The general characteristics of Japanese social customs can be summarized in the following words:
Treat people with courtesy, smile and greet them with joy;
Greet each other, bow and salute, be humble and polite, and pay attention to rules;
Language civilization speaks politely, and the conversation is willing to whisper;
White and yellow are loved by people, while green and purple are taboo among the people.
Turtles and cranes live a long and auspicious life, while foxes and badgers are rejected by everyone.
There are the following characteristics in the details of life:
In social activities, the Japanese love to use self-deprecating language and are good at belittling themselves. "Please pay more attention", "Poor food, poor care" and so on are common pleasantries they use. They attach great importance to the beauty of clothes and appearance. In public, they usually wear formal clothes, especially suits. Their favorite clothes are kimonos. They have the custom of worshipping and worshipping "7", which is said to be related to the light, warmth and life brought to the world by the sun, moon, mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Japanese people have the habit of drinking tea, and generally like to drink warm tea. When pouring tea, their polite habit is to pour it to 80% full to show the most respect to the guests. When they drink, they like to pour wine between the host and the guest, and they are not used to pouring wine themselves, that is, after the host pours wine for them, the guest immediately pours wine from the bottle to the host. People think that pouring wine to each other in this way can show the equality and friendship between host and guest. Japanese people are not used to entertaining guests with cigarettes. When they smoke by themselves, they generally don't respect their guests. Because smoking is harmful to health, it can't be used to entertain close friends. Japanese people have a strong sense of hierarchy, and the boundaries between superiors and subordinates and between the older generation and the younger generation are clearly defined. Women generally respect men. They'd better give gifts in social activities, and pay attention to the benefits and colors of gifts. They often give small gifts to others; Generally speaking, yellow and white or red and white are the first choice in gifts for auspicious events, and black, white or gray are often used in gifts for unfortunate events. They have deep feelings for white and regard it as a pure color; The Japanese still love yellow, thinking that yellow is the color of sunshine, which gives people the joy and security of survival. They like animals such as turtles and cranes. People think that these animals give people the impression of good luck and longevity.
Sakura is the national flower of Japan, and I like its pure, elegant and noble charm. Love cherry blossoms bring people a beautiful spring; I like the generous character of Sakura without hesitation. They believe that cherry blossoms are the pride of the Japanese nation and a symbol of the hardworking, brave and intelligent Japanese people.
Five, etiquette etiquette
Japanese people usually bow when they meet. It is advisable for familiar people to bow to each other for two or three seconds when they meet; If you meet a good friend, you will bend over a little longer; When you meet people with higher social status and elders, you have to wait for the other person to look up, and sometimes even bow a few times. They also shake hands in social situations. There are also many manners and manners in rural Japan. When women bid farewell to relatives and friends, they usually kneel down (that is, kneel down); A man's farewell ceremony is a clogs-shaking ceremony. The etiquette of meeting people in Xiayi (Ainu people) in Japan is to put their hands together first, then slowly raise them to their foreheads, palms outward, the man patting his beard and the woman patting his upper lip, and then shake hands with each other.
General etiquette
Take off your shoes before you enter a Japanese house, but you don't have to take off your shoes in a western-style house.
Appellation and greetings
The usual meeting etiquette is to bow deeply without shaking hands. Get ready to exchange business cards.
Don't call me by my first name. Only family members and very close friends will use their first names.
When addressing the other party as "Mr XXX", add the word "three" after the surname.
Appointment and punctuality
Whether it is a business appointment or a social appointment, you should arrive on time.
Hospitality and gifts
Japanese businessmen often invite their business partners to banquets, which are almost always held in hotels or nightclubs in Japan. They are very abundant and often last for several hours.
It is rare to entertain guests in private homes. If you really go to a Japanese home, take off your hat and gloves as soon as you come in, and then take off your shoes. It is customary to bring a box of cakes or sweets to the hostess instead of flowers.
If the Japanese give you a gift, thank him, but don't accept it until he insists on giving it again and again. When you receive a gift, you should hold it with both hands.
Japanese people like to be given gifts. Gifts should be wrapped in soft-colored paper, without circular decorative knots. They especially like brandy and frozen steak. Pairs of gifts are considered as symbols of good luck, so buttons on shirt cuffs and matching pens and pencils are particularly popular. Don't give four pieces of anything, because the pronunciation of the word "four" in Japanese is the same as the word "death".
Talk to each other
The taboo topic is World War II.
Sixth, the taboo of faith.
Most Japanese believe in Shinto (Japan's inherent religion, that is, worshipping the ancestors of the emperor and the gods in the sky) and Mahayana Buddhism; There is a teaching of "no food in the afternoon". They don't like purple, and think purple is a sad tone; Most taboo green, think green is an ominous color. Japanese taboo "4" is mainly because the pronunciation of "4" and "death" is similar, which is very unlucky; They are especially afraid of "9" when giving gifts, and they will mistakenly think that you regard your host as a robber. It is also taboo for three people to "take a photo" together. They think it is an unfortunate omen to be caught between people on the left and right.
Japanese people have many taboos about sending flowers: no giving or decorating lotus flowers; Avoid camellia, cyclamen and pale yellow and white flowers when visiting patients. Because when camellia withers, the whole flower head falls to the ground, which is unlucky; Cyclamen flower is pronounced as "Xi Ku Lamian Noodles" in Japanese, and the pronunciation of "Xi" is similar to that of "death" in Japanese. Pale yellow and white flowers that the Japanese traditionally dislike. They are wary of chrysanthemums or things decorated with floral patterns, because it is a symbol of the royal family, and generally dare not and cannot accept such gifts or courtesy.
The Japanese hate things decorated with foxes and badgers. They think foxes are greedy and cunning, while badgers are cunning. They also hate cats with gold and silver eyes. I think it will be depressing to see such a cat. They are afraid of touching other people's bodies and think it is impolite. They dare not give them containers full of things to reuse; Avoid putting hot water into washing water; Taboo to cut nails at night; Avoid washing things to dry at night; Don't sleep or lie with your head facing north. Japanese people generally don't want to ask their friends what to buy, because it's impolite, and it's impolite for you to evaluate what your friends buy cheaply. Because the Japanese don't want each other to feel that their economic strength is low, they only buy cheap goods. Japanese people have many taboos when using chopsticks:
Avoid inserting chopsticks into rice, thinking that there is a sacrifice to the dead; Avoid licking chopsticks with your tongue, which is considered extremely unsightly; Avoid using chopsticks and eating with food in between, thinking that this should not be an appropriate move at the table; Don't use chopsticks to pick up food, which is considered a bad habit, and people think it is a lack of morality; Don't use chopsticks to move one dish without eating, and then move another dish, thinking that this picky behavior will make people laugh; Avoid putting chopsticks horizontally on the plate, thinking that it will remind people of unfortunate things; Avoid using chopsticks instead of toothpicks to pick teeth, thinking that it is unsanitary and will make people sick; Avoid twisting chopsticks and licking the rice grains stuck to them with your mouth, which is considered a bad habit and worthless; Avoid using chopsticks to find food upstream of the table, which is considered to be a sign of lack of education; Don't use the same pair of chopsticks to let everyone take turns to pick up food, because it will remind people of the scene of passing on the bone colonization of the deceased in the Buddhist cremation ceremony.
There are also many etiquette taboos in Japanese diet; When entertaining guests, it is forbidden to fill the rice too full, nor to fill it with a spoon and a bowl; It is enough to forbid guests to eat one bowl, and symbolically add a second bowl, because eating only one bowl is considered as a symbol of no chance; It is forbidden to tidy clothes or touch your hair during meals, because it is unsanitary and impolite.
Japanese people generally don't eat fat and pig offal; Some people don't eat mutton and duck.
Seven, eating habits
Japanese drinks have Japan's inherent "Japanese cuisine"; "China cuisine" from China; "Western food" from Europe and so on.
Japan's special geographical environment determines their unique eating habits. The biggest feature of "Japanese cuisine" is that seafood such as fish, shrimp and shellfish are used as cooking ingredients, whether hot, cold, raw or cooked. Their staple food is rice, and other major cereals are wheat, barley, millet, corn, buckwheat, glutinous rice, soybeans, adzuki beans and sweet potatoes. Some of these staple foods are made into steamed rice and some are made into cooked rice; Porridge, chowder porridge, fried rice, bean paste rice balls, brown seeds, etc. ; Others are made into rice flour dumplings, rice cakes, bread, scones, noodles, steamed bread and so on. They always like to eat red bean rice on their birthdays to show good luck. They like sauce and miso soup very much, because it contains a lot of protein and iron, and it is easy to digest, suitable for the old, the weak and the sick, and it is also one of the indispensable recipes for Japanese families.
Japanese eating habits have the following characteristics:
① Pay attention to the quality and accuracy of dishes and the nutritional value of dishes.
The taste is average, but I don't like it too salty, too sweet, too sour and slightly spicy.
3 staple food is used to rice as the staple food. I am interested in fried rice, red bean rice, assorted fried rice, eight-treasure rice, steamed stuffed bun, jiaozi, noodle soup and fried noodles.
④ Non-staple food loves to eat fish, especially sashimi; They like to eat beef, wild birds, eggs, shrimp, crabs, kelp and lean pork. I also like to eat seaweed, green vegetables, eggplant, cabbage, cucumber, radish, bamboo shoots, celery, tomatoes, spinach, bean sprouts, green peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, fresh mushrooms, fungus and tofu. Seasonings like seaweed, ginger, sugar, sesame, soy sauce and so on.
⑤ Cooking methods prefer cold dishes, fried dishes, fried dishes, steamed dishes, fried dishes and skewers.
Chinese food likes Beijing food, Shanghai food, Cantonese food and Sichuan food which is not too spicy in China.
⑦ The dishes on the menu are very popular, including cold jellyfish, mushroom crispy rice soup, stir-fried grass head, fried fish slices, winter melon cups, crab meat mushrooms, shredded fresh bamboo shoots, hibiscus chicken, fried pheasant slices, beef in oyster sauce, green bean shrimp, dry-roasted pomfret, soft fried chicken, Beijing roast duck and sweet and sour pork.
⑧ Shuijiu is very interested in Shaoxing wine and Maotai wine in China; Most people like to drink green tea, black tea and scented tea.
9 Fruits prefer cantaloupe, melon, watermelon, orange, apple, pear, grape, banana, pineapple, peach, apricot and strawberry. Dried fruits, such as walnuts, almonds and cashews.
French business customs
The French Republic, or France for short. It is advisable to wear a conservative suit when conducting business activities in France, and make an appointment when visiting public and private units. In France, etiquette requires you to list your identity on your business card. On the eve of visiting and attending dinner parties, guests always like to send flowers to their hosts. French businessmen are conservative and reserved, especially in small cities like Lyon or Bordeaux. You must be very formal. Don't forget to shake hands everywhere. Better shake hands more often. Don't ask about each other's family. The French are also very sensitive to "trade secrets". French cuisine is famous all over the world, and the French are very particular about eating. Dining is a great pleasure for the French. They usually prefer dinner to lunch talks. When it comes to hospitality, the host's intentions can be described as meticulous. For example, it is common sense that couples should be entertained when eating. If you are invited to the other person's home for dinner, you should ask the florist to send some flowers first. The French are very sensitive to the taste when eating, so whenever a guest praises the food, they will be very happy. Therefore, guests will definitely bring new ones after ordering the delicious dishes. There is a saying that the French "praise the chef's cooking skills", the British "pay attention to etiquette", the Germans "consider nutrition" and the Italians "eat happily". Indeed, this sentence shows the French character incisively and vividly. There is a French proverb: "You have to drink wine as soon as you take it out". The speed of making decisions in negotiations is very slow. In France, we should pay attention to business etiquette and customs. The French taboo "13". They don't live in 13 room, they don't go out on this day, they don't take 13 seats, and they are not allowed to eat with 13 people. The French love flowers and can't live without them, especially when visiting relatives and friends. When they are invited to a meeting, they always bring a bunch of beautiful flowers. People always send flowers to their hosts on the eve of visiting or attending a dinner party. Seeing chrysanthemums is a pleasure for China people, but it is different for French people. Remember not to send chrysanthemums, because in France (or other French-speaking areas), chrysanthemums represent sadness and are only sent at funerals. Other yellow flowers symbolize marital infidelity, so don't send them. In addition, chrysanthemums, peony flowers and paper flowers should also be avoided. In France, carnations are regarded as ominous flowers. If you buy a handful of carnations for the French, it will be strange to get angry. France is a country rich in flowers, and the French people regard Iris as the national flower (Europeans call Iris "Lily"). French people like roses. There are more than 7,000 kinds of roses. Roses represent love. In France, men send perfume to women, which is too affectionate and "suspected of having bad intentions". Don't send knives, swords, forks, cutlery and the like. If you send it, it means that the two sides will break off relations. Flowers are usually odd, but don't send unlucky "13". Luxury goods made in France, such as champagne, brandy, perfume, sugar chestnuts and so on, are also good gifts. In France, some artistic and aesthetic gifts, such as records, paintings or some books, such as biographies, histories, reviews and memoirs of celebrities, are very popular. French people generally don't give gifts to each other unless they have a good relationship. Fromage's consumption ranks first in the world. Former French President Charles de Gaulle said that "365 days a year, we have 365 kinds of cheese in France". There are at least 400 kinds of fromage, which is a world-famous cheese country. If you are a guest in a French family, the host will not only offer all kinds of wine to entertain the guests, but also offer all kinds of cheese for the guests to taste. French people are generally very particular about clothes, especially Parisians, who are famous for their beautiful and gorgeous clothes. French women are the most dressed women in the world. Their clothes are fashionable and they use a lot of cosmetics. Lipsticks are all kinds, and they are used differently in the morning, afternoon and evening. Therefore, France's high-end clothes, cosmetics and luxury goods are also world-famous. The French have always loved to drink. They like to drink wine, cider, brandy, whisky, gin and so on. Don't smoke unless there is an ashtray on the dining table. French people like to drink coffee not only when they eat, but also at ordinary times. They usually like to drink large cups of strong coffee. Therefore, especially along the spacious boulevards in Paris, lively outdoor cafes abound. French people are considered to have the following characteristics in trade negotiations: 1. Extremely firm position; 2. Insist on using French in negotiations; 3. Obviously prefer horizontal negotiation. In other words, they like to outline the agreement first, then reach an agreement in principle, and finally determine all aspects of the agreement. They all have Charles de Gaulle's superb ability to seek benefits with a firm "no". Business activities should be punctual, and only by learning a few French dialogues can you move freely. The French are hearty and enthusiastic, humorous, and like to talk, especially music and dance. Even if we are going to the battlefield tomorrow, we will attend the dance today. Have fun. There should be no commercial activities for two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter. July 15 to September 15 is a holiday for local people. Safe drinking water. According to the law, all undrinkable water is marked with the words "Eau Non-Portable". You can take 400 cigarettes or 100 cigarettes, or 500 grams of tobacco and 2 bottles of wine before entering the customs, and you can only take less than 5000 francs when you leave the country. There are no restrictions on people sending money overseas. If you declare first, you can take it out. France prohibits mailing contraceptives and supplies.
Korean business etiquette
South Korea is located in the south of the Korean Peninsula in Northeast Asia, covering an area of 98,900 square kilometers. The population is 42.3 million, and 35.3% of the residents believe in Buddhism. 1976 declared Buddha's birthday a national holiday. Korean is the official language. The monetary system won.
South Korea is a country of etiquette, especially when shaking hands with an elder, you should gently put your left hand on his right hand. "Yes" and "No" should be clearly expressed. On sunny days, the national flag is lowered at night, and people in the streets and offices stand together to sing the national anthem.
The pronunciation and pinyin of the word "four" in Korean are exactly the same as the word "death", which is considered unlucky. Therefore, there is no No.4 building in the building, no fourth floor in the hotel, no four tables for banquets, no four wards in the hospital, no four divisions in the army, no four dishes and four bowls for meals, and no four cups for drinking. There is a Li in North Korea, but you must never say "eighteen sons" Li. Because "eighteen sons" is similar to a lewd word in Korean, never say such words in front of women, otherwise it will be considered as deliberate insult.
According to Korean business etiquette, it is advisable to wear a conservative suit. Business activities and visits must be conducted in advance. Koreans are punctual when dealing with foreigners. It is best to hold business cards in English and Korean, which can be printed quickly in the local area. Business people are familiar with English, while old people are familiar with Chinese. Decisions are made at the highest level. Take off your shoes when you enter the host's house or restaurant. They attach great importance to reception in business contacts. Banquets are usually held in restaurants or bars, and their wives are rarely present. Banquets and receptions are very frequent. When the meal is served, all the dishes are served immediately. When visiting a Korean home, it is best to bring some flowers or small gifts and give them to the host with both hands. The host will not open the gift in front of the guests.
The taste is light, and I don't like greasy food, but I especially like spicy food. They usually eat roasted, steamed, fried, fried and soup dishes. Their favorite dishes are dry roasted mandarin fish, bean fish, scrambled eggs with shredded pork, fine shredded pork, dried mung bean sprouts, four steamed hotpot, fried shrimp balls, diced chicken with Chili, fried shredded beef and jiaozi with red fish. Spicy vegetables and soup are indispensable. Seoul's local products include wall decoration and Shenlai (Korean kimchi impregnation).
Koreans have regulations for the elderly, which must be strictly observed. They show respect for their elders in social interaction and daily life (at home) and dare not be lazy. For example, when you sit with your elders, you always keep a certain posture and never dare to take it lightly; If you want to smoke, you must first get the permission of your elders; Never move chopsticks in front of the elderly when eating; Children will never eat faster than their parents, nor will they leave their seats earlier than their parents. Koreans never speak ill of their elders, let alone criticize them behind their backs.
Some people are used to saluting once when they say a word, and they often salute 5-6 times before breaking up to show their goodwill. Men greet each other, bow and shake hands, either with their hands or with their right hands, and only nod once. Women don't usually shake hands with people.
Koreans don't laugh loudly at any meeting. A woman covers her mouth with her hand when she smiles. South Korea does not talk about women's liberation. Men walk in front of the door, and men in charming women take off their coats. Koreans attach great importance to daily etiquette. When several people are together, the number of seats should be arranged according to their status and age. People with high status, status and age are at the top of the table, while others sit sideways at the lower level. When men and women sit together, they must be men above and women below. When they want to smoke, they always ask the people at the table, "May I smoke?"
Koreans attach great importance to the impression of their trading partners. In business negotiations, if they can abide by their own way of life, their affection for you will be doubled. Don't eat while eating. They don't think they can make any noise when eating. If you don't observe this dining etiquette, it is very likely to cause people's disgust, so be careful.
Koreans are proud of their long-standing culture, so they have to take off their shoes when entering a residence or restaurant. When they get along with each other, they should talk less about local politics and more about Korean culture and art, such as 1 1 century gray-green ceramics,13rd century movable iron molds, and a complete set of original mahogany of the precious Tripitaka preserved in Daegu.
To travel to South Korea, it is best to choose February-June,11~ 65438+February, 65438+1October, because there are too many holidays, two weeks before and after Christmas are not suitable. Generally do not drink raw water (except restaurants). Drinking "Polly tea" (tea made of wheat) is better than drinking other drinks. Foreign tobacco and alcohol are the most popular gifts.
According to Korean regulations, passengers can carry 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars, or half-length tobacco) and 2 bottles of wine each time they enter the customs. Won is forbidden to be taken out of the country. Foreign currency is not limited, but the amount must be declared when entering the customs, and it can be taken out when leaving the customs. Taxi is the most convenient, but it is difficult to take it from night to midnight on rainy and snowy days 1 1. Taxis charge a tip of 10%, and hotels add a tip of 10% to the bill. Other services, a 200 ~ 300 yuan is enough. Buses extend in all directions, but it is difficult to buy tickets without knowing Korean.