Developed throughout its 5000-year history, Chinese culture is one of the world's oldest and most splendid cultures. Now many people are learning Chinese, and Chinese culture is an important part for learners to understand and learn Chinese.
As we all know, Chinese food culture has a long history. And today I want to talk about something about Chinese chopsticks regarding to business.

As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.” But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The followings are five things you must know about the use of “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.”

Learn Chinese customs below:
No.1: Hold “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” with your “大拇指 (dàmǔzhǐ) thumb,” “中指 (zhōngzhǐ) middle finger,” “无名指 (wúmíngzhǐ) ring finger,” and “小拇指 (xiǎomǔzhǐ) little finger,” but be sure not to point your “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” at others. It is widely acknowledged in China that when someone is about to swear using dirty words, they tend to point their “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” at others. So if you let your “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” point to other guests at the table, it is perceived as being impolite.

No.2: Do not hold “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” in your mouth and suck them. It is regarded as lack of “涵养 (hányǎng) good behavior.” Besides, if you suck on the “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks,” you are very likely to make strange noises, which is often quite annoying.

No.3: Do not get what you want to eat with only one chopstick. It is well-recognized that both “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” are always used together. But when you use only one of them to get something really small, it is like sticking up your “中指 (zhōngzhǐ) middle finger” to someone in the western culture.

No.4: Do not put your “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” in the middle of a bowl of rice before eating. This is an action employed when you want to pay your respects to your ancestors who have passed away.

No.5: Do not use your “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” to hit the bowl or the plate, even when you feel bored. That’s what beggars do when they beg for food.

Very interesting, right? Are you interested in learning Chinese food culture? More materials about learning Chinese food eating customs in http://www.echineselearning.com/