Japanese Gestures

Posted on by Chris Kincaid

Japanese have many gestures that come off as strange to us Westerners. When we see ’em in anime and movies they can leave us scratching our heads. I couldn’t find some of the odder gestures, but I did manage a collection of the more common conversation gestures. Here is a low down on some of the more common gestures from our favorite grumpy old Japan Man.

 

Chiizu!

The Victory or Peace Sign is everywhere in our view of Japan. It is just what you do when someone has a camera. It helps to also say “Chiizu!”

NO

Japanese either use the X hand gesture or the “you stink” gesture for No. The X gesture is more familiar to us than the “something reeks” gesture.

Thank You

The Japanese thank you consists of a slight bow and a single hand in front. This hand gesture is also the sign of the half lotus welcome gesture found in Buddhism

Stupid

The Japanese gesture for stupid is similar to the American gesture for crazy. It basically shows nothing going on inside the head.

Me

Japanese point to their nose (center of their face) when referring to themselves. Makes sense since you are looking at their face (hopefully) when conversing.

Passing in Front of You

In Japan it is rude to pass in front of someone’s path. A slight bow and shake of the hand makes this more acceptable….or they could be meeting their invisible friend on the street.

I Agree

This gesture may make you want to run or punch out our old Japanese man. He isn’t wanting to pound you into the dirt. Rather he is agreeing with you. Strongly agreeing I might add.

HOT!

This Japanese gesture has nothing to do with earrings or ear wax. This gesture means “hot.” It’s basically what you do when you grab a hot pot.

Want to Get Something to Eat?

Similar to the American “hamburger” gesture, this one is the image of eating from a rice bowl.

Gay

The gesture for gay looks like someone is telling you a secret or trying not to look at someone.

Go Away

I like the Japanese “Go Away.” It is a swift backhand swipe toward a person with the full arm. No, it isn’t a backhand across the face, but it’s close!

Come Here

Americans use the single finger “come here.” While the Japanese method looks like we are being shooed away. The hand is held limp with the fingers “swimming” in air.

Related Posts:

    • 3 thoughts on “Japanese Gestures”

    2. Pingback: Ngôn ngữ cơ thể của người Nhật | Khám phá Nhật Bản cùng Kiyoshi

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *