That’s because in Japan, giving the thumbs-down is very similar to giving the middle finger in the U.S. – it means something like “go to hell.” Very odd considering they use the thumbs-up sign no problem, but hey, it’s hardly the first time Japan has confused the crap out of us.

Besides, How do you respond to Moshi Moshi in Japanese?

A professional way to answer the phone is: hai, はい、○○でございます (○○ de gozaimasu), “This is XX.” Or: お電話ありがとうございます (o-denwa arigatō gozaimasu), “Thank you for calling.” To ask someone to please hold, you can say: ちょっと待ってください (chotto matte kudasai), or more honorifically in keigo: 少々お待ちくださいませ (shōshō o-machi kudasaimase).

Keeping this in mind, What does a thumbs up in Japan mean? If you put your thumb up without context, probably every modern Japanese person will think it means “good/okay.” But a thumb up does commonly mean “a male lover” usually implying a secret lover.

What country is thumbs up offensive?

The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of “up yours!” It’s used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

What is considered bad manners in Japan?

Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.

What does Moshi Mosh mean in Japanese?

According to the dictionary jisho the word moshi moshi [もしもし] means hello on the phone or hello, and it also means excuse me! to call someone …

How do you use Moshi in Japanese?

Moshi and Tara are used when we want to express the concept of “if” or a condition in Japanese. Moshi もし itself is not actually necessary to use within the sentence and can be dropped if necessary. もし is always used at the beginning of the sentence and is used when you really want to emphasise that “IF”.

What’s the difference between Moshi Moshi and konichiwa?

When you meet someone face to face you say konnichiha, but if someone calls you on phone you say moshi moshi.

What does shaking hands mean in Japan?

Meeting and Greeting

A handshake is appropriate upon meeting. The Japanese handshake is limp and with little or no eye contact. Some Japanese bow and shake hands. The bow is a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese. A slight bow to show courtesy is acceptable.

What does hand gesture mean in Japan?

When a Japanese person point like this way below, it means “One” or “One person”. You will see this often at the entrance of a restaurant or cafe as they say to a waiter that they would like to have a table for “one”.

Is the middle finger offensive in Japan?

It is particularly rude in China, Japan, and Indonesia. In some European and Middle Eastern countries, it is customary to point with your middle finger. However, this gesture is very offensive in most Western nations and considered impolite in many other countries, especially when taken out of context.

Why is thumbs up rude in Australia?

Though many western countries recognize a “thumbs up” gesture as an affirmative sign or sign of approval, in Australia it is considered a rude gesture having a meaning similar to that of a raised middle finger. … In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult.

What does thumbs up mean in Europe?

The “thumbs up” sign popular in the United States is used widely in most of Europe to say “OK” (it also represents the number one when counting). … Some cultures also indicate “yes” and “no” differently: In Turkey, they shake their heads as Americans do, but someone may also signal “no” by tilting their head back.

Is a thumbs up offensive in Greece?

While this is a positive gesture in the US, for some Greeks, it’s quite offensive. Giving the thumbs up to somebody in Greece is equivalent to giving the middle finger to an American.

How do you offend Japanese people?


10 Things That Are Rude to a Japanese But Not to You

  1. Chopsticks and death. Let’s start with one of the most common mistakes of all. …
  2. Blowing your nose. …
  3. Talking and laughing loudly. …
  4. Hot spring bath with clothes. …
  5. Splitting sushi. …
  6. Sweet green tea. …
  7. Serving yourself alcohol. …
  8. Making out in public.

What are the impolite things to do and say in Japan?


5 things that are considered incredibly rude in Japan

  1. Mistreating business cards. …
  2. Dipping the rice part of nigiri sushi into soy sauce. …
  3. Sticking your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. …
  4. Wrapping your kimono the wrong way. …
  5. Letting your bare feet touch the ground outside before entering a home.

What are the impolite and polite things to do and say in Japan?


Table of Contents

  • Learn a few basic words in Japanese.
  • It is impolite to drink or eat on the street.
  • Do not leave your rubbish behind.
  • Don’t pour your own drink if you are out with others.
  • Sharing food with chopsticks.
  • Don’t point at someone with your chopsticks and do not leave your chopsticks standing upright in your food.

What does Ara Ara mean in anime?

“Ara ara” is a Japanese phrase that is often used in anime. … Ara ara (あら あら) is a Japanese expression that is mainly used by older females and means “My my”, “Oh dear”, or “Oh me, oh my”.

What does ONII Chan mean?

According to Drexel University, the Japanese language word onii-chan, or “oniichan” means big brother, or older brother in English. … Oniisan, or onii-san: This is the general term for older brother. Oniichan, or onii-chan: This is the term for older brother that signifies closeness.

What do Japanese say when answering the phone?

When answering a personal call on your own phone, the standard way to answer the phone is simply, 「もしもし」 (moshi moshi) which is the equivalent of the English “Hello”. However, moshi moshi is not appropriate if you are answering a business call.

What do you say after Moshi Moshi?

“Moshi Moshi” as “Hello”

The important thing to remember is that moshi moshi is primarily a casual expression, and you should use it with your friends and family. The common follow-up is “yes, this is (your name)”: もしもし、はいマイクです。 (Hello, yes this is Mark.)

Do Japanese Add SAN to first or last name?

As a rule of thumb, in Japanese business life, the surname name is always followed by the honorific suffix “san” (meaning “dear” or actually “honorable Mr/Ms.”). There are of course many other options such as “sama” (highly revered customer or company manager) or “sensei” (Dr. or professor).

Is konnichiwa hello or good afternoon?

The most common ways to greet someone in Japan are: Konnichiwa (Hi; Good afternoon.) Say Ohayō gozaimasu to your superior instead of Ohayō.

How do you respond to konnichiwa?

When someone greets you in Japanese with “Konnichiwa” it is best to respond with the same phrase “Konnichiwa”. Even though it means “Good afternoon” or “Hello” and is usually used around noon or in the afternoon, it is common to…