HASHI, chopsticks
Let’s get to know how to use “hashi”!
Etiquette of using chopsticks!!
Hi. I’m Yukako who lives in the northern part of Europe, and teaches and tells people about Japanese traditional culture such as tea ceremony, kimono, etc. offline and online.
Do you have “hashi” for yourself? Or, you know what it is?? (By the way, “hashi” means chopsticks.)
I believe many of you found some difficulties when using chopsticks for the first time. Some may focus on how to use them rather than enjoy the meal. It seems difficult to use them, but once you get used to them, they are amazing tools! They can be a fork, a knife, and some use even for tying up hair.
By the way, do you know there are some rules for using hashi? We have been using hashi for a very long time, so the rules for how to use hashi were also developed. Today, I’d like to share some of rules for you!
Sashi-bashi. A sticking chopsticks on food.
Even you cannot use hashi, you shouldn’t stick chopsticks through food to pick it up. This is difficult for hashi beginners, but please try not to! After seeing you struggling with using chopsticks, people may say to you, “please don’t hesitate with sticking.” Then, don’t worry to be “rude”.
Kami-bashi. A biting chopsticks.
While you eat meal, you may bite chopsticks just unconsciously. However, it’s also a bad manner.
Futari-bashi. Two using chopsticks.
This may be difficult to understand, but you need to wait for your turn when other picking up food. It doesn’t look nice to put your chopsticks when other chopsticks are in the dish.
Hashi-watashi. Crossing hashi.
You are not allowed to take food from chopsticks to other ones. When someone pick up food for you, please take your plate and never take it with your chopsticks.
There are more rules in terms of using hashi. But, don’t worry!! Even not all Japanese know this, so I will introduce more again to you!!
See you soon!