When you are a guest in someone’s home in China, one thing to remember is never accept food or gifts without first refusing a few times. Wendy Abraham explains it well in Chapter 18, Ten Things Never to Do in China in her Chinese for Dummies book for learning Chinese:
“No self-respecting guests immediately accept whatever may be offered to them in someone’s home. No matter how much they may be eager to accept the food, drink, or gift, proper Chinese etiquette prevents them from doing anything that makes them appear greedy or eager to receive it, so be sure to politely refuse a couple of times.”
Have you seen this dance of the “no thank yous” first hand?
