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Oi gente!!!! Tudo bem?
In Japan, April is associated with the start of a new fiscal and academic year, giving it a sense of "new beginnings" or a "fresh start." Therefore, April is a time when welcome parties are held everywhere. Since it is also the cherry blossom season, many people gather under the cherry trees for Hanami parties.
Since my mother was Japanese, she had taught me some aspects of Japanese dining etiquette, including how to use chopsticks. However, after actually living in Japan, I realized there were still many more things I needed to learn. 😓
These days, I spend my time studying Japanese business etiquette and terminology by reading books on the subject. 😅
When I was living in the U.S., I was sometimes invited to dinner gatherings. I tried researching American dining etiquette online, but the sheer amount of information was overwhelming—I had no idea what to trust or follow. In the end, I ended up asking my English teacher for clarification. 😅
Even in a country as free and easygoing as Brazil, it's important to be mindful of dining etiquette. This time, I'll introduce some of the basic manners you should know!
Basic Dining Etiquette in Brazil
① Avoid making noise while eating
In Japan, it is common to slurp when eating noodles or drinking soup, but in Brazil, this is considered NG❎. If the soup is hot, stir it lightly with a spoon and let it cool before drinking.
② Don't talk while chewing
Avoid speaking while there is food in your mouth. Swallow first, then speak.
③ Excusing yourself to the restroom
If you need to use the restroom during a meal, say "com licença" (excuse me) before leaving your seat.
④ Where to place your phone
Do not place your phone on the table while eating. Keep it in your bag. If you must keep it nearby, inform your companions first.
⑤ If your phone rings
Do not answer it at the table. Instead, excuse yourself by saying "com licença" and take the call in a separate area.
⑥ Where to place your bag
For security reasons, it is best to keep your bag on your lap rather than hanging it on your chair.
⑦ How to eat lasagna
Although forks and knives are typically provided together in Brazil, lasagna should be cut and eaten with a fork only—no knife is used.
⑧ Eating pizza and hamburgers
In Japan, pizza is usually eaten by hand, but in Brazil, both pizza and plated hamburgers are eaten with a knife and fork. Even if using your hands seems easier, eating directly with your hands from the plate is considered improper.
⑨ Hand positioning
It is considered impolite to eat with only one hand on the table or to rest your elbows on the table. Instead, keep both hands (from wrists to elbows) on the table. Holding the plate while eating is also not customary. While it is normal to hold a rice bowl in Japan, this practice is not common in Brazil—except in Japanese restaurants, where eating in the Japanese style is acceptable.
⑩ Avoid excessive drinking
When I came to Japan, I was surprised by how quickly people drink alcohol. (Apologies, maybe it was just the people around me! 😅) In Brazil, drinking too much is generally not seen in a positive light.
⑪ Maintain eye contact when speaking
In Japan, people often avoid direct eye contact while speaking, but in Brazil, not making eye contact may be perceived as a lack of interest. Be sure to maintain eye contact when someone is speaking to you.
⑫ Using a knife and fork
When using a knife and fork, avoid making scraping noises against the plate. Additionally, in Brazil, the way of holding utensils is opposite to Japan—people typically hold the fork in the right hand and the knife in the left.
Brazilians love smiles, so don't forget to smile while enjoying your meal! 😊
These are some basic dining etiquette rules. Also, in Brazil, couples—whether dating or married—always sit next to each other 💕. Even when taking photos, they sit together, making it easy to identify couples 💓💓. (In Japan, it seems more common for couples to sit across from each other.)
So, if you ever see this seating arrangement in Brazil, you might think, "Ah, so this is how couples sit here!" 😄
There are many other differences in dining etiquette and daily customs between Japan and Brazil beyond what I introduced today. When living abroad, it is important not only to learn the language but also to understand these cultural differences in order to facilitate smooth communication.
In my Portuguese lessons, I also share these types of etiquette tips and useful information for business situations.
Having experienced the challenges of living abroad myself (and yes, Japan is a foreign country for me! 😅), I hope to use my experiences to help those relocating overseas reduce stress and make the most of their valuable time abroad.
In Japan, as the end of April approaches, a relatively long holiday period called Golden Week begins. Following the cherry blossom season, many people take advantage of this break to enjoy meals with friends and family, whether in Japan or abroad.
Wherever you are, make the most of your dining experience while appreciating the unique characteristics of the region!
If you want to further improve your Portuguese skills, check out the short video below (57 seconds) and click the button below as well.
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