Respect is a universal concept, but the way people express respect in different cultures can vary dramatically. A gesture that is seen as polite in one country might feel strange or even rude in another. For anyone who works in a multicultural setting or lives overseas, learning these small but significant signals can be an essential step toward communicating successfully.
At Remitly, we know that understanding how to show respect in various cultures can be a challenge at first—but learning new cultural norms is also one of the most interesting parts of building a life abroad. In this article, we’ll look at how respect shows up in different cultures, why it matters, and practical ways to adapt so you can feel more at home.
How cultural norms shape our behavior
Respect might show up differently depending on where you are in the world, but the idea itself is something we all share. At its heart, respect is about valuing others and recognizing their place in the community. It is what makes relationships work smoothly at home, with friends, or in the office.
Traditions, religion, and history all play a role in shaping everyday gestures of respect. In some places, speaking directly feels honest and polite. In others, a softer, more indirect approach is the respectful choice. Neither way is right or wrong; they’re just different ways of expressing the same value.
For immigrants, these differences are more than cultural quirks. Learning how respect is shown in a new place helps you avoid awkward moments, build stronger relationships, and feel more at home in your community. Let’s take a look at some examples of cultural respect around the world.
Asia: small gestures, big meaning
In many Asian cultures, respect isn’t just something you talk about; it’s baked into everyday habits, from the way you greet someone to how you eat dinner.
Bowing in Japan
In Japan, a bow is never just a bow. A quick dip of the head can be casual, but lean forward a little deeper and you’re expressing gratitude, apology, or sincere respect. Locals in Japan instantly pick up on these differences, while newcomers often need a little practice. Still, even trying to bow correctly shows that you’re making the effort, which is always appreciated.
Respect for elders in China and Korea
In places like China and South Korea, respect for elders and authority is deeply ingrained in cultural norms. You’ll notice it in the way younger people use honorifics when speaking, pour drinks for older relatives, or wait for an elder to take the first bite at a meal. These small rituals may look formal at first, but really, they’re all about showing love and gratitude across generations.
Mealtime etiquette
Meals are a whole ceremony of respect in themselves. In many Asian households, everyone waits for the eldest person to begin eating before picking up their chopsticks. Speaking of chopsticks, whatever you do, don’t leave them standing upright in a bowl of rice. It resembles a funeral offering and feels out of place at the dinner table.
Middle East: hospitality as a way of life
If there’s one word that sums up respect in the Middle East, it’s hospitality. Being a good host isn’t just polite, it’s a deep cultural value.
Hospitality as respect
Drop by someone’s home, even unexpectedly, and you’ll likely be met with tea, coffee, and food. Refusing a drink can even come off as dismissive, because offering hospitality is how people show warmth and honor. Guests aren’t just welcomed; they’re cherished.
Formality in greetings
Respect also shows up in greetings. Using formal titles, like “Doctor,” “Professor,” or “Uncle”, is a sign of courtesy. And don’t be surprised if everyone stands when an elder or honored guest enters the room. It’s a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes about the value placed on hierarchy.
Gestures and traditions
Small details count, too. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the right hand is used to pass or receive items. And pointing the soles of your feet at someone is a no-go. These little actions might seem unfamiliar at first, but they’re part of the rhythm of everyday respect.
Western cultures: time, honesty, and a sense of equality
Western ideas of respect often look less formal than in other parts of the world—but respect is still front and center.
Eye contact in communication
In the US and much of Europe, looking someone in the eye signals that you are attentive, open, and honest. If you look down, above someone’s head, or off to the side, people may wonder if you’re distracted or avoiding something.
Punctuality as respect for time
If you want to show respect in the West, be on time. Whether it’s a work meeting or dinner with friends, showing up late is often read as not valuing the other person’s time. Being a few minutes early is even better.
Workplace equality
One quirk of Western workplaces is that informality is often a form of respect. Calling your boss by their first name or skipping formal titles might seem casual, but it signals equality and friendliness. The message is: “We’re all on the same team.”
Africa: respect through relationships
In many African cultures, respect is about community. The way you greet people, speak to elders, and care for neighbors all reflect your values.
Greeting rituals
Greetings are big in this part of the world. Handshakes can be longer and warmer than you might expect, and it’s normal to ask about someone’s family, health, or even the weather before diving into business. Skipping this part would feel abrupt, almost like skipping “hello.”
Respect for elders
Elders are seen as wisdom-keepers, so they hold a special place in society. They’re given priority, addressed with specific titles, and consulted for advice. Showing deference isn’t about formality for its own sake; it’s about honoring their role in guiding the community.
Community values
Respect also extends outward, beyond family. Sharing food with neighbors, welcoming visitors, or helping someone in need are everyday ways of keeping community ties strong. Respect, in this sense, is as much about generosity as it is about words or gestures.
Indigenous cultures: honoring more than people
For many Indigenous communities around the world, respect doesn’t stop with people. It extends to the land, ancestors, and traditions that sustain life.
Respect for nature and ancestors
Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings often express gratitude for the earth and those who came before. Respect here is deeply spiritual; it’s about recognizing that humans are part of a much bigger story.
Communication styles
In many Indigenous cultures, silence is golden. Listening without rushing to reply shows thoughtfulness. Pauses in conversation aren’t considered awkward, as they may be in other cultures. Instead, they’re a sign of respect for the speaker.
Storytelling traditions
Storytelling in Indigenous cultures is more than entertainment; it’s a way of keeping history alive and transmitting traditional values. Passing down stories honors ancestors and ensures cultural wisdom is shared with the next generation. It’s respect in narrative form.
Why understanding cultural norms matters
Learning cultural etiquette around the world can make a big difference in everyday life. Whether you are chatting with a neighbor, working in an international office, or doing business across borders, being mindful of cultural norms helps you avoid awkward moments and build stronger relationships.
Consider everyday gestures: a thumbs-up in the US is a casual sign of approval, but it can be very offensive in parts of the Middle East. Without cultural awareness, it’s easy for well-meaning actions to be misread.
But don’t panic if you commit a cultural faux pas—most people are forgiving when you make an honest mistake, and showing curiosity about their culture usually earns respect in return.
Multicultural workplaces
Workplaces are more global than ever. You might share an office (or Zoom screen) with colleagues from five different countries, each carrying their own sense of what respect looks like.
Some cultures value speaking up quickly in meetings, while others see interrupting as disrespectful. Some prize formal dress codes, while others view casual wear as perfectly fine. Being aware of the differences and open to variations in communication styles is key to understanding your multicultural coworkers.
Global business and trust
In international business, respect is part of building strategic connections. Deals and partnerships often rely as much on relationships as they do on numbers. Understanding cultural etiquette, whether it’s exchanging business cards with both hands in Japan or taking the time for small talk in Latin America, shows that you’re serious about building trust. These small examples of cultural respect can go a long way in deepening a business partnership.
For immigrants and travelers
If you’re starting fresh in a new country, cultural awareness is part of the toolkit that makes everyday life smoother. Simple things like how you greet your landlord, the way you address your child’s teacher, or whether you take off your shoes before entering someone’s home can smooth your integration into your new community.
Respecting local customs is a way of saying, “I want to understand your world.” That effort alone can help reduce culture shock and create genuine connections, making your transition much more enjoyable.
Tips for showing respect when navigating cultural differences
Moving abroad or stepping into a multicultural space can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. Don’t worry—you don’t need to memorize every tradition to make a good impression. Think of it less like passing a test and more like learning how to speak a new cultural language.
Learn and observe
If you know you’re moving to or visiting a specific country, take some time to research the basic etiquette before you go. Simple things like how to greet someone, dining customs, or body language cues can save you from uncomfortable mistakes. Even a quick read or asking a friend from that culture for advice shows respect before you’ve even arrived.
Once you land in a new culture, the easiest way to learn is to watch how locals interact with each other. Notice how people greet one another, how meals are shared, or how conversations flow. Do people shake hands, bow, or offer a hug? Do they take turns talking or overlap in conversation? By quietly observing before jumping in, you’ll pick up the rhythm of a culture much faster, and avoid the awkwardness of making an uncomfortable first impression.
Ask politely when unsure
No one expects you to know everything about a new culture. In fact, asking a respectful question is often better than making a wrong assumption.
Something as simple as, “Would you prefer I call you by your first name or last name?” shows humility and genuine interest. Most people are happy to explain their traditions if they see you care enough to ask. It can even spark conversations that help you understand the culture more deeply.
Adapt your behavior
Flexibility is key when living abroad. What feels natural to you might not translate the same way somewhere else, and that’s okay.
If locals take off their shoes before entering a home, follow suit. If being on time is taken seriously, aim to arrive a few minutes early. These little adjustments may not feel huge to you, but they show that you’re making an effort to fit in rather than insisting on doing things your way.
Show empathy
The most important part of cultural respect is empathy and remembering that people have different ways of seeing the world. If someone reacts differently than you expect, try to see it from their perspective instead of judging.
Maybe long pauses in conversation feel uncomfortable to you, but they’re a sign of thoughtfulness to someone else. A little patience, kindness, and curiosity go a long way in building mutual understanding.
Embrace mistakes gracefully
Even with the best intentions, you’ll probably get something wrong at some point, and that’s okay. What matters most is how you handle it.
If you realize you’ve misstepped, a sincere apology and willingness to learn usually go a long way. People respect effort, and often the fact that you’re trying will mean more than perfect execution.
FAQs
What are some examples of respect in Asian cultures?
Examples of cultural respect include bowing in Japan, using honorific titles in Korea, and practicing mealtime etiquette such as serving elders first.
How do Western cultures demonstrate respect in the workplace?
Western workplaces often value punctuality, direct communication, and allowing colleagues to share their ideas. Learning cultural etiquette around the world can be very helpful for anyone working in another country or with colleagues overseas.
Why is it important to adapt to cultural norms in global business?
Adapting to global cultural differences shows appreciation for others’ traditions, builds trust, and strengthens professional relationships.
What are the universal signs of respect in most cultures?
Listening carefully, showing gratitude, and treating others with kindness are recognized worldwide as signals of cross-cultural respect.