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.
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.
There are several chopstick taboos in Japan.
A formal phrase meaning 'violation of chopstick manners'. Used in etiquette guides.
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.
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.
Violations of chopstick manners make dining companions uncomfortable.
Never pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is done at funerals and is very offensive at the table.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When taking soup, be careful not to let liquid drip from your chopsticks.