Hi,
I was wondering how common bowing is in Taiwan?
The reason I ask is a friend is writing a novel briefly set in Taiwan, and he was wondering about how common it is.
Thanks!
Not very common. More common than in the US, but far less common than in Japan.
Mostly, bowing is seen in rituals, such as in temples. Sometimes people bow in apology. Beggars often bow (more like bump their heads rapidly against the ground). At weddings, the bride and groom bow to each other and then to the attendees. And it’s traditional to bow when visiting the tomb of Chiang Kai-shek.
Not common. I had a friend visit me from Scotland who must have thought he was in Japan or something. Kept bowing to the locals: bartenders, waitrons, taxi drivers, prostitutes, cashiers, the whole gamut. Looked like a right turnip, he did.
You can make a quick, very short bow as a thank you when receiving something/help or when you meet someone for the first time without shaking hands.
I do it all the time as pure reflex. Its more a head and neck movement though. Never gets to my torso.
I think this is more cause I’m American and we do this a lot (the meeting people, not the thank you now).
Never gotten weird looks here. People usually reciprocate.
I didn’t realize how musically brainwashed I am. I read this as being a violin post, not about courtesy.
I think Taiwanese bow often but just a slight nod of the head, rather then the full on Japanese bowing .
Taiwanese do the full on bowing (3 times) when in front of a coffin (final goodbye) or a spouse (at your marriage). IN general , just a slight nod of the head will do.
I do that a lot. And Im not even in the wan anymore 
Bowing is so uncommon that it isn’t even seen or experienced on a daily or weekly basis, maybe go for months and not really experience someone bowing.
Basically people don’t bow in Taiwan, it is just as foreign here as in the West. Japan on the otherhand…
Long time ago have “Kowtow”.
Kowtow mean crawl on floor and put head on floor.
Make kowtow is when see Emperor and want him give something.
Maybe same same begging.
But Taiwan copy Japan people and Japan people like bowing.
Japan people bowing when make company bankrupt or when make nuclear disaster.
Temples mostly
I have seen people bow just when PASSING a temple, even if across the street
but thats it really
One of my students bows as she enters my class then does so again when she leaves. I like it. Her classroom etiquette is impeccable and I wish the other students were so polite. When I am more familiar with her I will ask her about it.
I thought you were supposed to give a little bow when accepting a business card, too?
Nope. You’re supposed to accept the business cards with both hands, bow deeply, smile graciously, and by graciously I mean like the Cheshire Cat, hold that smile firm and simultaneously make uninterrupted eye contact with your new best friend for five minutes straight. Ignore any signs of discomfort in those around you, as they’re just being modest and are actually quite amazed at your culturally accurate politeness.
Nope. You’re supposed to accept the business cards with both hands, bow deeply, smile graciously, and by graciously I mean like the Cheshire Cat, hold that smile firm and simultaneously make uninterrupted eye contact with your new best friend for five minutes straight. Ignore any signs of discomfort in those around you, as they’re just being modest and are actually quite amazed at your culturally accurate politeness.[/quote]
Ah so. 
Nope. You’re supposed to accept the business cards with both hands, bow deeply, smile graciously, and by graciously I mean like the Cheshire Cat, hold that smile firm and simultaneously make uninterrupted eye contact with your new best friend for five minutes straight. Ignore any signs of discomfort in those around you, as they’re just being modest and are actually quite amazed at your culturally accurate politeness.[/quote]
And then you must carefully inspect both sides of the business card, making mental notes of all errors and absurdities printed thereon, but never mentioning them to the other person to avoid causing them loss of face.
I bow everyday, but it’s nothing compared to Japanese bows. More of a nod and wave movement.
Nope. You’re supposed to accept the business cards with both hands, bow deeply, smile graciously, and by graciously I mean like the Cheshire Cat, hold that smile firm and simultaneously make uninterrupted eye contact with your new best friend for five minutes straight. Ignore any signs of discomfort in those around you, as they’re just being modest and are actually quite amazed at your culturally accurate politeness.[/quote]
And then you must carefully inspect both sides of the business card, making mental notes of all errors and absurdities printed thereon, but never mentioning them to the other person to avoid causing them loss of face.[/quote]
And then, after the meeting, it goes to the recycling bin (likewise for the other party).
Maybe can start new thread about what to do with business card.
maybe sell card on eBay for person who collect.
may be that good idea yes we do.