How to Use Chopsticks: A Beginner's Guide

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Jun 13, 2024

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Chopsticks are versatile. We are still determining exactly when they were invented. Some say, “Chopsticks were used over 2340 years ago. Their origin is China's Han Dynasty”. However, according to others, people started to use chopsticks over 4000 years ago. It was the Shan Dynasty.

Nowadays, chopsticks are used in different Middle East countries. You can use chopsticks to prepare food. You can use them to eat as well. They were used back in the 19th century. Japan first started to use disposable chopsticks.

Use chopsticks in many ways. This guide will show you the basics [holding and eating].

Chopsticks: Best For Beginners

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Using Chopsticks: With Your Dominant Hand

First, determine your dominant hand. Most probably, the hand you write with. Using your dominant hand is quite important. Because using chopsticks will require fine motor skills. Use the valley between your forefinger and Thumb. Usually, it's the place where the chopsticks will sit.

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Place The 2nd Chopstick

Now come to the second chopstick. It's quite similar to the first process. Join the second chopstick between your forefinger and Thumb. However, you should make it rest on the middle finger. It's important for the balance. Your middle fingers, pointer, and Thumb should be used to apply pressure. It should be more pressure than the first.

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Move The Chopsticks

It is the trickiest part. The first chopstick should remain stationary while eating. After that, you should create a pinching motion with your middle and forefinger. It's for the second chopstick. The motion should be on each side of the second chopstick. This may sound simple. But trust me!! It's actually quite difficult.

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Practice More And More

Now, you need to practice these basic steps more and more. Thus, you will become an expert. To do this, you need to commit to the chopsticks. You should eat nothing but with chopsticks. Do this for a week. You can eat anything with them. From fresh fruits to salad. Pick up everything with chopsticks. Always remember, The more difficult the food, the better you will be.

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Cooking With Chopsticks

Chopsticks can be used to prepare food. For example, you can whisk eggs with chopsticks. Thus, You can prepare fluffy and perfect omelets. You just need to hold the chopsticks firmly. Cooking chopsticks are larger. They are not like eating chopsticks. They are made with bamboo and wood.

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Table Manners And Chopsticks

It's quite important. Everyone should learn some basic table manners. Eating with chopsticks requires them. You should not drum them. They are not drumsticks, right? You should not point them at people. Also, don't step the chopsticks vertically into a bowl. It's very impolite.

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Can The Other End Of The Chopstick Be Used?

It seems quite weird. However, some countries use chopsticks backward. Rather, it is considered polite. If you are sharing one plate of food, You can grab your food from the other end of the chopstick.

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Why It Is Called Chopsticks

The source of the word chopstick is originally a derivative of Kuaizi. It means quick stick. “Chop Chop” is a Chinese word. It means quickly. The word chopstick was first seen in ‘Voyages and Description”, written by William Dampierolence in 1699. China began to explode in 500AD. They used to cut their food into small pieces. This way, they started to cook and eat with chopsticks.

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