Habit with chopsticks

[MrKoldMan]

I am very curious about if there is a way to hold the chopsticks that counts as the right way or are there as with western cutleries, severel accepted ways? I've seen a lot of different ways to hold the chopsticks but I don't know if there is a special way so your hand doesn't get too tensed and hurt or if it is all about getting used to using chopsticks.

[keatonatron]

Yes, there is a correct way--the way shown in any "this is how to use chopsticks" diagram (usually printed on disposable chopsticks, or on the internet).

As you said, there are many different ways chopsticks can be used. In fact, Japanese people who use chopsticks incorrectly are quite numerous. Althought they can eat just fine, everyone agrees it looks strange.

[MrKoldMan]

Thanks for the explenation and the link.

[AJBryant]

Just like silverware in the west -- we look funny at people who hold forks and spoons in their fists like tools, and scoop with them.


Tony

[two_heads_talking]

using chopsticks is about the same as holding pencils.. some people do it very eloquently and others look like they are preparing to stab something through the table.

[Kagemaru]

Just a passing thought.........

In conjuction with the correct use of chopsticks, I felt it may be of some advantage to also incorporate "chopstick etiquette" (Not a table manner guide)

http://cs-people.bu.edu/rip/hashi.html

I was extremely fortunate enough to have been shown this early before taking out the "village idiot" award amongst various other such accolades I currently hold here.

[firescorpy]

yeah, there is many chopsticks etiquette, among the most important is not to stab your shopticks in a vertical position into your rice, dont bang your chopsticks against the bowl, and dont mess around with it when you are eating with it.

[two_heads_talking]

and each Japanese family decides how much or little etiquette they will use.. Mainly if you are polite as in all cases, you will be safe.. If you chose to be a barbarian, then of course the term Gaijin will fit nicely

[MrKoldMan]

Thanks for all answers and help

[Sasayakimatsu]

I didn't see it on the site linked above, but also I've heard that when selecting something from a group-dish with your chopsticks, use the ends, and not the part that you eat with; although I could be mistaken.


S

[AJBryant]

No, you are correct. Those are good manners. In large group settings with friends, however, that one sometimes quickly goes by the board.


Tony

[Fukumori]

firescorpy wrote:
...among the most important is not to stab your shopticks in a vertical position into your rice, dont bang your chopsticks against the bowl, and dont mess around with it when you are eating with it.

Er...I am constantly readjusting my chopsticks with my teeth so they're lined up properly. Does that count as "messing with it"...? ^_^;

[AJBryant]

Kinda, yeah.


Tony

[Fukumori]

Hmmm...and according to that post, I can neither straighten them with the base of the bowl or the side...I wonder how I shall reposition them? How do the Japanese do it? DO they do it? Am I just bad with chopsticks!?

...

Jeez, I sound like a bad sequel announcer. -_-

[LordOfTheFlies]

Fukumori wrote:
Hmmm...and according to that post, I can neither straighten them with the base of the bowl or the side...I wonder how I shall reposition them? How do the Japanese do it? DO they do it? Am I just bad with chopsticks!?

...

Jeez, I sound like a bad sequel announcer. -_-

Of course I don't know how they do it in Japan, but I was taught by my father who spent a few years in China to realign them by pressing them gently against the plate/bowl. And if even that's not allowed, I guess you'll just have to hold them so steadily that they always stay in the same positions xD