Bowing protocol in China?

Question

There are a lot of Chinese people living nearby me now, so I am trying to make the effort to learn a few phrases, but I just wondered - upon meeting a Chinese person, is the bowing tradition the same in China as it is in Japan? Does one generally bow to strangers when saying e.g. excuse me? How does one be polite without being overly formal?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

No don't bow! You'll come off looking either ignorant or condescending. Chinese people shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, or meeting an acquaintance. For special occasions like festives, they take their left hand and make it into a fist, the right palm grabs the left fist, this is the Chinese greeting (you see it in old kungfu movies).

But for most casual situations, a hand shake is sufficient, and friendly. And most chinese people love it when you ask them questions about their culture, chinese culture is often misunderstood by foreigners, most chinese are hospitable people who would invite you over for tea and chat.

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Cheers dude :)

Answer 2

Chinese don't bow.

Answer 3

The only time Chinese people tend to bow is in very formal situations such as weddings or funerals. The bride and groom will bow towards their parents as a sign of respect and in appreciation for what the parents have done for them throughout their lives. Family members will bow towards the coffin/picture/shrine of a dead person in order to honor their memory.

People do not bow to each other on the street or upon meeting new people. They shake hands or nod to each other.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Japanese bow but Chinese don't...

Answer 5

Not usually. One of the main protocols, is not calling by first name, especially if older than you. Use "Mr./Mrs./Doctor/Professor/Chairman", etc. The younger generation, however, are becoming more comfortable with informality, as western influence is part of their modern lifestyle.

Answer 6

it is a sign of respect or greeting in japan and it is also followed by many Chinese

Answer 7

Bowing is not a Chinese etiquette.

Answer 8

No its not the same as in Japan. A student may bow slightly to a teacher to show respect, but never the same way as Japanese do where bow is very much pronounced.