The gestures of different countries mean different things. Dangerous gestures in different countries

The meaning and meaning of gestures in different countries is an entertaining and useful science. Especially if you are not sitting at home, but travel a lot. After all, gestures are always more eloquent than words. And our "non-verbal behavior", that is, our movements, gestures, in a foreign country can put a traveler in an awkward position.

Indeed, the same expressive gesture in different nations can have completely different meanings. The gesture with which a Russian contritely demonstrates loss or failure, for a Croat, means a sign of success and pleasure.

If in Holland you turn your index finger at your temple, implying some kind of stupidity, then you will not be understood. There, this gesture means that someone said a very witty phrase. Talking about himself, the European points to the chest, and the Japanese to the nose. In some African countries, laughter is an indicator of amazement and even confusion, and not at all a manifestation of fun.

It rarely happens that we speak without accompanying the words with any action in which the hands invariably play the main role. Different gestures have different meanings in different countries. Italians and French are known for relying on their hands for everything when it comes to resolutely confirming words or giving a more casual conversation. The danger is that hand gestures are perceived differently depending on which country we are in.

So, in the United States, and in many other countries, the "zero" formed by the thumb and forefinger "says" that "everything is fine", "excellent" or just "OK". In Japan its traditional meaning is "money", in France it is "zero". In Portugal and some other countries, it will be perceived as indecent.

This gesture was popularized in America at the beginning of the 19th century, mainly by the press, which at that time began a campaign to reduce words and common phrases to their initial letters. Opinions vary as to what the abbreviation "OK" stands for.

Some people think that they meant “all correct”, but then, as a result of a spelling error, they turned into “Oll - Korrect”.

Others say it is the opposite of the word "knockout", which in English is designated by the letters OK. There is another theory that this abbreviation is from "all Kinderhoor", the birthplace of the American president who used these initials (OK) in as a slogan in the election campaign.

It is common knowledge that the British are very stingy with gestures. They try not to touch each other and carefully maintain their arm's length when speaking. Apparently, a wealthy colonial forced them to place the following warning on the avenues of airlines operating overseas flights: "Be careful - your gestures can put you in an ambiguous position."

If an Englishman can be let down by his restrained gestures, then what should we do? Hide it in your pockets from sin? But this, it turns out, can also create a problem: in Argentina, a police officer can point out indecent behavior to a person who shoves his trousers into his pockets!

In Germany, when speaking, the arm's length is too small. The German will retreat another half step. In Italy, on the other hand, an Italian will come half a step closer to you, and a Saudi will try to communicate in such a way as to breathe right in your face.

When a French, German or Italian thinks any idea is stupid, he emphatically knocks himself on the head, and if a German slaps his forehead with an open palm, then this is the equivalent of exclaiming: "You're crazy!" In addition, Germans, like Americans, French and Italians, have a habit of drawing a spiral at the head with their index finger, which means: "Crazy idea ..." Conversely, when an Englishman or a Spaniard knocks on the forehead, it is clear to everyone that he is satisfied. and not by anyone, but by yourself. Despite the fact that there is some self-irony in this gesture, he still praises himself for his quick wits: "This is the mind!" If a Dutchman, knocking himself on the forehead, pulls the index up, this means that he appreciated the mind of the interlocutor. But if he points to the side, it means that he has brains on one side.

Germans often raise their eyebrows as a sign of admiration for someone's idea. The same behavior in England would be seen as an expression of skepticism.

It is believed that the most expressive sign language among the French. When a Frenchman wants to say that something is the height of sophistication and sophistication, he, connecting the tips of three fingers, brings them to his lips and, raising his chin high, blows a kiss, and if the Frenchman rubs the base of his nose with his index finger, he warns “there is something unclean "," careful "," these people cannot be trusted. " This gesture is very close to the Italian tapping of the index finger on the nose, it doesn't matter whether it is to the right or to the left; it means "beware," "danger lies ahead," "they seem to be up to something." In Holland the same gesture has a different meaning - "I am drunk" or "you are drunk", and in England - "conspiracy and secrecy."

The movement of the fingers from side to side has many different meanings. In the United States, Italy, France and Finland, this can mean mild condemnation, a threat, or a call to heed what is being said. In Holland and France, such a gesture simply means a refusal. If it is necessary to accompany the reprimand with a gesture, then the index finger is led from side to side near the head.

A Greek, a Turk and a Bulgarian, saying "yes", shake their heads from side to side, which for most Europeans means "no". And the North American Indians accompany their speech with special flowing gestures that can enrich what is said with additional meaning or give words exactly the opposite meaning. Let's put it this way: an Indian with his hands tied will generally find it difficult to express his thoughts.

Americans count on their fingers, bending them away from their fists, but not bending them, as we do. But if in our country it is most often customary to bend the fingers, starting with the little finger, then the Japanese first bends the finger, and after five begins the reverse process.

In most Western civilizations, when the question of the role of the right and left hand arises, none of them is given preference (unless, of course, take into account the traditional handshake with the right hand). But be careful in the Middle East as in other Islamic countries such as Indonesia or Malaysia. You cannot give someone food, money or a gift with your left hand. There she is known as an unclean hand and is notorious.

Touching his finger to his eyelids, the Italian expresses his benevolence: "I see you are a nice guy." In Spain, this gesture means doubting the veracity of your words, but for a Frenchman it means “Yap, brother!” ...

If an Englishman intends to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers, folded together, which means "Well, I'll show you!". And in the USA, the same gesture will be perceived as "You and I are a good team" or "You and I will not spill water!"

A typical Italian gesture - a boat-shaped palm - means a question, a call for explanations. And a similar gesture in Mexico is an appeal to pay for information: "I won't tell you anything for free."

The "horns" formed from the index finger and the little finger serve the Italians to "ward off the evil eye." Try to gesticulate like that in front of a Frenchman - and he will think that they want to call him a cuckold.

The completely indecent gesture (the middle hands outstretched) became known thanks to cinema on almost all continents. But in France, our domestic "cookie" has the same meaning. And in Japan and Thailand it will be perceived as offering a full range of sexual services ...

This short list of fairly standard gestures shows how easy it is to inadvertently offend your business partners from a different national culture. If you can consciously predict the reaction of your interlocutors, observing their non-verbal language, then this will help you avoid many misunderstandings.

Often we get used to the meaning of gestures in our country and do not think about the fact that somewhere they can mean completely different, sometimes rather awkward or rude concepts. Gestures around the world - what is their meaning? Read to avoid embarrassing travel situations.

Gestures around the world - head nods

In most countries nodding your head from side to side is synonymous with “no”, but in countries like India, Bulgaria and Greece, this gesture signifies agreement with something.

Gestures around the world - stroking the head

In many countries, this is a completely familiar gesture in relation to, for example, a child, which means friendliness, affection and kindness to the interlocutor. However, in the culture of Buddhism, it is believed that the soul lives in the crown, therefore stroking the head is perceived as aggressiveness.

Gestures around the world - twirl your finger to your temple

In Russia, this gesture means that the interlocutor said something stupid. In France, twisting the finger at the temple is also synonymous with a weak mind. However, in Holland, on the contrary, it will be a compliment to high intelligence.

Gestures around the world - touch the earlobe

In many countries, this gesture does not mean anything special at all, but a Spaniard will perceive it as an insult, since in Spain, touching an earlobe at home means that there are gay people among the participants in the conversation.

Gestures around the world - "ok" gesture - a ring of thumb and forefinger

Americans use this gesture to mean “everything is fine”, “no problem”, while the Frenchman will understand it as something negative in relation to a person (“he is a complete zero”). In Brazil and some Asian countries, this gesture means anus, while the Japanese associate it with money.

Gestures around the world - thumb up

Hitchhikers use their thumbs up to stop passing vehicles. In European countries, this gesture means "everything is good", and the thumb down, on the contrary, symbolizes in a rather rude form that everything is bad. Such a gesture will be perceived as an insult in the countries of the Middle East.

Gestures around the world - show tongue

In Russian-speaking countries, children are taught never to show their tongue, but in Tibet it is a sign that a person is not plotting anything against you.

Gestures around the world - middle and index fingers together in a V shape

In Europe, if this gesture is made with the palm of your hand, then it is perceived in a positive sense, but if you make it with your palm towards you, it will be considered a terrible insult.

Gestures around the world - goat (often seen in rock lovers)

In Italy and Spain, it means that a man is cheated on by a husband or wife.

Gestures around the world - fingers crossed for luck

In Vietnam, it is synonymous with female genitalia.

Gestures around the world - fig

The Slavs defended themselves and others from evil spirits and failures with such a gesture, but in Japan and Thailand prostitutes use it. In Turkey, a fig is a rude message to where a person usually grows legs, and in Brazil - a wish for success and good luck.

"The main thing in human communication is understanding the meaning, which is often not in the text, that is, not in the meanings, but in the subtext. In human communication, we are used to this. The meaning is sought not only in words, but in actions, facial expressions, reservations, slips of the tongue, involuntary posture and gestures. "

V. Zinchenko

The demeanor of people of different nationalities is by no means the same. Not all types of communication are based on speech. Paralinguistic means of communication are often underestimated - gestures, facial expressions, eye movements, handshakes, voice level, etc. using verbal.

We always recognize a person who wants to address us - we recognize by his posture, which can be called the addressing pose, in the expression of "questioning" eyes, some hand movements. All these signals are given to us non-verbally (non-verbally), but we understand them well and we ourselves take the position of the listener - we slow down the movement, stop, if we were going somewhere, we have an expression of attention on our face, a willingness to accept a question or request from another. It is clear that direct contact communication is accomplished not only with the help of speech, but also with the help of non-verbal means of communication - gestures, facial expressions, voice, intonation modulations of speech, etc.

Going on a trip, we try to find out as much as possible about our destination. We look through weather reports, news about the political situation, take a phrasebook with us, but, even after preparing ourselves, we are confused when our gestures are misinterpreted. Many gestures are understood all over the world, but not all. Gestures are also culturally driven. The same gestures in different nations may have different meanings.

For example, in New Guinea, one points to an object with the eyes, not the hand. Tibetans show approval by sticking out their tongue. In Austria, stroking an imaginary head means that the news someone is reporting is out of date. The Austrian good luck wish is to punch a fist on an imaginary table.

The Germans, in order to wish good luck, put their finger in their palm or also hit on an imaginary table. Bulgarians, Albanians and Turks, saying “yes”, shake their heads from side to side, and saying “no” they nod.

In Greece and Sardinia, you should not use the “raised thumb” gesture on the road with a request for a lift: it will be perceived as a symbol of the fact that a person is full, “full of belly”.

In Spain, a raised thumb signifies support for the Basque separatist movement; pulling the lower eyelid with the index finger sends a warning to someone to be on the lookout; the same gesture is used in Italy. In Sicily, “ring” means “nothing”, a pinch of the cheek expresses “excellent”.

In Holland, stroking the cheek with your thumb and forefinger means someone is sick. Thumb-sucking means that someone is lying, or at least deluded; rubbing the bridge of the nose suggests someone is being overly stingy. In order to express the opinion that someone is behaving like crazy, the Dutch tap their forehead.

In Portugal, the fig serves as a security sign; when they touch the earlobe, they express approval. In Malta, “horns” are used as a protective sign.

Russians, when counting, bend their fingers into a fist, starting with the little finger. Americans and some Europeans do diametrically opposite things: they unbend their fingers clenched into a fist, starting with the thumb.

The meaning of the gesture called "Ring" - the connection of the thumb and forefinger, representing the letter "O" or otherwise meaning "okay" - in English-speaking countries is perceived unequivocally as an approving, positive gesture. At the same time, in France this is an expression of negative emotions, and in Brazil it is generally considered vulgar. In different cultures, it is interpreted in different ways - from admiration to a serious insult (they say, you are absolute zero). Another common gesture is the thumb sticking out. It can be applied in different ways. So among hitchhikers all over the world, it serves to stop passing transport, raising a hand in front of him, will mean "Everything is fine", pulling his hand up and showing his thumb over his shoulder, means an expression that is unacceptable for translation. So it is mainly used in Europe. In Muslim countries, this gesture is indecent, and in Saudi Arabia, having made rotational movements with your thumb up, you say "get out of here."

Often the non-verbal communicative manifestations of the inhabitants of the Middle East do not coincide with the norms we are accustomed to. The gesture, reminiscent of the "scraping" movement of the palm of the right hand away from the interlocutor at shoulder level, is often understood by Russians in the diametrically opposite sense - "go away, goodbye." Another common example of misunderstanding arises in connection with the fact that it is customary for the Arabs to stretch out their hand with the palm upward after a successful joke. The second participant in the conversation should hit it with his palm as a sign that he liked the joke. Not to do this is to offend the interlocutor. Some Arabic gestures have no equivalent in Russian verbal communication. These include gestures: “wait”, “slow down” (fingers folded into a pinch move along the body, from the shoulder, down), an interrogative gesture “what? why? what's the matter?" (rotational movement with the right hand at shoulder level, while the fingers are bent).

In many countries, including China and Japan, it is customary to first give a surname when meeting each other. In Japan, the name is practically not used, even in informal meetings, and the official bow is a necessary ritual when meeting. In Lapland, they rub their noses when greeting each other. The Europeans, saying goodbye, wave their hand, lifting it up and wiggling their fingers. The American will take this gesture as a “come here” call. Saying goodbye, Americans hold their palm horizontally, lifting it only slightly, as if patting someone on the head or shoulder. When saying goodbye, Russians usually wave their hand not back and forth, but from side to side, however, a Latin American would take this as a gesture of invitation. And the inhabitants of the Andaman Islands, goodbye, bring the palm of their acquaintance to their lips and gently blow on it.

There are some extravagant gestures, for example, in Tibet, a passer-by will show you his tongue - do not be upset. This will mean - “I am not plotting anything against you. Stay calm!". But following his example, being in Europe, is not worth it - it is not safe for the wallet, given the costs of a lawyer, and maybe health. In India, the thumbnail image of a snake's tongue means "You are a liar!" In order to express a sign of admiration, the people of Spain and Mexico will fold three fingers, press them to their lips and reproduce the sound of a kiss.

Once in Russia, foreigners are perplexed that Russian people smile little. Conversely, we are amazed that in Europe and America they smile at everyone, always and everywhere. In fact, the explanation is very simple: different cultures have different smiles, they carry different meanings. S. G. Ter-Minasova said very well about this: “In the Western world, and in the English-speaking world in particular, a smile is a tradition, a custom: to stretch your lips to the appropriate position to show that you have no aggressive intentions, you are not going to neither rob nor kill. This is a way of formally demonstrating to others that they belong to a given culture, to a given society. The method is very pleasant, especially for representatives of those cultures in which a smile is an expression of a natural, sincere disposition, sympathy, a good attitude, as in Russia ”.

In the Western world, a smile is at the same time a formal sign of culture, which has nothing to do with a sincere affection for the one you smile at, and, of course, a biological reaction to positive emotions, for Russians, only the latter. Interestingly, migrants who have lived in a different culture for a long time gradually adopt the distance inherent in this culture.

Gestures are also classified depending on whether they replace speech or only accompany it. Each of us feels that this gesture is solemn, and this cheeky, this is a friendly gesture, and this is official. That is why a gesture can say so much about the speaker, about his upbringing, culture, in particular - the culture of behavior. Gestures, as it is already clear, are also selective in relation to one or another addressee, in relation to the entire communication situation. There are different types of body language:

The French, Arabs, Africans, the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, South and Central America possess all the variety of gestures and facial expressions, almost never used and often misinterpreted or unperceived by representatives of other cultures.

The Finns and Japanese have kept non-verbal messages to a minimum. In these cultures, gesticulation, pronounced facial expressions and free expression of feelings such as fun, sadness, love, disappointment, and jubilation are avoided. A person from a more active culture will not be able to glean any information from the body movements of a Finn or a Japanese, although in their culture the Finns or Japanese are able to recognize it, because they behave in the same restrained manner. For their part, they perceive the demonstrative body language of emotional peoples as vulgar. The eyes are among the most expressive parts of the face.

In many cultures, the interlocutors look at each other all the time when they talk. This is especially noticeable in Spain, Greece, and Arab countries. Such close eye contact (Finns and Japanese would consider it a violation of decency) means influence on the interlocutor and emphasizes the position and significance of the speaker's message.

The Japanese avoid eye contact during most of their conversation by looking at the speaker's neck and at their shoes or knees when speaking.

In France and Spain, winking to express privacy is very common. Residents of these countries more often than northerners move their eyebrows to express surprise, disapproval, etc.

We would like to pay special attention to gestures in French communication culture. In the natural communication of native speakers of the French language, as well as in other languages, communicative non-verbal specialized actions of a person play a significant role. The book "The Truth About Gestures" by French psychologist François Suulger has a number of interesting findings. It turns out that when talking, people give words only 7% of importance, intonation - 38%, and facial expressions and gestures - 55%. Just one gesture can completely change the meaning of the spoken words. Below we give examples of gestures that accompany French people in everyday life:

Everyone knows that the French "speak" with their hands. Gesturing is the norm, and it gets more lively the deeper you go south.

The French are usually very close to each other. They smile only if there is something worthy of a smile, considering, for example, that the smiles of the same Americans are fake, and the Americans themselves are thus not credible.

To show that they like the food, the French can kiss their fingertips.

When they say someone is crazy, they put their index finger to their temples.

And as an expression of distrust - with the index finger pulls the skin under the eye, which will mean "I do not believe you."

French people can get bored very easily, so they have enough ways to demonstrate boredom.

They might, for example, run a hand across their forehead, tap their fingers on the cheek, look straight ahead, or wiggle their fingers near their lips in a manner reminiscent of playing an imaginary flute, all of which indicate that it is time for you to change the subject.

Never beckon anyone with your index finger. This is done with an open hand, the palm is turned up, and the fingers are looking at the person you want to call. To call the waiter, try to catch his eye and wave your hand slightly.

Cover your mouth with your hand when yawning. The same applies to using a toothpick: if necessary, turn away.

Use a handkerchief if you sneeze, and if you need to blow your nose in a public place, it is advisable to look away.

In France, it is not customary to point the finger. Show with an open hand. If you want to stop the car, this is also done with an open hand.

In addition to the body, it is also necessary to control the voice. French children are taught not to raise their voices, and talking loudly in public is considered bad form. Crisp and clear speech is appreciated, but not raising the voice or shouting. Therefore, if you are used to speaking loudly, try to follow your voice.

Thus, living among people, we are constantly "talking" with others by our way of life, habits, customs, rituals. Gesture and posture, facial expressions and facial expressions, intonation (significant phonation), the position of interlocutors in space relative to each other, the "language" of ubiquitous behavior - all this constitutes a vast area of non-verbal communication, such an "addition" to the language, which often expresses even more than itself language.

In everyday life, we do not notice how much we gesture. For us, this is just a habit, so we do not hesitate when showing something.

Once abroad, some of these habits can play a cruel joke on you. A harmless gesture can be indecent or even offensive to a person. Therefore, at first, until you become familiar with local customs, it is better to “keep your hands to yourself”.

Any communication begins with a greeting. Usually we just say hello, and it is common among men around the world to shake hands. However, in some parts of the world, traditions are still different, so be prepared for an unusual greeting if you find yourself in one of these states:

: You may be grabbed by the thumb.
Muslim countries: there is a tradition among the stronger sex to clasp each other around the waist.
France: possible kisses on the cheek from a complete stranger.
Lapland(part of Norway, Sweden and Finland): rub their noses when meeting.
Countries of Asia: A touch of the palm of your hand.

Thumb gestures

You probably remember that back in Ancient Rome, the results of gladiatorial battles were summed up with a thumb. Therefore, until now, lowered down, it means dissatisfaction with something, and raised up - approval.

If you throw your thumb up, it could mean that everything is fine, or that way you might even tell someone that they are great. But in some countries of the world this may be perceived differently:

Germany: the average German will perceive it simply as the number "one", such gestures are used when counting.
Greece: a raised thumb indicates a reluctance to continue the conversation further.
Uruguay, Iran: May be indecent as it indicates a desire to commit acts of a sexual nature.
USA: with a wave of the hand with such a gesture, they stop the taxi and catch a ride, and the approval is shown with an OK sign.

Index finger gestures

Nature itself has endowed us with the second finger in order to indicate something. For example, if you present it to your lips, you can silence the audience. To focus attention on something, you just need to raise it. But for Muslims, a raised index finger means that Allah is one, and he is in heaven.

The beckoning gesture with which we urge a person to approach is considered offensive in many Asian countries. In the Philippines, for example, they can even get arrested for this.

An equally interesting gesture is scrolling this finger at the temple. If in our country it makes it clear that you doubt the mental abilities of another person, then in other countries it may have a different meaning:

Holland: they will think that you are a gifted person and so point to your mind.
Italy: This is how the most eccentric people are distinguished.
Argentina: with this sign they can call you to the phone.
Peru: means being busy with mental activity.

Middle finger raised up

If it were not for American films, perhaps we would not even know about the meaning of this indecent gesture. However, middle finger marks have spread densely throughout the world. There is hardly a people for whom this gesture would mean something good. Most often, this is how an unpleasant conversation or an unresolved argument ends. In some countries it can be shown as a joke, while in others it is considered extremely offensive.

For example, in Germany for showing the middle finger, you can get a sickly fine.

As for Thailand and, there, such a gesture can be understood as the possibility of providing sexual services. So be careful.

An analogue of an indecent gesture is a hand bent at the elbow, with the palm of the other hand resting on the bend.

Two-finger gesture, or the V sign

If you ask what the raised two fingers mean, the index and middle, then the answers of different peoples of the world will be very different.

We use this symbol to represent the number 2. For the Germans, the gesture symbolizes victory, for the French, peace. But a Greek and a resident of Australia may be offended, because for them it means "get out."

"Shish" in different countries

The widespread use around the world has given this indecent gesture several names. For example, in our country it is also called "fig", "dulia", "fig" and is boldly considered an analogue of the American "f * ck", but not so offensive. This three-finger design is rightfully the best argument in the debate.

But, again, its meaning in different states may be perceived differently:

Japan, China, Korea: perceived as offering sexual services.
: is considered a threatening gesture.
Turkey: a manifestation of aggression.
Brazil: wish of good luck, protection from the evil eye.

Open palm gestures

It resembles a stop sign. If you see him on our road, it will really be a reason to stop. In other situations, it can mean the number 5. In many peoples it is used as an assurance of the truthfulness of their words, during an oath.

But, for example, in Greece, this gesture can seriously offend your interlocutor. The story begins since ancient times, when a person who committed a crime was marked on his face - this was done with a palm. Since then, this sign has been considered indecent by them.

"Yes" and "no" in different countries

In the standard sense, a nod of the head means "yes", and its movement in a horizontal plane to the sides means "no". However, there are peoples who stood out here as well:

Bulgaria: to say "yes", you need to tilt your head left and right when looking directly; to answer "no" - sharply throw your head back.
Greece: holding an arc by the nose, while the head goes to the side, and then slightly upwards - this is "yes"; throwing up the head with a characteristic smacking - "no".

In any case, being abroad, in an unusual environment for you, be careful, watch the reaction of others to your actions. Well, if you come for adventure, forget about it altogether, and enjoy the unexpected turns of fate.

Offensive gestures in different countries

Gesturing is the most important part of communication, but the peculiarity is that in different countries the same gestures can mean completely different things. Therefore, you can easily offend a person, even without knowing it.

So, 8 common gestures that can be misunderstood in different countries of the world.
1. Scratching your chin.

Scratching the chin from the bottom up with fingers gathered together is a rather rude gesture in France, Belgium and northern Italy. It's like showing your middle finger. The emphasis on the beard area in these countries is considered a manifestation of excessive aggression.

2. Raise your thumb

In the Middle East, in this way, they are sent to where the legs grow. Often children indulge in this gesture, for whom raising their thumb up is like sticking out their tongue.

3. Show "pis" (peace) or "victori" (victory)

In England and Australia, two fingers raised in the form of a V are perceived in only one form as a peace-loving sign - if at the same time the palm is turned away from itself. Otherwise, "pis" is an insult of equal strength to a raised middle finger. Churchill himself sinned with such a "wrong" gesture.

4. The sign "everything is okay"

Showing the “everything is okay” gesture when the tips of the thumb and forefinger are closed and the rest of the fingers are raised does not always mean that everything is in order. So, in Turkey and Venezuela, homosexuals are identified in this way, in France it means “not worth attention” or “complete zero”, and in Brazil it’s like scratching your chin in northern Italy.

5. Show "five" with outstretched fingers

In Greece, such a gesture with the palm turned away from oneself is considered offensive. It comes from the times when criminals were led through the streets, and onlookers threw all sorts of nasty things at them with their splayed fingers.

6. Show the "goat"

This gesture, shown to someone with his back in Spain or Italy, means that the spouse is giving him the horns, and the person himself is a complete failure. The "goat" in these countries has nothing in common with rock music.

7. Transfer things with one hand

In China and Japan, you need to transfer objects with two hands, be it a business card, a camera or something else. This is a sign of respect, openness and care.

8. Cross your fingers for luck

Indeed, the crossed index and middle fingers in Europe are a symbol of the wish for good luck. But not in Vietnam, where the gesture means female genitals.