Traditional Gestures Around The World That Mean The Opposite In The US

Traveling to a new country, none of us wants to make the first impression of a "stereotype arrogant tourist." Take a few minutes to understand the do's and don'ts of the culture and traditions of the inviting country and enjoy the connections made easier!

Waving Your Hand And Beckoning

Waving our hand from side to side is a common way to greet or say goodbye in many Western countries. In India, it means "come here"; in many East Asian countries, it is considering too showy and impolite. Additionally, in a few Latin American countries or Japan, it might be understood as "no need."

In Laos and some Arabian countries, a gesture that we are used to understanding as "go away" means the opposite - "please come here."

Curling the index finger or four fingers that would mean "come over" in Russia and the US, might be misunderstood in Europe. In the Philippines and East Asia, the same gesture is only used to beckon dogs so it is offensive to use with humans.

The sign that means "stop" in the US should not be used in Greece and Turkey; it would mean "go to hell." 

A quick and rapid wobble from side to side is "yes." Vague, slower, and subtle, would mean either "not sure" or "maybe, but I am not ready to commit," with the meaning of "no" but polite. 

The tongue click in Balkans, Turkey or Croatia can be annoying if you are not familiar with the context, especially if you are Russian. In Russia, a tongue click means patronizing disapproval. In Balkans, it just means "no" and is nothing to be offended by. It can be accompanied by a head tossed back as a way to say "no," "we do not have it," or "it is not here."

Pointing And Directions

Pointing using an index finger directly at a person is impolite nearly everywhere. In Russia, Europe, and many African countries, it is only appropriate for inanimate objects. In China, Japan, Latin America, and Indonesia, it is very rude.