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Home » Asia » What does thumbs down mean in Japan?

What does thumbs down mean in Japan?

December 14, 2021 by Shelia Campbell

In Japan, Thumbs down is very similar to what the middle finger in the US means. It is a harsh statement meaning you wish the other person to go to hell.

Contents

What does turning your thumb down mean in Japan?

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.

What does the thumb mean in Japan?

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. I don’t think the youth use it any more, though. By the way, a pinky up means “female lover.”

What does thumbs down mean in other countries?

The thumbs down gesture is also commonly used in America, but less so in many other countries. The gesture obviously means the opposite of “thumbs up”, however in many cultures it is considered to be very rude and arrogant.

What is polite hand gesture in Japan?

Bowing. Unlike many Western cultures where shaking hands is the norm, when meeting someone for the first time in Japan, people bow to each other.

Is thumbs down Japanese offensive?

Thumbs Down
You just offended your Japanese friend. Trust this, the sign does not mean a simple ‘NO’. In Japan, Thumbs down is very similar to what the middle finger in the US means. It is a harsh statement meaning you wish the other person to go to hell.

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What is the middle finger in Japan?

It might seem like a rude gesture to us – but giving someone ‘the finger’ simply means ‘brother’ when you put it into the context of Japanese Sign Language. Sticking up one middle finger is translated as ‘ani’ or 兄 which means ‘older brother’.

What does burping mean in Japan?

In Japan, burping during a meal is considered bad manners. Burping during a meal is also considered unacceptable in Western cultures, such as North America and Europe. In Middle Eastern countries, it is not acceptable to burp out loud in public, and one should silence one’s burp, or at least attempt to do so.

Is it rude to wave in Japan?

The Japanese hand gesture of waving it back and forth in front of your face, with the thumb facing you and pinky away from you, means “no.” When you’re accused of something, it implies “Not me.” or “No way!”.

Why is pointing rude in Japan?

Pointing the finger is considered rude in Japanese culture because the person pointing is associated with explicitly calling out the other individual for their wrong behavior or actions. Repeatedly pointing while speaking to another person is considered a sign of extreme frustration or an expression of dissatisfaction.

What does emoji mean?

Live long and prosper, friends! If you ever need to spread the love to your geekier friends, then flash a . The Vulcan salute emoji, , is perfect for showing your Star Trek cred or sci-fi pride more generally.

What country is a thumbs up offensive?

Iran
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.

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What does thumbs up mean in Philippines?

8. Thumbs Up. Another common Filipino hand gesture is the ‘thumbs up. ‘ Thumbs up is pretty much used just the same as most places in the world. A thumbs-up gesture is used to mean ‘good,’ ‘alright,’ ‘okay,’ or to indicate acknowledgment or approval.

What does pinky finger mean in Japan?

For example, in the U.S. and many other countries, putting your pinky up is usually a sign of pretending to be fancy.But in Japan “pinky up” doesn’t mean “fancy,” it means “women,” usually referring to someone’s girlfriend/mistress/love of their love that they just met five minutes ago.

What gestures are offensive in Japan?

Gestures and Body Language to Avoid in Japan

  • Looking people in the eye too much.
  • Spreading out arms and legs.
  • Slouching and hands in pockets.
  • Crossing your arms.
  • Pointing.
  • The “right” way to bow.
  • Giving and receiving gifts.
  • Yes/okay.

What does 2 fingers mean in Japan?

Take a photograph of someone from Asia, or better still a group of people, and even better still in front of a popular tourist attraction, and they will inevitably put the two fingers up in the V-for-Victory sign or peace sign.

What does a handshake 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.

Why is thumbs up rude in Australia?

In Australia and most western countries, the thumbs up is a positive sign. However, in some destinations such as Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, it means the opposite.Oh, and if you’re extending your thumb in an attempt to hitchhike when in Asia, you could be there for a while – it means “keep going”.

See also  Why did Vietnam break away from China?

Is it rude to cross your legs in Japan?

In Japan, crossing your legs in formal or business situations is considered rude because it makes you look like you have an attitude or like you’re self-important. In Japan, sitting with your back straight and your legs together with one hand on each knee is taught from childhood.

Is the pinky finger bad in Japan?

Yet even though the Japanese are famously self-conscious about the length of their noses, they all continue this potentially harmful gesture.Another colorful Japanese gesture is the raising of your pinkie finger to indicate another man’s wife, girlfriend or mistress — or possibly all three, depending on the man.

Is thumbs up rude 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.

Filed Under: Asia

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About Shelia Campbell

Sheila Campbell has been traveling the world for as long as she can remember. Her parents were avid travelers, and they passed their love of exploration onto their daughter. Sheila has visited every continent on Earth, and she's always looking for new and interesting places to explore.

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