What sounds like a harmless phrase in one culture can be surprisingly offensive in another. Social norms vary widely across the world, and even well-intentioned comments can come across as rude if you’re not familiar with local customs. Whether you’re traveling or connecting with people from different backgrounds, knowing what to avoid can help you steer clear of awkward moments. Here are 13 everyday phrases that might get you side-eyed in other parts of the world.
1. Can I Get Some Salt?
In Egypt, asking for salt at a meal can insult the cook’s skills. It suggests that the food is bland or poorly seasoned, which is considered disrespectful, especially when dining in someone’s home. Since cooking is often seen as a labor of love, requesting salt implies that their effort wasn’t good enough. According to Tasting Table, it’s best to appreciate the food as it’s served.
If you find yourself at a meal in Egypt, it’s best to appreciate the food as it’s served. Even if you’re used to adding salt, skipping it shows respect for the cook’s culinary skills. Complimenting the flavors, even if they’re not exactly to your taste, goes a long way in showing gratitude and good manners.
2. How Old Are You?
In South Korea, age is a sensitive topic, and asking someone directly can be considered rude. While age plays an important role in determining social hierarchy and levels of respect, discussing it openly can feel intrusive, especially in casual settings. Younger people may feel pressured or judged, while older individuals might see the question as inappropriate. According to 90 Day Korean, instead of asking outright, wait until the person volunteers their age or find indirect ways to gauge it if necessary.
Instead of asking outright, wait until the person volunteers their age or find indirect ways to gauge it if necessary. In social situations, focusing on shared interests or experiences helps build rapport without making anyone uncomfortable. Respecting privacy shows cultural awareness and helps create a more relaxed atmosphere.
3. Cheers!
In Hungary, clinking glasses when saying cheers is avoided due to historical reasons related to Austria. After Hungary’s defeat in the 1848 revolution, Austrian soldiers celebrated by clinking their beer glasses, leaving a lasting association with national sorrow. As a result, many Hungarians avoid this gesture out of respect for their country’s past. As reported by the Hungarian Tourism Agency, many Hungarians avoid this gesture out of respect for their country’s past.
If you’re raising a glass in Hungary, it’s best to simply raise your drink without clinking. Saying “Egészségedre” (pronounced “egg-esh-sheg-ed-reh”), which means “to your health,” is a respectful and appreciated alternative. Following these traditions shows that you value the culture and its unique customs.
4. Nice To Meet You
In Japan, this phrase can seem overly familiar when used too soon. Building trust and respect is essential in Japanese culture, and expressing warmth too quickly might come across as insincere. First meetings are often more formal, with polite introductions and reserved interactions until a relationship develops naturally.
According to Japan Guide, instead of jumping straight to “Nice to meet you,” use the traditional greeting “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu,” which loosely translates to “Please take care of me” or “Let’s have a good relationship.” This phrase reflects humility and respect, helping you make a positive impression without overstepping social boundaries.
5. I Love Your Dog
In many Muslim-majority countries, dogs are considered impure, and expressing affection for them can be awkward. While dogs are often kept as guard animals or for practical purposes, they’re rarely seen as household pets. Public displays of affection toward dogs might seem unusual or inappropriate in these cultural contexts.
If you encounter a dog while traveling, it’s best to admire it silently unless the owner clearly welcomes interaction. Avoid petting or making overly affectionate comments unless invited to do so. Respecting local beliefs shows cultural sensitivity and helps you avoid unintentionally offending others.
6. Why Are You So Quiet?
In Finland, silence is valued, and pointing it out can be considered impolite. Finns often view silence as a sign of thoughtfulness and comfort rather than awkwardness. Drawing attention to someone’s quiet nature may make them feel self-conscious, as it implies that their behavior is unusual or wrong.
Instead of commenting on the silence, embrace the calm and allow conversations to flow naturally. Respecting quieter moments shows that you appreciate the culture’s emphasis on reflection and genuine communication. Over time, this approach often leads to more meaningful connections.
7. You Should Smile More
In Russia, smiling without reason is seen as insincere or even suspicious. While a smile is often viewed as a sign of friendliness in Western cultures, Russians tend to reserve smiles for genuine moments of happiness. Telling someone to smile can come across as dismissive, as if their emotions aren’t valid or appropriate.
If someone isn’t smiling, it’s best to respect their demeanor rather than trying to change it. Authenticity is highly valued in Russian culture, so genuine smiles and laughter are more meaningful when they happen naturally. By avoiding this phrase, you show respect for cultural differences in emotional expression.
8. Can We Split The Bill?
In France, suggesting to split the bill can seem stingy or socially awkward. Dining is often viewed as a shared experience, with the expectation that one person will cover the meal, especially if they extended the invitation. Splitting the bill is more common among close friends, but even then, it’s often done discreetly rather than openly discussed.
If you’re dining with someone in France, consider offering to pay the whole bill or waiting to see how they handle it. If you prefer to share the cost, approach the topic tactfully. Offering to cover the next meal is a culturally acceptable way to balance expenses without making the interaction feel transactional.
9. Can I Have A Doggy Bag?
In Italy, taking leftovers home is considered unusual and sometimes frowned upon. Meals are meant to be enjoyed fully at the table, with an emphasis on savoring each course. Asking for a doggy bag might suggest that the food wasn’t satisfying or that you didn’t appreciate the dining experience as intended.
If you’re dining in Italy, it’s best to order only what you can comfortably finish. Enjoying the meal in the moment is part of the cultural experience, and leaving a small amount of food on your plate is generally acceptable. If you do need to take food home, it’s more common to do so at casual restaurants rather than fine dining establishments.
10. That Was A Great Deal
In China, discussing money openly can be seen as tactless, especially in social settings. Talking about the price of something—whether it was expensive or a bargain—can come across as boastful or lacking discretion. This is especially true when discussing personal finances or comparing costs with others.
When shopping or dining in China, focus on the experience rather than the price. If you receive a good deal, you can still appreciate the value without emphasizing the cost. Keeping money matters private reflects respect for cultural norms and helps maintain harmonious interactions.
11. Bless You 
In some cultures, acknowledging a sneeze is seen as intrusive rather than polite. While saying “Bless you” is common in many Western countries, other cultures prefer to ignore sneezes altogether, viewing them as personal and not something to draw attention to. This difference can lead to awkward moments if your well-meaning comment is met with confusion.
If you’re unsure of the local custom, it’s safest to remain silent when someone sneezes. If you’re in a culture where acknowledging sneezes is the norm, a simple smile or nod can convey empathy without disrupting the conversation. Adapting to these small differences shows cultural awareness and helps you blend in more comfortably.
12. Call Me By My First Name
In Germany and Japan, using first names can come across as disrespectfully informal, especially in professional or formal settings. Both cultures place a strong emphasis on titles and last names as a sign of respect. Jumping to first names too soon can feel overly familiar and may undermine the sense of professionalism or social decorum.
When meeting someone in Germany or Japan, use their last name along with the appropriate title—such as “Herr” or “Frau” in Germany or “San” in Japan—until they invite you to use their first name. This shows respect for social hierarchies and helps you build relationships on a foundation of mutual respect and cultural sensitivity.
13. What Do You Do For Work?
In the Netherlands, asking about someone’s job too soon is considered nosy and intrusive. While careers are important, Dutch culture values personal privacy and prefers conversations to focus on shared interests or experiences rather than professional status. Bringing up work too early can make the interaction feel transactional or judgmental.
Instead of leading with questions about work, try discussing hobbies, travel, or current events. Allow the conversation to flow naturally, and if the other person mentions their job, feel free to ask more about it. This approach helps create a more relaxed and enjoyable interaction, showing that you value the person for who they are rather than what they do.
