用英语说餐桌礼仪

餐饮礼仪问题可谓源远流长。据文献记载可知，至少在周代，饮食礼仪已形成一套相当完善的制度，特别是经孔子的称赞推崇而成为历朝历代表现大国之貌、礼仪之邦、文明之所的重要方面。餐桌礼仪在中国人的完整生活秩序中占有一个非常重要的地位。他们认为，用餐不单是满足基本生理需要的方法――也是头等重要的社交经验。为此，掌握某些中式餐饮规则的知识便显得特别重要了，无论你是主人还是客人，都必须掌握一些规则。那么，如何用英语说餐桌礼仪呢？

What is table manners

什么是餐桌礼仪

Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these rules are to be enforced.

Chinese table manners are the traditional styles that are used for eating in the region of China. In most dishes in Chinese cuisine, food is cooked in bite-sized pieces and easy to grab and eat. Therefore, chopsticks are used at the table instead of forks and knives.

Eating is a dominant aspect of the Chinese culture, and in China, eating out is one of the most accepted ways to treat guests. Similar to Westerners drinking in a bar with friends, eating together in China is a way to socialize and deepen friendship.

There are many traditions that govern table manners in China such as the correct treatment of guests and how to use chopsticks correctly. Although each Chinese household has its own set of table manners and rules, the foundational traditions used to welcome guests are the same.

There are common rules for inviting guests over. When the guest of honor enters into the room, the hosts stand until the guest of honor is seated. The host then orders the dishes brought, and the guest should be silent. When the dishes arrive, the meal begins with a toast from the host, and the guests then make a toast in turn in the honor of the host. The guest of honor should be the first one to start the meal. The best food in a dish should be left for the guest of honor. When the hostess says her food is not good enough, the guest must be courteous and tell her it is the best food he has ever tasted. Guests should never “split the bill” with the host. A guest who “split(s) the bill” is very ungracious and embarrassing to the host. However, it is expected for the guest to offer to pay for the meal multiple times, but ultimately allow the host to pay.

Table etiquette is very important to Chinese people. In Chinese culture, using correct table manners is believed to bring “luck” while incorrect use will bring shame. Similarly, table etiquette indicates children’s educational status: holding chopsticks incorrectly leaves a bad impression and shames the parents, who have the responsibility of teaching them.

美国人用餐的禁忌（taboo）：其一，不允许进餐时发出声响。其二，不允许替他人取菜。其三，不允许吸烟(smoking)。、其四，不允许向别人劝酒。其五，不允许当众脱衣解带(divestiture)。其六，不允许议论令人作呕(nauseous)之事。中国与西方国家在饮食文化(food culture)方面有不同之处。中国人比较喜欢大伙儿到茶楼(teahouse)用餐，因可品尝更多款的点心(dessert)及菜肴(dishes)。虽然茶楼都备有二人饭桌，但大多数是供四位或以上食客用的饭桌。茶楼通常很吵，气氛不像西式餐厅(western restaurant)浪漫，若二人吃饭，可考虑不去茶楼。