Hold the chopsticks like you would hold a pencil: one chopstick stays still, the other moves
Place the stationary chopstick between your thumb and index finger
Rest the stationary chopstick against your ring finger
Place the movable chopstick between your thumb and index finger
Position both chopsticks so their tips align evenly
Practice opening and closing by moving your thumb and index finger while keeping your hand relaxed
Use the tips to pinch food by closing the movable chopstick against the stationary one
Pick up small pieces first, then move to larger foods
If the food is slippery, try pinching closer to the center of the food
For noodles, use chopsticks to gather and lift, then guide with the chopsticks as you eat
For rice, press the chopsticks into the rice slightly, then lift carefully
For shared dishes, use the serving end of your chopsticks if provided
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice or food
Don’t pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks
Don’t use chopsticks to spear food
When finished, rest chopsticks on the holder or across the dish if no holder is available