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What does thumbs up mean in Japan?

“OK” If you want to say “OK” you can give a person a thumbs-up or put your hands up above your hand, bend them in the elbows a bit to form a big “O” (called maru in Japanese). Remember, however, that thumb-down is an offensive sign in Japan.

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Keeping up with the conversation

In Japan, it is polite to confirm that you are listening to your partner in a variety of ways. On the one hand, when listening to a person you have to verbally react by saying things like “Naruhodo” (I see), “Sou desu ka?” (Is that so?) or “Sou desu ne” (That is truly so!), “Hee!” (Wow! / I cannot believe it! / What?). On the other, support your reaction with the appropriate body language.

Pointing fingers

It is acceptable to point fingers at unanimated objects or to show the direction. In Japan, pointing fingers to other people is not considered to be as rude as in many Western countries. However, it is better not to point fingers at the others. Yet, it is common and absolutely normal to point at oneself (quite often in the face at the nose level) with the index finger when talking.

Responding to a request

Accepting something or agreeing

When accepting an offer, you can thank a person and slightly bow. If you are receiving an object from someone, be sure to take it with both hands and bow at the same time. If you want to say “OK” you can give a person a thumbs-up or put your hands up above your hand, bend them in the elbows a bit to form a big “O” (called maru in Japanese). Remember, however, that thumb-down is an offensive sign in Japan. And the sign that is used for OK in the United States (a thumb and an index finger form a circle, other fingers are stretched out) means “money” in Japan.

Showing denial or prohibition

If you are denying something there are two ways to indicate it.

The stronger way is to cross your arms in front of your chest with fingers straight to form a big “X” (called batsu in Japanese). It is also handy to use this one if the person you are gesturing to is a bit far from you. Remember that making an “x” with your fingers does not convey the same meaning. In Japan, this sign stands for “Receipt, please” and can be used in a cafeteria. Another way is to lift your arms bent in the elbows to your face level, put your straight fingers together as a continuation of a palm, and then wave your hand fast in front of your face. It may look like a person is trying to remove an unpleasantly smelling air but without grimacing. At the same time, you can say “ie-ie” (formal) or “iya-iya” (informal) for “No, I would rather not”, or “chigaimasu” for “That’s incorrect” or “muri desu” (formal) or “muri-muri-muri” (informal) for “No-no, that is impossible, I cannot do it”.

Counting

If you need to count on your fingers, start with your palm up and proceed to folding your thumb inwards first, then the index finger, and so on until you form a fist. Then you can continue counting on the same hand, but start unfolding fingers from the thumb again. If you are showing the number with both hands, then you place one hand onto another. For example, “eight” would look like three fingers of one hand pressed against an open palm of the other and turned towards the listener.

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How do you tell your crush you like him if you are shy?

How to Tell a Guy You Like Him if You're Shy Hint toward your feelings. Text him. Write a note. Catch his eye. Send him something from a secret admirer. Invite him to spend time with you. Set a deadline for when you want to tell him. Choose a moment when he is by himself. More items...

This article was co-authored by Maria Avgitidis . Maria Avgitidis is the CEO & Matchmaker of Agape Match, a matchmaking service based out of New York City. For over a decade, she has successfully combined four generations of family matchmaking tradition with modern relationship psychology and search techniques to ensure her professional clientele are introduced to their ultimate match. Maria and Agape Match have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, Fast Company, CNN, Esquire, Elle, Reuters, Vice, and Thrillist. This article has been viewed 123,802 times.

Article Summary

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If you’re shy and want to tell a guy you like him, wait for a time when he’s by himself so you don’t need to worry about anyone listening. Say something like, “I really like spending time with you,” to hint that you like him without actually saying it. If he doesn’t get the hint, ask him to go to a movie or sports game with you, which is a great way to show that you like him. If you don’t feel comfortable asking him in person, you can do it by text so you won’t feel as nervous. Alternatively, write a note and give it to him after class. For example, write something like, “I just want you to know that I really like you.” For more tips, including how to find out if a guy likes you back, read on!

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