Chopsticks are an essential part of dining in Japan, but they come with many cultural rules. Some actions may seem harmless, but they can actually be considered rude or even remind people of funeral rituals. In this article, we’ll introduce common chopstick etiquette so you can enjoy meals in Japan with confidence.
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This article is based on a video by Fun Fun Nihongo, our Japanese learning content series.
Common Chopstick Mistakes to Avoid
立て箸
- tate bashi
Upright chopsticks
This means sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. It resembles the way rice is sometimes offered to the dead in Buddhist funeral-related customs, so it should be avoided during everyday meals.
刺し箸
- sashi bashi
Spearing food
This means using chopsticks like a fork to stab food. Even if the food is hard to pick up, it’s better to hold it gently between the chopsticks.
箸渡し
- hashi watashi
Chopstick-to-chopstick passing
This means passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another. It reminds people of a cremation ritual in which bones are passed this way, so it is to be strongly avoided.
叩き箸
- tataki bashi
Tapping chopsticks
This means tapping chopsticks on dishes, bowls or the table. It makes noise and can give a childish or impatient impression.
探り箸
- saguri bashi
Searching with chopsticks
This means digging through a shared dish to find the piece you want. In shared dishes, touching or moving around pieces you are not taking can feel inconsiderate.
迷い箸
- mayoi bashi
Hovering chopsticks
This means moving your chopsticks around over the food while deciding what to take. It is better to decide first, then reach for that particular food item.
寄せ箸
- yose bashi
Pulling dishes closer
This means pulling a plate or bowl toward you with your chopsticks. If a dish is too far away, use your hand to move it instead.
ねぶり箸
- neburi bashi
Licking chopsticks
This means licking or sucking on your chopsticks. It looks messy and unhygienic, especially when eating with others.
指し箸
- sashi bashi
Pointing with chopsticks
Note that this is different from 刺し箸, which is also read sashi bashi but means spearing food. This one means pointing at people or things with your chopsticks. Since chopsticks are eating utensils, using them to point can feel impolite, so put them down before gesturing.
Quick Tip
Chopstick etiquette in Japan is closely connected to culture and rituals. If you are unsure how to use chopsticks, don’t hesitate to ask someone to show you. Once you start using them, keep your movements simple and avoid using chopsticks for anything other than picking up food.
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Performers, Fun Fun Nihongo
Hinaka and Kotone feature in the Fun Fun Nihongo video series, where they share natural Japanese expressions and cultural insights with learners of Japanese.
Instagram: @hinaka_kudo / @kotonefromjapan
