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Q: What is considered rude in China, that an expat may not realize?
Asking direct questions because we like to understand things accurately is RUDE.
Giving direct answers because we like other people to understand things accurately is RUDE.
Speaking in a forthright manner, you see, does not comply with Chinese people's "subtle" and "polite" use of language (to lie, cheat, mislead, manipulate and defraud others).
How could we know? We're all 'unknowingly rude' expats here.
Asking direct questions because we like to understand things accurately is RUDE.
Giving direct answers because we like other people to understand things accurately is RUDE.
Speaking in a forthright manner, you see, does not comply with Chinese people's "subtle" and "polite" use of language (to lie, cheat, mislead, manipulate and defraud others).
Blowing your nose into a handkerchief or paper napkin is very rude and repulsive. Correct thing to do is to cover one nostril with finger, and blow the hell out of the other one into the air, and pray it does not land on anyone.
Calling a Chinese person a cheat (despite them very obviously trying to cheat you and they know full well what that they are doing).
Picking your teeth in front of others without covering your mouth is considered rude. Don't stand your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice - it symbolizes death and is a social faux pas.
Shitting in the street is fine though.
Getting people to admit their mistake is rude in China.
Pointing out people's errors to try and embrace self-improvement or development... is rude.
Honesty.
Expecting competency (especially from people in charge).
Blocking a car that is driving on the sidewalk.
Telling people who are smoking under a "No Smoking" sign to stop smoking.
