Differences Between Chinese and American Body Language

Posted on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:10:01 Author : From :

Same Body Language in Chinese and American Cultures, but with Different Meaning

Meaning in China	Body Language	Meaning in U.S.
Anger, irritation, frustration, remorse	Stamping one’s foot	Impatience
Thank you; mutual positive feelings	Speaker or performer clapping at the same time audience applauds	Applauding oneself; improper, immodest
Curiosity, sometimes surprise	Staring, gaping	Considered impolite; makes people embarrassed, self- conscious
Disapproval, hissing	“Shoo”	Calling for silence
Seldom used; occasionally adults may pat head of children to show affection; patting the head of a teenager or adult would cause displeasure and can be insulting	Pat on head	Giving comfort, consolation or encouragement; also shows affection

Different Body Language, Same Meaning

Meaning	Body Language in China	Body Language in U.S.
“Come here” (beckoning some to come)	Hand extended toward person, open palm, palm down, with all fingers crooked in a beckoning motion	Hand extended toward person, closed hand, palm up, with forefinger only moving back and forth (in China, this same gesture would be considered offensive by many)
“Shame on you!” (semi-joking gesture)	Forefinger of one hand extended, tip touches one’s own face several times quickly; similar to scratching, but with the forefinger straight (usually with the remark “Shame on you!”)	Forefinger of each hand extended, palms down in front of one’s body; one forefinger makes several brushing movements over the back of the other forefinger
“I’m very full” (after a meal)	One or both hands open, lightly patting one’s own stomach	Hand raised to throat, fingers extended, palm down (often with the remark “I’m full up to here”)

Body Language and Meaning in One Culture, No Equivalent in Other Culture

Body Language	Meaning in U.S.
Chewing one’s fingernails	Emotional stress, worried, doesn’t know what to do
Thumbing one’s nose (one thumb on tip of own nose, fingers curled and moving together)	Defiance, contempt
Wagging one’s finger (forefinger of one hand raised, other fingers clasped, the raised forefinger is wagged from side to side)	Warning not to do something; indicating that what the other person is doing wrong
Thumb down (arm crooked in front of body, closed fist, thumb extended down, one or several downward movements)	Rejection of a proposal, idea, person; nonverbal way of saying a strong “No”
Winking (quick closing of one eye, generally with a smile and slight nod)	May show several feelings: understanding, approval, encouragement, trying to get across a message, solidarity

Body Language	Meaning in China
Touching or pointing to tip of one’s own nose with raised forefinger	“It’s me” “I’m the one” (To Westerners, the gesture would seem slightly funny)
Using an open hand to cover one’s mouth while speaking (generally used by older people)	To show confidentiality and secrecy; sometimes no meaning
Using both hands (when one would be enough) in offering something to a visitor or another person	Respect
(When one’s tea cup is being refilled by the host or hostess) putting one or both hands upright, palm open, beside the cup	“Thank you”
Upraised forefinger of each hand coming together in front of the body until the two touch	Boy and girl in love; a good match