Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun
The number you should never use when giving a gift, as it sounds like the Japanese word for death.
What is the number four?
While a handshake is common, you should wait for a person to invite you to sit before you do so. This shows a sign of...
What is a sign of respect for a host?
It is considered an insult to show this part of your body to someone when sitting.
What are the soles of your feet?
A standard British business practice that is considered “highly valued” and “unprofessional” not to follow.
What is punctuality?
The titles you should always use to address people in a business context until you are invited to use their first name.
What are “Monsieur” and “Madame”?
The correct way to receive a business card in Japan.
What is receiving it with both hands?
This hand is considered unclean, and you should not use it to give or receive things.
What is the left hand?
The type of conversation you should expect before getting down to business, as building personal relationships and trust is highly valued.
What is small talk?
"Tea time" traditionally takes place around this time in the afternoon.
What is 4 p.m.?
A gesture that means “zero” or “worthless” in France, but may mean “okay" in other cultures.
What is the “okay” sign?
A greeting that involves a slight bend at the waist, often used to show respect, especially to a senior person.
What is a bow?
In Singapore, it is considered rude to leave food on your plate.
What is a signal of wastefulness?
When a host offers you gahwa (Arabic coffee), you should shake the cup side to side to signal that you have had enough.
What is the non-verbal cue to stop receiving coffee?
Giving expensive gifts to business partners is rare in the UK and may be viewed as this.
What is p inappropriate or bribery?
The strength of handshake you should use in France, which is different from an American handshake.
What is a light handshake?
This is a common phrase of respect added to a person’s last name in Japanese.
What is “san”?
While not required, this is a respectful way to show cultural awareness on your business card.
What is having a bilingual business card?
When greeting Emirati women, you should only offer your hand if she does this first.
What is extend her hand?
In the UK, it is considered rude to ask someone about this topic.
What is their salary or the cost of an item?
In France, being a few minutes late to a meeting is acceptable, but arriving more than this amount of time late is considered rude.
What is 10 minutes?
When riding a train in Japan, people commonly don’t do this?
What is talk on the train?
Although not considered rude, this is not expected in Singapore, and many restaurants and hotels include a service charge in the bill.
What is tipping?
This meat product should never be part of a dish being served.
What is pork?
British business meetings often start with this kind of friendly, informal conversation.
What is small talk?
These are considered sensitive and private, and you should avoid discussing them in business settings.
What are personal finances, politics, or religion?