Hello. I've recently been watching many martial arts films, and we had a interesting video about China. I see many people in these films do a greeting where they stick one hand, which is made into a fist, into the other hand. Is there a specific name for this? Do they still happen to do this? Sorry if I've offended anyone.
2007-01-05 18:58:16 · 9 answers · asked by Gaz 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ China
The gesture is called " zuo yi" which means send the greetings. It used to be an etiquette. Nowadays people shake hands in formal occasions or hug each other in casual. BUT we do "zuo yi" when sending seasonal greetings during the Spring Festival to wish the "good fortune and best wish" to the other person.
2007-01-05 23:09:39 · answer #1 · answered by Chanel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's still in use today but only amongst martial artists during tournaments.
It's the equivalent of the Japanese bow or the swordsman "touche" (pardon the spelling) or the glove touching of the boxers. It's a gesture of respect during encounters.
The left hand is an open palm which represents a book - " i.e. civilization " while the right hand forms a fists which represents power " i.e. strength " When the two meets, it's a salute to all regardless of status, rank, and field of profession.
2007-01-05 23:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by minijumbofly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you're thinking of the "fist holding greeting". I'm sure there's a chinese name for it, which I don't know. It's not performed in the Chinese culture anymore, but is still observed as a formality in some Chinese martials, like Wushu.
2007-01-05 19:01:17 · answer #3 · answered by pancakes! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, People are greeting others with smiles or stick out a hand in China.
It will be nicer if you say Thank You in Chinese to them, "谢谢", Xie Xie.
2007-01-06 09:20:24 · answer #4 · answered by littlehappy_21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Chanel. This is done only in old China. Nowadays, people shake hands, or simply say “你好!” which means "Hello!" in Chinese.
2015-03-26 20:38:21 · answer #5 · answered by Lily 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a greeting before a fighting match.
2007-01-06 05:26:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well umm sorry if i dissapoint you but a simple hello or a greeting includes saying 你好 or ni hao, pernounceed like knee how, or if there in a small crowd, ni men hao, using the tips from above, and men u say it how it looks. handshakes are good to.
2007-01-05 20:48:52 · answer #7 · answered by Angie Fish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, some do sometimes. I am not sure if there is a name for it but I know it is a warm welcome type of a handshake like how some people like to hug.
2007-01-05 19:06:25 · answer #8 · answered by Brennus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's called 'zuo yi',means'I respect you',it's an old chivalrous way to show respects,you don't need to do that if you do not know any wu shu
2007-01-05 20:35:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋