving a clock) in term of pronunciation.
I am a chinese, everything you said are correct, just a bit friendly collection about giving clock as a gift is not mean counting that person to die because it is very fine and popular if you give a wristwatch as a gift to somebody. People do not giving a clock as a gift because "giving a clock " is the same sound as sending a person to the funeral in chinese,although the words are different, the sound are exactly the same. nice video keep it up bro:)
hmm, about the number 8, i should say it really depends on different people and different area. southern chinese tend to go dutch more than northern chinese.
Actually for the number 10, you can't give a clock to someone in China there is another meaning: " clock " in China pronounce " zhong ", and " to give " in China pronounce " song ", so if you give a clock, together they pronounce " song zhong ", ( this is also as same as another Chinese 2 words but in totally different writing, means to bury someone) this is the pinyin alphabet, which is the Chinese pronouncing and writing system.
What you said is true! And also we don't normally give shoes as gift, it means you are sending your friend off. Besides, chinese is not supposed to wear black during chinese new year, chinese doesn't like number 4 and etc etc....
Here Chinese people are enogh friendly to take this kind of small things. Just be yourself and be friendly and equally. point by finger is the behavier for figting, so never do it. And give man a green hat willnot offend but try to wear it on their head will do. Clock story is true, but people normally will not angry as you are foreigner and you don't know it. Chinese saying said, That is not a mistake as you don't know it. For the rest point, if you don't want to be a neighour of a Chinese people, you don't need to care about it. And if you are a very close friend of a Chinese people, you will know that.
A lot of this advice also applies to Japan as well! Interesting! Except comparing Japan and China and going Dutch when going out to eat (which is more common in Japan) Japanese don't mind if you compare, I've noticed.
+AtarashiiSekai22 Because east Asian is greatly influenced by ancient Chinese culture. Japanese character is actually Chinese character, which Japanese people learnt hundreds year ago
Josh Daws Doh, I got it backward since pants are underwear. (I even typed it wrong just now and had to fix it. I said "shorts are underwear"...brain broken.
I don't know what some of these disrespect people come here and leave not so bright comment for. If you looking for ways to offend Chinese, or any person for that matter, you already well equipped. You don't need to bother to show you are carelessness by putting down what this professor says, which is a very thoughtful person who actually cares what the other person says and how other person responds when he engage a conversation with other person in real life, not just in China. If you really don't cares what other people thinks, don't talk to them. By saying 'I don't cares what you think' actually tells this person what you think. If you don't care, why you are telling others that 'you don't care'? A person who don't care doesn't CARES, thus he doesn't responds. Or maybe you need affirmation or something, but polluting in a comment section doesn't get you anything. Look how many people are respond back to you.
Never met such question or a person would come up such question. I dont know thought. Maybe best way to find out is to try that on female around you, I am pretty sure they can let you know first before you waste money on the trip.
I was there teaching so I did not arrange the rooms. I did know when we traveled the hotels were a lot cheaper than the us or Europe, but you had to pay a huge deposit, like 2 or 3 times what you pay for your actual stay.
#13 When you go with a group to yum-cha (brunch) in a Chinese restaurant, anyone is allowed to place an order for a dish (dim sum). However, if no one helps him, he will have to finish that dish by himself at the end of the meal (waste not, want not)
When in Australia if you want dim sum make sure you say it clearly. Otherwise you might get Dim Sim which is something quite different! (Google it). "Yum Cha" ("drink tea") is Cantonese BTW. I have put this term to Mandarin speakers and they were puzzled.
Great video and so accurate. Thank you for sharing. It's nice to see some criticizing comments. What I want to say is: don't use a few example to judge the whole nation. Whoever says that Chinese people are all bad has some serious problems.
lol, “Send a clock” has same pronunciation as "bury someone"(parents or other seniority) in Chinese,But you always can send a watch to your lover as present.
So, do Chinese people have to learn anything about western culture in order to not offend westerners? Oh wait, we have to cringe and not offend while other people can ignore our standards and we have to be "sensitive".
just in case you don't understand English, this video is for westerners who go to China and do business in China, so they have to learn what Chinese rituals are. Same goes for Chinese being abroad. If you don't want to "cringe and not offend" other people, then stay in wherever you are and don't go abroad.
Maria Ye Ahh, I understand. So when Chinese people come to western countries we can ignore their culture and treat them any way we like with no regard for their traditions. Thanks for letting me know. The next Chinese person I see spitting in the street I will just punch them in the head. Thanks for that.
sounds like as if westerners don't spit on the street, which i actually have seen so many. are you going to punch them as well？ or are you so criticizing the Chinese simply because they are not one of your race or nation? don't portray yourself as a crusader or something, this video is simply telling you a few things you should watch out, but as other other commenters said, Chinese rarely accuse you for not knowing their traditions. if you don't want to learn more about other people's traditions, then simply disregard videos like this. you are simply a narrow-minded uneducated person without an international perspective.
Maria Ye I am extremely well educated and I have travelled all over the world. I have not been to China proper - only Hong Kong. I think the Chinese have bad manners. The Koreans and Japanese on the other hand have extremely good manners and I enjoy interacting with them. Don't worry about me visiting China. I have no intention of going there. Furthermore, I speak four languages apart from English, so up yours.
Maria Ye Speaking of critical, you need lessons on critical thinking. My race is irrelevant which shows you what a racist you are. Morals? What have morals got to do with manners? I am not talking about good and bad in countries. Chinese people have very bad manners - particularly the way they eat and as for the spitting thing, it's revolting. I don't have to look at that and won't. As for Thailand, you wont find me there either. I don't care if you're offended. Too bad. I am not anti-Asian at all. I like Japanese, Koreans, Singaporeans, Filipinos, so you can't accuse me of being racist. Once again, up yours.
you are a insightful observer, I watched many of your videos, ad finally, I have found one mistake: giving clock signifies death wish is due to the sound of "giving clock" is "song zhong" which sounds the same to other word that means "send one to the end of the life"
I would also like to add something as a follow-up to #11: if you're the guest in a person's home, and the host asks you if you want something to drink, the answer is ALWAYS "no." It doesn't matter if you just ran a marathon; if you say "yes," you are impolite because you're now troubling the host. Think of it this way: the host has already gone out of his/her way to prepare for your visit, and by asking them to do something for you, you're adding to the burden. Now, more than likely, the host will insist and will put a drink down in front of you. If that's the case, politely thank them and apologize for making them so busy. NEVER request something different unless there's a medical reason (i.e. you're allergic to what they served you).
r93 He asks to be polite. You would be polite by declining, not accepting, because by accepting, you're agreeing to allow him to service you, which burdens him.
ZhangtheGreat True, but if it's a burden on him or her, then why offer, he/she might say yes, maybe no. if it were i would not ask at all or ask at a later time.
r93 It's simply a polite question. You know how social norms are: there's a ton of "small talk" involved in order to come across as polite. This is another one of those.
ZhangtheGreat you're right. but if i ask, and you say yes, i don't mind doing it or getting it for a guest, especially if one of my lady friends is visiting.
It's so cool when you actually list all of those down instead of just tell one at a time. Just want to mention that sometimes, when you send gifts, a pair of shoes may not be a good idea because the pronuncation is same as "Xie" which stands for unfortun.
The number 11. I still don't understand that people walk into other peoples homes with their shoes on. Is this something Americans do? We don't do this in Scandinavia either. I would get pissed off if someone walked into my home with their shoes on.
I've from Australia and how I was brought up it's considered polite to ask the home owner if they want shoes off. If they say it's ok then you're ok to walk into their house with your shoes on. Usually I've only ever been asked for shoes off if the house is brand new, or it's been raining and the ground outside the house is all muddy. Otherwise most people here don't care about shoes on your feet :)
+Kalvjaevel Because some people like having their shoes on. Some people's feet get cold. Some people have foot issues. Some people have a hard time due to medical reasons removing their shoes. It's also so much easier to leave your shoes on so you can go in and out of the house. I sometimes go outside 20 times a day. It would be a hassle to take them off every time. I don't know what is on your floors. They may be clean to you, but I have been in homes and when I went to put my shoes on there was hair and lint on my socks. I have gotten foot fungus from walking where others are barefoot. Unless you have been walking in mud it isn't a big deal. Door mats help a lot. If you don't want shoes inside offer shoe covers for those that want to leave them on. It's simple. Sadly few do this and just want you to take them off with no regards for your personal comfort.
billybassman21 or better yet, respect other people's home rules when you're invited over there, or just don't go over there at all. Wear socks that can be washed in a washing machine if you're afraid of foot fungus. It's simple. Sadly though few do this and there are those that think the world revolves around them and don't respect other people's places.
Alicia Day Like I said shoe covers by the door would help. At the very least give a heads up before someone comes. People won't tell you it bothers them. They will just not come back and will talk about you behind you back, how crazy you are.
+Kalvjaevel Here in the U.S., it's considered rude to hassle somebody by asking them to remove their shoes. UNLESS they are a relative or close friend of yours and you ask politely and they AGREE to do so. But don't expect it. Feet are sort of a private body part.
The one-finger-come-here is not offensive, and most under 50 Chinese know of it from U.S. movies. Yes, they do wave at the ground to hail a cab, but they also know we wave at the sky, so it does not offend anyone.
10 I've found amusing at home when the free gift from life insurance companies is a clock! 11. I've seen many of your videos and this seems true across many parts of the world
woltersworld Thanks for good information`s :) I am married with a sweet chinese wife and she learn me about this thing but still funny watching your video =) Live long and prosper :)
woltersworld Thanks for good information`s :) I am married with a sweet chinese wife and she learn me about this thing but still funny watching your video =) Live long and prosper :)
Another one for business is if there is a business group of managers or executives traveling together from another country and one the top manager or executive knows how to speak Chinese, do not use him or her as a translator. It will reduce their status with some Chinese business people especially if they are Asian. If you look European, it will impress them. Better to hire a translator or use the other parties translator.
actually the one about not gifting a clock is to do with its pronunciation,, the same as the term used for showing respect to the deceased in a funeral (even though written differently)
Actually, here in America if someone asks you to go to dinner, the person who asks should pay here as well!.....at least that's the way we are taught in the South......the person doing the asking foots the bill....if they don't, they are considered rude. IMO, that is just having good manners.
lol that's interesting, how I've grown up is that if you have been invited out by someone else (this is NOT a date, just a catch up with friends or a business meeting) you should always offer to split the bill or pay your half, but if the person who invited you insists on paying then it's considered rude to keep offering to pay, you just say thanks and leave it at that lol
I always don't understand the gesture that President Obama pointing and smiling to "someone" when he walks to the speech table every time. To me, that is very rude gesture. Better use wave.
It depends on whom the gift goes. If you know very little about the person that you are going to give a gift with, try to give something that from your country, for example, IF you are let's just say a canadian, you can give a large pack or bottle of maple suger as a gift. What? you think that's to common and cheap for a gift? don't worry about it, it is exotic and the people you give will not feel bad about that they have to equally re-gift you something expansive in the future. :)
N°6 China and Japan are totally different : well many things you've mentioned here also exists in Japanese culture, like N°4 : do not stick the chopstick into the rice, N°5 it's not common to hug and kiss your friends, N°7 don't point the finger at sb, N°11 take off your shoes when you enter at sb's house. Less common in modern Japan,but still exists :N°2 the eldest person will eat the first. The only thing I've never heard in Japan is N°9 the green hat and N°10 the clock :)
GCVos - Mapmaking Maniac True, it is pretty common but not very flattering at all. It means, I'm to cheap to buy your meal so we will split the bill. How is that attributed to the Dutch?
Jesse Locke "Etymology One suggestion is that the phrase "going Dutch" originates from the concept of a Dutch door. Previously on farmhouses this consisted of two equal parts (Sullivan 2010) The Oxford English Dictionary connects "go Dutch" with "Dutch treat" and other phrases many of which have "an opprobrious or derisive application, largely due to the rivalry and enmity between the English and Dutch in the 17th century," the period of the Anglo-Dutch Wars. Another example is "Dutch courage".[1] The gambling term "dutching" may be related to "go Dutch", as it describes a system that shares stakes across a number of bets. It is commonly believed, however, that the Dutch reference here was in fact derived from a gangster, Dutch Schultz, who used this strategy to profit from racing." As you can see, there is no consensus on origins of the phrase. I have never associated the term with Dutch people. And even if it did refer to the Dutch, I see nothing wrong with paying for your own food. In most of the Western world, unless you say "my treat" or you're on a date, splitting the bill is pretty much expected. People say, "pardon my French" all the time and no one complains that it's offensive because it's not. And arguably, you could make a bigger case for that being an offensive phrase.
great video! me Chinese myself don't even know the clock thing actually. here in Shanghai plenty of our culture was replaced by some western stuff already, i don't think many of the points in the video would be very offensive to us, not in Shanghai at least. it's still definitely great to know these when going to traditional towns. please do not care about the green hat thing, it's so damn true lol but it's just a joke. feel free on customs.
There's also a rule I picked up from personal experience:
If you're giving a home decoration or flowers as a gift, do NOT get something that's white, In China it's the colour they use at funerals.
If you're not sure what colour to get, red is the best, it represents joy and good fortune in China.
Hanako Fairhall Cheers for the heads up!
White is OK, but never put it on your head, this is funeral in China
Zheng Fu It is? Because I went to a friend's house to give her a white Poinsetta plant, and I had nothing white on my head, yet offering them the plant didn't seem to sit well with them because of the white colour.
Hanako Fairhall yes, white flower not a good choice, in general. Also, do not give Chrysanthemum flowers to people, that's for funeral or dead people as well. :)
***** Ooh, I didn't know that...what about Carnations?
about the green hat thing, it is so damn true. you have no idea how hilarious saint patricks day is to chinese.
that just made me spit out my drink laughing :) sooooooooooooooooooooo good! I need to remember that one for next st patricks day! thank you!
It's true what you said about China and Japan having a volatile history, but a lot of the traditions and etiquettes you just mentioned in your video are also similar between both countries like never sticking your chopsticks straight up in the air and making sure to handle a business card with two hands.
about number 10. To be more precise, "give a clock as a gift" (送鐘) and "pay one's last respects" (送終) are homophone in Chinese. That's why it's a taboo to give people clocks.
Wei-Hsun Lin thank you!
How about wristwatches? Good or bad?
Jetta Driver Watches (表, biao) are good. Actually watches are great gifts for Chinese because luxury watches are well-recognized status symbols.
Even a Cartier or Tiffany clock?
muntaman007 any clock is no good.
The one about not comparing Japan/China is kind of funny... because pretty much everything on this list applies to Japan. Even the part about not comparing Japan and China.
It's not about just Japan and China, it's more about all of the Far East in general since Chinese culture has influenced the entire Far East for millennia
아담 Adam No... It really is more about Japan and China. Most Chinese Students I know don't get mad it you compare China and say South Korea... but they do get mad over Japan and China. (tt's because of world war II)
+WilliamM. Laowai by day. Yeah I didn't mean they hate the rest of Asia, I mean their customs come from a lot of Chinese ones just like Japan
+WilliamM. Laowai by day. Yeah I didn't mean they hate the rest of Asia, I mean their customs come from a lot of Chinese ones just like Japan
Ahh... Ya, It really depends. I mean even large parts of china don't have the same Customs as the Han Chinese. But ya all of them seep out a bit. For instance. Loas and Cambodia, are far more Thia then Chinese. But I get the jest of your statement.
This is great and you have a wonderful sense of humour. Thank you for sharing all this great info!
J Lew you are welcome and thanks for watching and commenting
Nice Tips
I'm Chinese, and I think these are very precise and useful for westerners.
The green hat thing lol, we Chinese sometimes find St. Patrick's Day funny...lmao
+Jade Yao 大西人不知道中国文话我饿罗斯人只我知道中文文话历史
UA-cam is blocked in China though
Or is it? XD
Roman Soiko 我法国 俄罗斯 中国混血😂😂
Lomachenko p4p yeah yeah time to go back to ferment your potato.
Also, if someone from China compliments you, don't respond with "thank you" or "xiexie" (谢谢）, "nali nali"（哪里哪里） is the standard reply. It gives the impression that you're are humble and that you don't think that you deserve the compliment.
you really know a lot about china, its awesome, i am a beijinger, hope you enjoy your life here!
Maki Wong we had a really good time in China.
woltersworld you don't take off your shoes before you enter others' homes? some customs seem very natural, I wonder how yours are different from ours.
易天叶 most people in the west would get anoyed if you jsut walked through the house in your shoes, i know i do!
Maki Wong how's is the pollution in Beijing china?
thanks for the heads up. like I said my contacts kept bringing up not giving clocks, and I your explanation was better than theirs :) all the best to you!
Men, you really have a open mind and know how to respect locals when traveling.
You respect them; they respect you. I think you're always welcomed in China.
Jinglei Cai Xie Xie. that was really nice of you. all the best on your travels!
Jmarco Cruz Have you been to there? If not, your disgusting sentences just show how stupid you are, and how rude you are.
Jmarco Cruz You are a vile and disgusting excuse for a human being. Shame on you for being part of the human race's problem when it would have been so easy to have been part of the solution.
Jinglei Cai CHINA AND JAPAN ARE THE SAME PEOPLE SAME FACES .CANT TELL THE DIFF
thanks! good to know. and thanks for watching and all the supportive comments! have a great weekend!
Agree with N0.11. I live in the US, and my American roommate always wearing shoes and walking inside the house, and I dislike it.
it's bad to let others take off their shoes,i'm Chinese,i never go to people's house who make me take off shoes,maybe i think their slippers dirty.And in fact,many Chinese families have no this habit.
He bad man. You give him smack on head next time.
Also seems more like a hygiene thing. We usually take our shoes off in the netherlands as well. Though every household seems different in that respect.
He ugly man. Throw his shoes in the garbage can while he sleepin.
if you don't like it, Hao, then move back to the shithole where you came from. You parasite...
Nice video @Simiao Kong. it is all corrected but the clock part. Also remember, when you at dinner/lucnh, try to pour water/tea/wine to people beside/around you first then pour your own, especially when you are the youngest :) great video
The shoes switch (no outdoor shoes worn indoors) can be a bit confusing. Many Chinese will tell you not to take off your outside shoes, but they really are pleased if you insist on taking off your shoes. This is a bit like the "fight to pay the bill" argument. You are expected to insist on taking off your shoes, even if they say "It doesn't matter".
Thank you once again for posting, Sir.
I took my first trip to China earlier this year.
He is spot on with all these points..... Great place to visit.
Can't wait to go back!!
thanks. I was just going with what I was informed by the people I surveyed on ways westerners may offend people in china. I spoke with banking and insurance executives from China, I spoke with professors as well as Chinese students and these were the one's that came up the most. thanks for the heads up! much appreciated!
I always want to declare something, especially when I see a lot of interesting comments.
(1) It will be fun for anyone going to any countries to talk about the seperation of that country. No one in that country gonna be happy about that. Especially for China. China has existed as one completed whole part in more than 70% of its history. Anyone who goes or will go to China should think about this cultural and historical background.
(2) As will as the government. Unlike Western people, vast majority of Chinese consider the government as a role of parents and protecter of China, instead of someone who people or citizens hired to manage the country. So in a common talk or conversation, Chinese people can freely say something bad about the goverment, but they will not like a foreigner talking about that. Whatever you say, good or bad, Chinese people will consider you are lack of manner and know nothing, unless you are really an expert on China who can say my above words. This is a signifiant cultural differnce that Westerners always cannot figure out.
(3) The story of 绿帽子 or green hats is from Yuan (元）Dynasty. The emperor made a law that asked all of the men worked in brothels to wear green hats. After so many years, the information and meaning of that is distorted. And it has nowadays meaning.
Your videos are so helpful. Thanks!
thank you! I am glad we can help out. great travels to you!
the clock one was one my friends tried to explain to me but I guess it didn't quite translate so well. thanks for the heads up with the extra tips ;) all the best!
thanks! I hope it helps on your next trip to china! all the best!
Very Helpful. I am looking at coming over next year to Beijing.
I hoping to make it to Japan one day. Its funny, my original reasoning for trying to learn languages and start thinking about it was when I was in grade school and I wanted to go to Japan. My parents could not find a Japanese teacher for me so it never really happened but I still remember 25 years ago thinking, I want to go to japan. so lets hope one day.
cool. I did not know that one. much appreciated!
Hey Mark,, I am going to work in Beijing in 2016,, I am a South African so obviously scared out of my mind and I do not know what to expect,, but your videos have helped SO much and I feel a lot better now,, I also know these videos were posted some time ago, but stillThank you
thanks for the explanation. it is kind of like how the number 4 and the word for death are similar right?
lots of western tourists, not quite as safe as china (but still safer than Europe or usa), tons of temples, great beaches and nature. border guys want to make sure you have a ticket to leave the country. make sure you get out of Bangkok to see some really great stuff (Bangkok is cool but better to see more of the country)
I'm half Japanese and these are the things my grandma taught me. Even if there is a political and economic tension between these two countries, there is a deep cultural link and it's sad to see just the negative news. I have some chinese friends and most of them ( who are educated) are not so anti-japanese as said in western media.
One day Marc, I hope to see your 5 things love and hate series about Japan as well.
Great tips, you are a great person! Hoping you have a great time in China , anytime.
giving a clock does not actually mean counting your days. It almost means attending your funeral. In Chinese, 送终(sending dead people to cemetery or something similar) = 送钟 (giving a clock) in term of pronunciation.
please write some more here in comments so we can help other people know more. I would really appreciate it.
we have a couple videos on Greece, Athens, Sparta and gythio.
cool. thanks for the heads up!
One thing is very important. Don't think that Chinese people are all the same. They all different from each other
Awesome videos , very helpful, now I wanna see all of them
cool. thanks for the info.
Wow these are so helpful! It's on my bucket list to go to China and whenever I get there.. I will definitely take these tips with me! Thanks :)
I enjoy your comments. I plan to go to Greece. Do you have any tips for Greece?
I am a chinese, everything you said are correct, just a bit friendly collection about giving clock as a gift is not mean counting that person to die because it is very fine and popular if you give a wristwatch as a gift to somebody. People do not giving a clock as a gift because "giving a clock " is the same sound as sending a person to the funeral in chinese,although the words are different, the sound are exactly the same. nice video keep it up bro:)
It took me way too long to realize you didn't mean Personal Digital Assistant.
hmm, about the number 8, i should say it really depends on different people and different area. southern chinese tend to go dutch more than northern chinese.
thanks for the heads up
Watching your videos on german travel makes me feel so confident for my two week tour of the german speaking countries.
Dear mr.walters:Thanksful for your kind information,you're awesome.
Very updated information! Much appreciated.
I know :) my two favorite towns are Gdansk and Krakow
Actually for the number 10, you can't give a clock to someone in China there is another meaning: " clock " in China pronounce " zhong ", and " to give " in China pronounce " song ", so if you give a clock, together they pronounce " song zhong ", ( this is also as same as another Chinese 2 words but in totally different writing, means to bury someone) this is the pinyin alphabet, which is the Chinese pronouncing and writing system.
I like number 6 best. Good job man!
What you said is true! And also we don't normally give shoes as gift, it means you are sending your friend off. Besides, chinese is not supposed to wear black during chinese new year, chinese doesn't like number 4 and etc etc....
didn't know the shoes thing. thanks
I offer 4 green hats at a business dinner. And I don't give a shit.
your videos are simply amazing!
I met some really nice people from Chengdu when we were traveling in Xi'an. Hope to make it there one day. All the best! Xiexie!
Thanks for sharing. I think their customs are very interesting.
Here Chinese people are enogh friendly to take this kind of small things. Just be yourself and be friendly and equally. point by finger is the behavier for figting, so never do it. And give man a green hat willnot offend but try to wear it on their head will do. Clock story is true, but people normally will not angry as you are foreigner and you don't know it. Chinese saying said, That is not a mistake as you don't know it. For the rest point, if you don't want to be a neighour of a Chinese people, you don't need to care about it. And if you are a very close friend of a Chinese people, you will know that.
Well said.
Pointing directly at someone's face is considered rude. Even in the US, that would be considered rude.
Very informative, i knew about the chopsticks, but the rest was new to me. Thanks for the info bud.
you will do fine. no worries! germans are great.
A lot of this advice also applies to Japan as well! Interesting! Except comparing Japan and China and going Dutch when going out to eat (which is more common in Japan)
Japanese don't mind if you compare, I've noticed.
AtarashiiSekai22 china, japan, korea actually have lots of culture in common, but we do have a very complicated history with each other. :)
+AtarashiiSekai22 Because east Asian is greatly influenced by ancient Chinese culture. Japanese character is actually Chinese character, which Japanese people learnt hundreds year ago
giving a people a clock in chinese is 送钟（songzhong）which sounds the same as going to your funeral(送终)
Also, very important, adults don't wear shorts. (meaning short pants, for you in the UK.)
good to know. where were you last year before I went :)
So you think British people won't understand shorts, but will understand short pants? *facepalm*
Josh Daws
Doh, I got it backward since pants are underwear. (I even typed it wrong just now and had to fix it. I said "shorts are underwear"...brain broken.
I don't know what some of these disrespect people come here and leave not so bright comment for. If you looking for ways to offend Chinese, or any person for that matter, you already well equipped. You don't need to bother to show you are carelessness by putting down what this professor says, which is a very thoughtful person who actually cares what the other person says and how other person responds when he engage a conversation with other person in real life, not just in China. If you really don't cares what other people thinks, don't talk to them. By saying 'I don't cares what you think' actually tells this person what you think. If you don't care, why you are telling others that 'you don't care'? A person who don't care doesn't CARES, thus he doesn't responds.
Or maybe you need affirmation or something, but polluting in a comment section doesn't get you anything. Look how many people are respond back to you.
Never met such question or a person would come up such question. I dont know thought. Maybe best way to find out is to try that on female around you, I am pretty sure they can let you know first before you waste money on the trip.
Yep. NO SHOES IN THE HOUSE! I’ve heard that way too much.
did you go there on your own or join a tour? What's the costs of hotel and food?
I was there teaching so I did not arrange the rooms. I did know when we traveled the hotels were a lot cheaper than the us or Europe, but you had to pay a huge deposit, like 2 or 3 times what you pay for your actual stay.
Taiwan President just received a clock as gift from US...
Good stuff, learned something !
Chinese are very forgiving if there is no way you can be mistaken for being one. They will cut you a lot of slack.
#12, When in Tienanmen Square, never remind people that the constant whirling sound, is Mao spinning in his grave.
#13 When you go with a group to yum-cha (brunch) in a Chinese restaurant, anyone is allowed to place an order for a dish (dim sum). However, if no one helps him, he will have to finish that dish by himself at the end of the meal (waste not, want not)
When in Australia if you want dim sum make sure you say it clearly. Otherwise you might get Dim Sim which is something quite different! (Google it).
"Yum Cha" ("drink tea") is Cantonese BTW. I have put this term to Mandarin speakers and they were puzzled.
Great video and so accurate. Thank you for sharing. It's nice to see some criticizing comments. What I want to say is: don't use a few example to judge the whole nation. Whoever says that Chinese people are all bad has some serious problems.
Thank you very much. Very useful information
lol, “Send a clock” has same pronunciation as "bury someone"(parents or other seniority) in Chinese,But you always can send a watch to your lover as present.
Useful tips, thanks .
Thanks for this video! We can learn some important thing, thanking to you. :)
Really useful info here, thanks!
So, do Chinese people have to learn anything about western culture in order to not offend westerners? Oh wait, we have to cringe and not offend while other people can ignore our standards and we have to be "sensitive".
just in case you don't understand English, this video is for westerners who go to China and do business in China, so they have to learn what Chinese rituals are. Same goes for Chinese being abroad. If you don't want to "cringe and not offend" other people, then stay in wherever you are and don't go abroad.
Maria Ye
Ahh, I understand. So when Chinese people come to western countries we can ignore their culture and treat them any way we like with no regard for their traditions. Thanks for letting me know. The next Chinese person I see spitting in the street I will just punch them in the head. Thanks for that.
sounds like as if westerners don't spit on the street, which i actually have seen so many. are you going to punch them as well？ or are you so criticizing the Chinese simply because they are not one of your race or nation? don't portray yourself as a crusader or something, this video is simply telling you a few things you should watch out, but as other other commenters said, Chinese rarely accuse you for not knowing their traditions. if you don't want to learn more about other people's traditions, then simply disregard videos like this. you are simply a narrow-minded uneducated person without an international perspective.
Maria Ye
I am extremely well educated and I have travelled all over the world. I have not been to China proper - only Hong Kong. I think the Chinese have bad manners. The Koreans and Japanese on the other hand have extremely good manners and I enjoy interacting with them. Don't worry about me visiting China. I have no intention of going there. Furthermore, I speak four languages apart from English, so up yours.
Maria Ye Speaking of critical, you need lessons on critical thinking. My race is irrelevant which shows you what a racist you are. Morals? What have morals got to do with manners? I am not talking about good and bad in countries. Chinese people have very bad manners - particularly the way they eat and as for the spitting thing, it's revolting. I don't have to look at that and won't. As for Thailand, you wont find me there either. I don't care if you're offended. Too bad. I am not anti-Asian at all. I like Japanese, Koreans, Singaporeans, Filipinos, so you can't accuse me of being racist. Once again, up yours.
people don't send clocks because in Chinese "to send clock" means attending your funeral.
Exactly!
not the meanning, just because of the pronunciation sounds like.
我送你一个钟，要不要？吹毛求疵！
Walter II 不要，谢谢。留着给你自己吧！
you are a insightful observer, I watched many of your videos, ad finally, I have found one mistake: giving clock signifies death wish is due to the sound of "giving clock" is "song zhong" which sounds the same to other word that means "send one to the end of the life"
wolter what do you do ????? because i love traveling and want to do as much as possible
Completely true!! You such a professor on Chinese Culture
I like your videos, I'm going back to China and I was wondering, a nice watch doesn't work either, yes ?
Mélanie Larrivée i am sure if it is for a friend they won't say no ;)
No. Clock in Chinese pronunciation sounds like " end" = death. But watch does not have this problem: )
you have lovely name
Have you been to S.Korea? Or Japan? I can't seem to find any videos of them if you have.
I know it’s been forever, but they have been to Japan.
I would also like to add something as a follow-up to #11: if you're the guest in a person's home, and the host asks you if you want something to drink, the answer is ALWAYS "no." It doesn't matter if you just ran a marathon; if you say "yes," you are impolite because you're now troubling the host. Think of it this way: the host has already gone out of his/her way to prepare for your visit, and by asking them to do something for you, you're adding to the burden.
Now, more than likely, the host will insist and will put a drink down in front of you. If that's the case, politely thank them and apologize for making them so busy. NEVER request something different unless there's a medical reason (i.e. you're allergic to what they served you).
He or she should not ask then.
r93 He asks to be polite. You would be polite by declining, not accepting, because by accepting, you're agreeing to allow him to service you, which burdens him.
ZhangtheGreat
True, but if it's a burden on him or her, then why offer, he/she might say yes, maybe no. if it were i would not ask at all or ask at a later time.
r93 It's simply a polite question. You know how social norms are: there's a ton of "small talk" involved in order to come across as polite. This is another one of those.
ZhangtheGreat
you're right. but if i ask, and you say yes, i don't mind doing it or getting it for a guest, especially if one of my lady friends is visiting.
Another reminder similar to gifting clocks: do not gift shoes, shoe has same pronunciation as evil spirit (邪/xie).
It's so cool when you actually list all of those down instead of just tell one at a time. Just want to mention that sometimes, when you send gifts, a pair of shoes may not be a good idea because the pronuncation is same as "Xie" which stands for unfortun.
#2 and #8 are very true in Italy as well :) it's the exact opposite for #1 and number #11.
The number 11. I still don't understand that people walk into other peoples homes with their shoes on. Is this something Americans do? We don't do this in Scandinavia either. I would get pissed off if someone walked into my home with their shoes on.
I've from Australia and how I was brought up it's considered polite to ask the home owner if they want shoes off. If they say it's ok then you're ok to walk into their house with your shoes on. Usually I've only ever been asked for shoes off if the house is brand new, or it's been raining and the ground outside the house is all muddy. Otherwise most people here don't care about shoes on your feet :)
+Kalvjaevel Because some people like having their shoes on. Some people's feet get cold. Some people have foot issues. Some people have a hard time due to medical reasons removing their shoes. It's also so much easier to leave your shoes on so you can go in and out of the house. I sometimes go outside 20 times a day. It would be a
hassle to take them off every time. I don't know what is on your floors. They may be clean to you, but I have been in homes and when I went to put my shoes on there was hair and lint on my socks. I have gotten foot fungus from walking where others are barefoot. Unless you have been walking in mud it isn't a big deal. Door mats help a lot.
If you don't want shoes inside offer shoe covers for those that want to leave them on. It's simple. Sadly few do this and just want you to take them off with no regards for your personal comfort.
billybassman21
or better yet, respect other people's home rules when you're invited over there, or just don't go over there at all. Wear socks that can be washed in a washing machine if you're afraid of foot fungus. It's simple. Sadly though few do this and there are those that think the world revolves around them and don't respect other people's places.
Alicia Day
Like I said shoe covers by the door would help. At the very least give a heads up before someone comes. People won't tell you it bothers them. They will just not come back and will talk about you behind you back, how crazy you are.
+Kalvjaevel Here in the U.S., it's considered rude to hassle somebody by asking them to remove their shoes. UNLESS they are a relative or close friend of yours and you ask politely and they AGREE to do so. But don't expect it.
Feet are sort of a private body part.
As for the clocks, we have pretty much the same idea in Ukraine, nobody gives it as a present.
it's funny how all of these equally apply to japan (maybe besides the symbolism of green hats and clocks)
Excellent advises! Tks for vid.
thanks! glad you liked it!
#10 is also prevalent in the southern USA
The one-finger-come-here is not offensive, and most under 50 Chinese know of it from U.S. movies. Yes, they do wave at the ground to hail a cab, but they also know we wave at the sky, so it does not offend anyone.
A lot of these things are similar in the southern U.S. in regards to politeness and deference to elders.
10 I've found amusing at home when the free gift from life insurance companies is a clock!
11. I've seen many of your videos and this seems true across many parts of the world
I really like your video. Thank you.
Heidi Schlenz thanks Heidi!
woltersworld Thanks for good information`s :) I am married with a sweet chinese wife and she learn me about this thing but still funny watching your video =) Live long and prosper :)
woltersworld Thanks for good information`s :) I am married with a sweet chinese wife and she learn me about this thing but still funny watching your video =) Live long and prosper :)
Another one for business is if there is a business group of managers or executives traveling together from another country and one the top manager or executive knows how to speak Chinese, do not use him or her as a translator. It will reduce their status with some Chinese business people especially if they are Asian. If you look European, it will impress them. Better to hire a translator or use the other parties translator.
When you click at table , your glass is lower than the other people , that meaning you are respecting him/her
actually the one about not gifting a clock is to do with its pronunciation,, the same as the term used for showing respect to the deceased in a funeral (even though written differently)
Actually, here in America if someone asks you to go to dinner, the person who asks should pay here as well!.....at least that's the way we are taught in the South......the person doing the asking foots the bill....if they don't, they are considered rude. IMO, that is just having good manners.
lol that's interesting, how I've grown up is that if you have been invited out by someone else (this is NOT a date, just a catch up with friends or a business meeting) you should always offer to split the bill or pay your half, but if the person who invited you insists on paying then it's considered rude to keep offering to pay, you just say thanks and leave it at that lol
this is logical, if the invited one had to pay, i would invite everyone everyday!
This vlogger is awesome!
Pointing is rude in Western culture as well. Hugs and kisses vary in the West: France Italy, they do it a lot. UK, USA, Scandinavia, not so much.
I always don't understand the gesture that President Obama pointing and smiling to "someone" when he walks to the speech table every time. To me, that is very rude gesture. Better use wave.
So what is a recommendation for gifts? this is really helpful lol
It depends on whom the gift goes. If you know very little about the person that you are going to give a gift with, try to give something that from your country, for example, IF you are let's just say a canadian, you can give a large pack or bottle of maple suger as a gift. What? you think that's to common and cheap for a gift? don't worry about it, it is exotic and the people you give will not feel bad about that they have to equally re-gift you something expansive in the future. :)
N°6 China and Japan are totally different : well many things you've mentioned here also exists in Japanese culture, like N°4 : do not stick the chopstick into the rice, N°5 it's not common to hug and kiss your friends, N°7 don't point the finger at sb, N°11 take off your shoes when you enter at sb's house.
Less common in modern Japan,but still exists :N°2 the eldest person will eat the first.
The only thing I've never heard in Japan is N°9 the green hat and N°10 the clock :)
Rule number 12 - Don't offend the Dutch while explaining how not to offend the Chinese.
3:31 "You don't go Dutch in China."
**facepalm**
You Dutch people just being too sensitive
Lol I highly doubt anybody from the netherlands would be offended by that. 'Go Dutch' is a pretty common saying tbh.
GCVos - Mapmaking Maniac True, it is pretty common but not very flattering at all.
It means, I'm to cheap to buy your meal so we will split the bill.
How is that attributed to the Dutch?
Jesse Locke "Etymology
One suggestion is that the phrase "going Dutch" originates from the concept of a Dutch door. Previously on farmhouses this consisted of two equal parts (Sullivan 2010)
The Oxford English Dictionary connects "go Dutch" with "Dutch treat" and other phrases many of which have "an opprobrious or derisive application, largely due to the rivalry and enmity between the English and Dutch in the 17th century," the period of the Anglo-Dutch Wars. Another example is "Dutch courage".[1]
The gambling term "dutching" may be related to "go Dutch", as it describes a system that shares stakes across a number of bets. It is commonly believed, however, that the Dutch reference here was in fact derived from a gangster, Dutch Schultz, who used this strategy to profit from racing."
As you can see, there is no consensus on origins of the phrase. I have never associated the term with Dutch people. And even if it did refer to the Dutch, I see nothing wrong with paying for your own food. In most of the Western world, unless you say "my treat" or you're on a date, splitting the bill is pretty much expected. People say, "pardon my French" all the time and no one complains that it's offensive because it's not. And arguably, you could make a bigger case for that being an offensive phrase.
great video! me Chinese myself don't even know the clock thing actually. here in Shanghai plenty of our culture was replaced by some western stuff already, i don't think many of the points in the video would be very offensive to us, not in Shanghai at least. it's still definitely great to know these when going to traditional towns.
please do not care about the green hat thing, it's so damn true lol but it's just a joke. feel free on customs.