The French: They like drinking very much, especially red wine and champagne. Cheese is an indispensable thing every day. It is usually eaten with or after meals, regardless of age. The biggest gathering every year is Christmas, when relatives gather together to eat turkey, seafood (mostly oysters are eaten raw), and various specialties. The main taboo is not to ask about other people's marriage and property status when talking, especially when talking to a woman, not to ask about the other person's age. Although French people, especially young people, like to use swear words very much, some people don't like it, especially when talking to their elders, they cannot use swear words or be disrespectful. When speaking, first address others with vous (you). If others agree, you can use tu (you). French people like to talk about politics, especially young and middle-aged people (but some very ignorant young people don't care about anything, so not 100% of French people like politics.). The French are relatively open-minded, and it is natural to interact with young and middle-aged people. They are not as restrictive as Japan and South Korea, but you must pay attention to politeness. In informal situations, you should generally shake hands when you first meet (if you are Chinese and are used to shaking hands, you should extend your hand first; if you are used to French habits, you can kiss the other person's cheek.). People you know well can kiss each other. Cheeks and hugs are what we Chinese call "cheek-to-cheek" kisses, usually on both cheeks. If a very good friend has not seen you for a long time, you can kiss on both cheeks twice, in the order of left, right, and left. In formal situations, such as when discussing business, it is common to shake hands.
1) Social etiquette
Compared with the British and Germans, the French are very different in how they treat others. The main characteristics are as follows:
First, he loves to socialize and is good at sociability. For the French, social interaction is an important part of life, and life without social activities is unimaginable.
Second, he is humorous and romantic by nature. They are mostly cheerful and enthusiastic in interpersonal interactions. He is good at eloquent speeches and loves to joke. He hates people who don't like to talk and finds it hard to accept those who have a sad face. Influenced by traditional culture, the French not only love adventure, but also like romantic experiences.
Third, they crave freedom and have poor discipline. The French are the most famous "liberals" in the world. "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is not only designated as the country's national motto by the French Constitution, but is also clearly written on the national emblem. Although they pay attention to the rule of law, they generally have poor discipline and do not like collective actions to deal with the French. Appointments must be agreed in advance and they must be on time, but they must also be prepared in advance for their possible late arrival.
Fourth, they have strong self-esteem and prefer “domestic products”. French fashion, food and art are well-known all over the world. Under this influence, the French have a strong sense of national self-esteem and national pride. In their view, everything in the world is the best in France. When talking with French people, if you can speak a few words in French, they will definitely make the other person more enthusiastic.
Fifth, chivalry and respect for women. The main etiquette adopted by the French in interpersonal communication includes handshakes, hugs and kisses.
(2) Clothing etiquette
The French are the most famous in the world for their emphasis on clothing. The so-called "Paris style" has the same meaning as fashion and fashion in the ears of the world.
On formal occasions: French people usually wear suits, skirts or dresses. The colors are mostly blue, gray or black, and the texture is mostly pure wool.
When attending a ceremony: generally wear a formal dress. Men mostly wear tuxedos with bow ties or black suits; women mostly wear dress-style monochrome dresses or small dresses.
When it comes to dressing up, the French believe that the most important thing is whether the matching is right. When choosing hairstyles, handbags, hats, shoes, watches, and glasses, great emphasis is placed on making them consistent with your outfit.
(3) Dining etiquette
As one of the world’s three major culinary kingdoms, the French are very particular about their diet. Among Western food, French food can be said to be the most exquisite.
The French love to eat pasta, and there are many types of bread; most of them love to eat cheese; in terms of meat, they love to eat beef, pork, chicken, caviar, foie gras, and do not eat fatty meat, pets, Offal other than liver, fish without scales and fish with bones.
The French are particularly good at drinking. They drink almost every meal, and they pay attention to pairing different types of wine with different dishes at the table. In addition to wine, the French also like to drink raw water and coffee.
When the French are dining, they are allowed to put their hands on the table, but they are not allowed to rest their elbows on the table. When they put down their knives and forks, they are accustomed to putting half of them on the plate and half of them on the table. On the dining table.
(4) Customs and taboos
The national flower of France is the iris. Chrysanthemums, peonies, roses, rhododendrons, daffodils, marigolds and paper flowers are generally not suitable to be given to French people at will.
The national bird of France is the rooster, which they believe is the direct embodiment of bravery and tenacity.
The national stone of France is the pearl.
Most French people like blue, white and red, and the colors they taboo are mainly yellow and dark green.
The taboo numbers for the French are "13" and "Friday".
In interpersonal interactions, the French attach great importance to gifts, but they also have their own special requirements. It is advisable to choose items with artistic taste and commemorative significance. It is not suitable to use knives, swords, scissors, tableware or items with obvious advertising logos. It is also inappropriate for a man to give perfume to a woman with whom he has a casual relationship. It is rude to accept a gift without unwrapping it in front of the giver.