Bowing in the Chinese context is not used as commonly anymore, except in formal situations to express deep condolences, regret, or deep gratitude. When meeting someone, Chinese people use the mini-bow far more frequently. This is a nodding bow, repeated 2-3 times when someone is introduced to you or you are introduced to someone else. If you recognize your culturally Chinese friend across the parking lot, or someone Chinese opens the door for you, you can use this mini-bow. Using the mini-bow in casual circumstances is an acceptable polite gesture with many Asians, including Koreans and Japanese. The mini-bow is easy to incorporate into your body language.
About Author
yvonne.liu.wolf
Yvonne Wolf was born in Taiwan and educated in the U.S. and Europe. She has extensive experience living and working internationally (Denmark and Japan). She is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Danish, and has studied Japanese, Spanish, and Greek. Between work and personal travel, she has visited more than 20 countries and well-traveled within the U.S. and Canada. She has worked with organizations and business executives focusing on communication strategies working with Chinese and East Asian partners. Among her many skills is mediating across cultural misunderstandings.