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Gestures That Mean Different Things Around the World
A thumbs-up, the OK sign and even a nod can mean something very different abroad. Here are six common gestures and how they read in other countries.
Body language feels universal, but a lot of it isn't. Gestures that look completely harmless at home can land very differently somewhere else. Even in a text chat this comes up, because emoji are just gestures in a different outfit.
The thumbs-up
In much of the world it means "good" or "okay". In some countries, including parts of the Middle East and West Africa, it can be rude. If you're not sure, a written "great" or "sounds good" is safer than 馃憤 with someone you've just met.
The OK sign
Thumb and finger in a circle means "okay" in the US and the UK. In Brazil it's widely seen as offensive. In France it can mean "zero" or "worthless", and in Japan it can mean money, because the shape looks like a coin.
The V sign
Two fingers raised with the palm facing out is "victory" or "peace" almost everywhere. Turn the hand around so the palm faces you, and in the UK, Ireland and Australia it becomes a rude gesture. Photos are where people usually get caught out.
Nodding and shaking your head
You'd think yes and no would be safe. They're not. In Bulgaria, and in parts of Greece, a head shake can mean yes and a nod can mean no, the opposite of what most visitors expect. Locals know the confusion well, and often add a spoken word to be clear.
Beckoning
Curling a finger towards you to say "come here" is normal in many countries. In the Philippines, it's considered rude, because it's how people call dogs. There, people wave the whole hand with the palm facing down.
Pointing
Pointing with a finger is fine in some places and impolite in others. In Japan and Korea, people often gesture with an open hand instead, which feels softer and more respectful.
What to do about it
You can't memorise every gesture for every country, and you don't need to. A few habits get you most of the way:
- When in doubt, use words instead of gestures or emoji.
- If someone reacts oddly, don't assume they're being difficult. Ask what happened. "Is that gesture not okay where you live?" is a friendly question.
- Stay curious. Almost everyone enjoys explaining their own culture, as long as you ask without judgement.
When it's your own gesture that causes the confusion, a laugh and a quick apology usually settle things. People are more forgiving than the internet suggests, especially when they can tell you meant well.
If you're planning to talk to someone abroad, it also helps to know what time it is for them. Here's our guide to the best time to chat with someone on another continent.
