Etiquette in Using Chopsticks

It is important to note that chopsticks are used in many different parts of the world, in many different cultures. While the principles of chopstick etiquette are similar in many of these places, the finer points may differ from region to region, and there is no single standard for the use of chopsticks. Generally, chopstick etiquette is similar to the general western etiquette regarding eating utensils.

Universal Etiquette

Chopsticks are not used to make noise, to draw attention, or to gesticulate. Playing with chopsticks is considered bad mannered and vulgar (just as playing with cutlery in a Western environment would be considered crass). Chopsticks are not used to move bowls or plates. Chopsticks are not used to toy with one's food or with dishes for sharing. Chopsticks are not used to pierce food, save in rare instances. Exceptions include tearing larger items apart such as vegetables and kimchi. In informal use, small, difficult-to-pick-up items such as cherry tomatoes or fish balls may be stabbed, but this use is frowned upon by traditionalists. Chopsticks should not be left standing vertically in a bowl of rice or other food. Any stick-like object pointing upward resembles the incense sticks that some Asians use as offerings to deceased family members; certain funeral rites designate offerings of food to the dead using standing chopsticks.

Chinese Mainland Etiquette

In Chinese culture, it is normal to hold the rice bowl—rice in China is rarely served on a plate—up to one's mouth and use chopsticks to push rice directly into the mouth. It is acceptable to transfer food to closely related people (e.g. grandparents, parents, spouses, children, or significant others) if they are having difficulty picking up the food. Also, it is a sign of respect to pass food to the elderly first before the meal starts.

It is poor etiquette to tap chopsticks on the edge of one's bowl, as beggars are believed to make this noise to attract attention. It is impolite to spear food with a chopstick, unless a food is difficult to handle, such as fish balls. It is considered poor etiquette to point rested chopsticks towards others seated at the table. Holding chopsticks incorrectly will reflect badly on your parents, who are responsible for teaching their children how to use them. Serving chopsticks (or “community-use chopsticks”) are used to move food from a serving dish to one's bowl for hygienic purposes, rather than eating directly from serving dishes. These chopsticks are to be returned to the dishes after one has served him- or herself, and are often a different color from individuals' chopsticks.

Hong Kong people’s Etiquette

The eldest (most respected) member of the family takes his/her chopsticks first. Chopsticks are not to be used backwards. Resting chopsticks at the top of the bowl mean "I've finished". Resting chopsticks on the chopstick stands means "I'd like to continue but am taking a break."

Taiwan people’s Etiquette

Food should not be transferred between chopsticks. Food in need of transportation should be placed onto the recipient's plate or on a new plate for collection. Using chopsticks like a knife and fork to cut soft foods into smaller portions for children is widely accepted. Chopsticks should not be rested on the table, but rather on a provided chopstick rest or lie across the rice bowl in a sideways fashion. Alternatively, they can be placed flat on the bowl when finished. Chopsticks should not be chewed on, or linger in one's mouth for too long.

Today, chopsticks serve many functions besides tableware. For example, you can buy a pair of exquisite chopsticks as a gift for your friends and relatives. In Chinese, 'chopsticks' reads 'Kuaizi,' which means to have sons soon, so a newly-married couple will be very happy to accept chopsticks as their wedding gift. Skillful craftsmen painted beautiful scenery on chopsticks to make them like fine artworks. Many people love to collect these beautiful chopsticks as their treasures.

It has been said that using chopsticks improves one’s memory, increases finger dexterity and can be useful in learning and improving skills such as Chinese character printing and brush painting. Many Asian superstitions revolve around chopsticks as well. For example, if you find an uneven pair of chopsticks at your table setting, it is believed that you will miss the next train, boat or plane you are trying to catch. Also, dropping your chopsticks is an omen of bad luck.