What if I informed you that the hand signal for “go away!”, actually means “come here”. What a mind twister, right!? But wait, there’s more… read on.
Hand signals, head nods and bows… they have different meanings in Southeast Asia compared to your home county. The more quickly you learn these the quicker you get past the awkward culture differences in everyday life. Don’t live baffled – adapt. You got this!
SAME Hand Signals
Hand Signals That Are The Same
Yes means yes in these cases. Whew, that’s relieving – nothing to worry about.
| Thumbs up | = “yes”, “ok”, “good” |
| Head shake up and down | = “yes” |
DIFFERENT Hand Signals
Hand Signals That Are Different
| Go Away (is USA) = Come Here! (in Asia) | = “come here”, “follow me”, “come with me”, this can also be used to wave down a bus or taxi (grab ride hailing taxi) that is looking for you. |
NEW TO YOU Hand Signals
Hand Signals That You Are Not Aware Of
No
= “No have” (not in stock or we do not have), “Cannot”/”No”, “I do not know”
HAND SIGNAL: Wave but held close to your chest or neck. All fingers are extended with the palm of you hand facing the person and waving as in “hello”, but it does not mean “hello”. The wave is a slight motion not a full wave.
No
= “Empty”, “No more left”, “No have” (not in stock or we do not have), “Cannot”/”No”
HAND SIGNAL: Holding your hand vertically and making a twisting motion. This is exactly like the “hang loose” signal, but with all fingers extended.
A Greeting and/or Expression of Gratitude
= Polite way to greet yourself, polite way to express thanks or gratitude
HAND SIGNAL: Hands together in a praying stance and located at close to your chest.
Yes
= “Ok”, “Yes”, Acknowledgement (a simple acknowledgement of something), “Thanks”
SIGNAL: Head nod with a slight bow (just a little bit).