If you want to learn Japanese and truly immerse yourself in its culture, understanding Japanese etiquette is essential. From mastering keigo (polite language) to the art of bowing and everyday social customs, these practices reflect the deep respect ingrained in Japanese society.

Basic Japanese Etiquette: Keigo, Bowing, and Everyday Social Practices

Politeness and Respect Hierarchy and Formality 

• Keigo (敬語): Japanese has a sophisticated system of formal speech (keigo), including humble (kenjōgo) and respectful (sonkeigo) words. Understanding when and how to utilize these forms is critical, particularly in professional contexts. 
• Titles and honorifics: Use suitable titles like "san" (Mr./Ms.), "sama" (more polite), "kun" (for men with equal or lower rank), and "chan" (for youngsters or close friends). 
• Bowing (ojigi): Bowing is a typical way to greet, thank, apologize, and express respect. The bow's depth and duration vary according to the occasion and amount of respect.

Japanese Social Etiquette 

• Greetings and introduction: 
  Common greetings include "ohayou gozaimasu" (good morning), "konnichiwa" (hello/good afternoon), and "konbanwa" (good evening). Always welcome others when you enter a room or meet them. 
   
• Meishi (名刺) Exchange: Use both hands to deliver and receive business cards, and take a minute to look at them before putting them away politely. 
   
• Gift-giving (Omiyage): It is usual to bring a modest gift while visiting someone's house or returning after a journey. Gifts are often nicely wrapped, and it is customary to express gratitude and humility while receiving a gift. 

Japanese Dining Etiquette: Use chopsticks (Hashi)

• Proper Use: Do not point with chopsticks, place them upright in a bowl of rice, or move food from chopstick to chopstick, since these acts are connected with funerals. Delhi's leading Japanese language center focuses on: 
   
• Handling: When not in use, rest chopsticks on the supplied holder (hashioki) and refrain from toying with them. 

Table Manners in Japanese Culture

• Before and After Meals: Say "itadakimasu" before eating to express thanks for the food, and "gochisousama deshita" afterward to thank the person who made it. 
• Eating styles: Lift tiny bowls to your lips and eat quietly, with the exception of slurping noodles, which is permitted and indicates gratitude. 

Public Behavior: Silence

• Quietness: Be aware of the noise levels in public settings, particularly on public transportation. Speaking quietly and avoiding phone calls are considered courteous. 
  Cleanliness and order: 
• Tidiness: Japanese society values cleanliness and order. 
• Queueing: Form orderly queues in public places like train stations and bus stops.

Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

Reading Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in Japanese interactions.

• Eye Contact: Maintain a soft gaze rather than direct eye contact to avoid appearing confrontational.
• Facial Expressions: Use subtle expressions to convey emotions.
• Body Language: Be aware of personal space and use restrained gestures.

Conclusion: 

Mastering Japanese involves not only learning the language but also understanding the cultural and social norms that shape everyday interactions. Respect and politeness are very important, and using keigo and the right terms of honor is very important in both business and relationships.

Social norms, like how to meet someone properly, exchanging meishi, and giving gifts, are based on deeply held traditional beliefs. Dining etiquette, like how to use chopsticks and how to behave at the table, teaches people to respect and enjoy food. 

Being quiet and following the rules are important for keeping the peace in public places. It's just as important to show respect and understanding without words, like by keeping a soft gaze and using controlled movements. By adopting these cultural practices, people who are learning Japanese can improve their skills and make deeper bonds with people in Japan.