One: How to Use Chopsticks Correctly?

1. Basic Grip Steps

• Step 1: Fix the Bottom Chopstick
  Place the first chopstick (usually the thicker end) at the base of your thumb, stabilizing it using the root of your thumb, the first joint of your ring finger, and the tip of your middle finger.
• Step 2: Control the Top Chopstick
  Hold the second chopstick with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, similar to holding a pen. Control the opening and closing of the chopsticks by bending and stretching your index and middle fingers.
• Step 3: Practice Picking Up
  Start practicing with larger pieces of food (such as tofu or slices of meat), gradually moving on to smaller items (like peanuts). Keep your wrist relaxed and avoid applying excessive force.

2. Common Mistakes and Corrections

• Mistake 1: Crossing Chopsticks
  If the front ends of the chopsticks cross, it can make picking up food unstable. Adjust by keeping the two chopsticks parallel.
• Mistake 2: Incorrect Chopstick Position
  Leave about one-third of the length of the chopsticks exposed at the back, avoiding gripping them too far forward or backward.
• Mistake 3: Using Chopsticks to Stab Food
  For slippery foods (such as quail eggs), use the chopsticks to push the food to the edge of the bowl before picking it up, rather than directly stabbing it.

3. Auxiliary Practice Suggestions

• Use a rubber band to tie the ends of the chopsticks together to help stabilize the bottom chopstick.
• Before meals, practice by using chopsticks to pick up paper towels or cotton balls.

Two: Chinese Dining Etiquette Tips

1. Chopstick Usage Taboos

• Avoid Inserting Chopsticks Vertically into Rice: This resembles incense used in rituals and is considered unlucky.
• Avoid Tapping Bowls or Plates: This behavior is associated with beggars asking for food and may cause discomfort to others.
• Avoid Pointing with Chopsticks: Pointing at others with chopsticks is considered rude; instead, use your hand to indicate.
• Avoid Licking or Sucking Chopsticks: Making noise or cleaning food residue off chopsticks is considered impolite.

2. General Table Etiquette

• Seating Arrangement: At a round table, the position facing the door is the main seat (usually reserved for elders or VIPs), with the seat to the right being the next most honorable.
• Order of Eating: Wait for elders or the host to start eating before beginning yourself.
• Rotating Plate Rules: Rotate the lazy Susan clockwise slowly, pausing when someone is picking up food.
• Serving Etiquette:
• Avoid rummaging through dishes ("grave-digging style").
• Use communal chopsticks to serve others, especially important after the pandemic.
• Once picked up, food should not be returned to the shared plate.

3. Special Situations to Note

• Accepting Food Offered: If someone uses their personal chopsticks to serve you food, even if you don’t like it, accept it politely and place it on your side plate.
• Fish Head Direction: During banquets, the fish head often faces the guest of honor, who should take the first bite.
• Leftover Rice Handling: Leaving a small amount of rice in the bowl indicates that you are full, while finishing all the rice suggests you want more (depending on regional customs).

4. Practical Tips

• Backup Plan: Some restaurants offer knives and forks upon request.
• Restaurant Selection: In cities with more foreigners (such as Beijing and Shanghai), restaurants are more accustomed to serving international guests.
• Observation Learning: Follow local customs by observing what others around you do.