Translation guide
A guide to actions considered rude or taboo when using chopsticks in Japan, with natural Japanese expressions to describe or warn against them.
Referring to the concept of things you shouldn't do with chopsticks
The most common term for chopstick taboos. Literally 'disliked chopsticks', it refers to a set of manners to avoid.
嫌い箸をしないように気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to do anything considered bad chopstick manners.
A more direct way to say 'chopstick taboos', using the loanword タブー.
Naming or describing individual prohibited actions
passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks · sticking chopsticks upright in rice · pointing with chopsticks
Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another. This resembles a funeral ritual and is strictly taboo.
拾い箸は絶対にしないでください。
Never pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.
Many chopstick taboos are named with the pattern [action] + 箸 (ばし). Learning a few common ones like 立て箸 and 拾い箸 will help you understand the concept and avoid embarrassment.
These taboos are taken seriously in formal settings. Even if you don't know all the names, avoiding actions like sticking chopsticks upright or passing food between chopsticks is essential.
日本には箸のタブーがいくつかあります。
There are several chopstick taboos in Japan.
A formal phrase meaning 'violation of chopstick manners'. Used in etiquette guides.
箸使いのマナー違反は、同席者に不快感を与えます。
Violations of chopstick manners make dining companions uncomfortable.
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is done at funerals and is very offensive at the table.
ご飯に箸を立てるのは立て箸といって、縁起が悪いです。
Sticking chopsticks upright in rice is called tate-bashi and is considered unlucky.
Pointing at someone or something with chopsticks. Considered rude, like pointing with a finger.
人を箸で指すのは指し箸というマナー違反です。
Pointing at people with chopsticks is a manners violation called sashi-bashi.
Waving chopsticks over dishes while deciding what to take. Seen as indecisive and greedy.
迷い箸は見ていてあまり気持ちのいいものではありません。
Waving your chopsticks around over the food isn't very pleasant to watch.
Digging through a dish with chopsticks to find something. Considered bad manners.
探り箸をすると、料理が台無しに見えます。
If you dig around with your chopsticks, the food looks ruined.
Letting liquid drip from the tips of chopsticks. The drips resemble tears, hence the name.
汁物を取るときは、涙箸にならないように注意しましょう。
When taking soup, be careful not to let liquid drip from your chopsticks.