在中国，宴饮不仅仅是一场美食的盛宴，更是一次文化的展示和礼仪的体现。今天，就让我们一起探索中国传统宴饮中的座次安排、筷子使用、饮酒文化以及用餐礼仪吧！
In China, a banquet is far more than just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a vibrant showcase of culture and a demonstration of etiquette. Today, let’s explore the fascinating world of traditional Chinese dining customs—seating arrangements, chopstick etiquette, drinking culture, and table manners.
在中国传统宴饮中，座次的安排遵循“尚左尊东”、“面朝大门为尊”的原则，这背后蕴含着儒家文化中长幼有序、尊卑有别的伦理观念。
在家庭聚会中，辈分最高或年龄最长的尊者居于主位，通常设在正对大门或视野最佳的位置。而在正式宴请中，圆桌座次更为复杂，主陪（通常是宴请方地位最高者或主人）正对大门，副陪（主陪的重要助手）位于主陪的正对面，主宾（最尊贵的客人）坐在主陪的右侧第一位，副主宾则位于主陪的左侧。其余宾客则按照身份、地位或与主陪的亲疏关系，在主宾、副主宾的两侧依次排开。这样的安排既体现了对尊者的尊重，也便于主人照顾到每一位宾客。
In Chinese dining culture, seating follows a clear hierarchy rooted in tradition. Key principles include ‘the honor of the left and east’ and ‘the prominence of facing the entrance’, which reflect Confucian values of respect and social order.
At family gatherings, the eldest or most respected person takes the ‘main seat,’ which directly faces the door or offers the best view. At formal banquets using round tables, the host sits facing the entrance. The co-host sits directly opposite the host. The guest of honor sits to the host’s right, while the second guest of honor sits to the host’s left. Other guests are seated according to their status or closeness to the host. This arrangement ensures respect is shown to guests while helping the host attend to everyone effectively.
筷子，作为中华饮食文化的代表性餐具，其使用方式同样有着严格的礼仪规范。使用筷子时，应避免指向他人、含在嘴里嘬吮、敲击碗盘发出声响、在菜盘里扒拉挑拣以及将筷子竖直插在饭菜中等不雅行为。这些禁忌不仅关乎个人卫生和形象，更是对他人尊重的体现。
在现代社会，虽然筷子礼仪有所简化，但基本的尊重、洁净和文雅原则依然不变。
As iconic utensils representing Chinese culinary heritage, chopsticks carry specific etiquette standards. When using them, people always avoid pointing them at others, sucking or slurping on the tips, tapping bowls or plates to create noise, rummaging through shared dishes to pick favored items, or sticking them upright in food – particularly in rice, as this resembles incense sticks used in funeral rituals. These practices not only reflect personal hygiene and image but also demonstrate consideration for fellow diners.
In modern society, while chopstick etiquette has become more relaxed, the fundamental principles of respect, cleanliness, and grace remain unchanged.
“无酒不成席”，酒在中国传统社交中扮演着重要角色。敬酒，作为表达敬意和联络感情的重要仪式，也有着一套严格的礼仪规范。斟酒时，通常斟至八分满以示敬意；敬酒时，敬酒者应起身（或欠身），双手举杯，杯口略低于被敬者的杯口；敬酒言辞应简洁得体，表达敬意或祝福。被敬酒者也应起身（或欠身）表示感谢，并适量饮酒或以茶、饮料代酒。
在现代社会，虽然酒不再是社交的唯一媒介，但敬酒礼仪依然被视为尊重他人的重要表现。
‘No banquet is complete without wine!’ Toasting serves as a fundamental way to build bonds and demonstrate respect in Chinese dining culture. When pouring drinks for others, fill glasses approximately 80% full as a gesture of consideration. When proposing a toast, stand up or lean forward slightly while holding your cup respectfully with both hands, ensuring your cup rim remains lower than that of the person you’re toasting; keep your toast sincere yet concise. When receiving a toast, the recipient should similarly stand or lean forward to acknowledge the gesture, then take a sip of their drink – non-alcoholic beverages like tea or juice are perfectly acceptable alternatives if one doesn’t consume alcohol.
While alcohol consumption is no longer mandatory in modern settings, observing toasting etiquette continues to signify mutual respect among diners.
用餐时，举止文雅是关键。入座与离席需等主人或最年长者示意，不可贸然行动。取菜时，应“就近取材”，避免伸长手臂打扰他人。夹菜动作要轻稳，一次夹取适量，切忌在盘中挑拣翻动。进食过程中，要细嚼慢咽，避免发出声响，食物残渣应吐在专用骨碟或餐巾纸上。席间交谈，以轻松愉快为宜，应避免敏感话题，让氛围更加和谐。这些用餐举止的规范，不仅体现了个人修养，更是对他人和食物的尊重。
During meals, elegant and refined manners are key. Guests should wait for the host or eldest person to sit first before taking their seats and should similarly follow their lead when leaving the table. When serving yourself from shared dishes, always take food from the section nearest to you rather than reaching across other dishes. While eating, take modest portions, chew quietly with your mouth closed, and discreetly place any bones or scraps onto a spare plate or your napkin. Maintain light and positive conversation topics throughout the meal, carefully avoiding sensitive subjects. Collectively, these gestures reflect personal cultivation and express respect for fellow diners as well as the dining experience itself.
中国传统宴饮文化博大精深，座次安排、筷子使用、饮酒文化和用餐礼仪只是其中的冰山一角。对于外国留学生来说，了解并融入这些礼仪规范，不仅能够更好地体验中国文化，还能在社交场合中展现出自己的修养和尊重。记住，无论身在何处，尊重他人、遵守礼仪都是通往友好交往的桥梁。下次参加中国宴饮时，不妨试着运用这些礼仪知识，相信你会收获更多的赞美和友谊！
China’s traditional banquet culture is rich and profound. Seating arrangements, chopstick etiquette, drinking customs, and dining manners are only a fraction of it. For international students, understanding and embracing these traditions is key to truly experiencing Chinese culture. It also allows you to demonstrate respect and cultural awareness in social settings.
【排版&资料搜集】毕艺凝、周凡舒
【文案】黄祎
【英文翻译】毕艺凝
【俄文翻译】周凡舒
【审核】匡如玉、张雨硕
【贴纸】135编辑器