Main image via Babbel
We all use hand gestures as a way to convey our emotions over a distance – after all, it takes up a lot less energy than shouting.
While many hand gestures have universal meanings that can be understood in most cultures, there are some that can mean very different things in different countries. A gesture we commonly use could very much offend someone else in a different part of the world!
Here are six hand gestures you may want to be careful using when you’re abroad:
#1 Thumbs up
Image via Above The Law
Most of us use the thumbs up symbol to indicate that we like something, or that something is very good. But in Iran, Afghanistan and certain parts of Greece, it’s seen as a rude gesture.
#2 Peace sign
Image via SevenDays
This common salutation is generally accepted by most cultures – as long as you keep your palms facing outwards. Turn them in, and the gesture will immediately offend many people from the UK, Australia and Ireland.
#3 OK sign
Image via Babbel
Touching your index finger to your thumb with the other fingers standing straight out indicates that things are OK in most countries. But in Brazil, Germany and Turkey, it’s seen as an obscene gesture, and in France, it indicates that something is worthless.
#4 Beckoning someone over
Image via iStock
Curling your index finger to call someone over is a common gesture, but it’s considered rude in the Philippines as it’s used there only to call dogs over. It also represents death in Singapore and Japan.
#5 Direct eye contact
Image via Bright Hub Education
In many cultures, direct eye contact is a common thing, and it’s often considered a sign of confidence. But don’t maintain it too long in Japan – prolonged eye contact may be seen as a sign of aggression!
#6 A dozen roses
Image via Flower Co.
Presenting a dozen red roses to a lover is usually seen as a love of affection, but if your lover is Russian, it could mean something very different instead! Even numbers of flowers are reserved for funerals, so you may end up wishing death on your Russian significant other!
via GIPHY
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