How To Use Chopsticks In 3 Easy Steps

← Back to Chopsticks Learning Center article list How To Use Chopsticks In 3 Easy Steps

Here's our easy step-by-step guide, perfect for beginners, on how to use chopsticks correctly in just 3 simple steps. Learning chopsticks from the experts will help you be successful. Our instructions include chopstick tutorials for both right and left handed people.

Follow our easy steps to eating with chopsticks, try our practice tips, check out our etiquette pointers, and in no time you'll know how to use chopsticks like a pro.

How to Hold Chopsticks: Overview

• Step 1: Hold the bottom chopstick between your thumb and ring finger.
• Step 2: Then hold the top chopstick between your thumb, index and middle fingers.
• Step 3: Move the top chopstick only.

How to Use Chopsticks: Step-by-Step

Step 1. Place the bottom chopstick in the valley between your thumb and index finger, and across the side of the tip of your ring finger, and press with your thumb across the open middle.

Step 2. Hold the top chopstick sort of like you would a pencil. Lightly grip the stick between the pad of your thumb and between the tips of your index and middle fingers.

Step 3. The first chopstick is stationary. Move the top chop stick, using them like tongs to grip pieces of food.

And If You Are Left Handed....

Here are the illustrations reflected to show how to hold chopsticks if you are left handed. Just follow the same instructions as above.

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Let's how to pick up food with chopsticks. Start with simple foods such as cubed chicken.

Put the chopstick tips on each side of the food piece, move your hand so the stationary (bottom) stick is slightly touching it, and gently close the top stick until you have a enough grip to raise the food.

Initially it is easy for the chopsticks to twist and cross, dropping the morsel. Practice picking up (and eating!) the easy food pieces.

Tip: To improve your chopstick grip, practice on difficult round pieces of food like cherry tomatoes or grapes. In a short time your hand will gain dexterity. Continue on your practice adventures with ramen noodles.

Another Tip: By the way, you eat rice by using the sticks more as a scoop than a grip. And, in almost all East Asian restaurants and cultures it is normal and acceptable to raise your bowl of rice close to your mouth. Just don't do that in Korea.

Chopstick Etiquette

Here's a few quick pointers on how to eat with good chopsticks etiquette.

• Don't pierce or stab food with your chop sticks.
• Don't point your sticks at other people.
• Don't play around with your chop sticks or use them like drumsticks.
• When you are done eating, place your pair of chopsticks across your plate or dish.
• Don't rub disposable chop sticks together as that implies they're cheap.
• Sushi is usually eaten with just your fingers.
• Tip: Use the chopstick wrapper from your bamboo chopsticks as a rest by folding it up into a small tent.

That's it! Now you've learned how to use these wonderful eating utensils, and with a little practice you'll be able to use them like an expert. Have fun at your next dinner and show off your new skills!

You can learn more about proper etiquette in our complete article about Chopsticks Etiquette

Choosing the Right Chopsticks

Chopsticks come in a wide variety of size, thickness and style. For beginners, avoid slender, hard edged, and slippery chopsticks. Chopsticks with scalloped or notched carvings can help keep a good hold on the sticks, while tips with texture can help grip food.

Learn More About Chopsticks

Over 60 fun and informative articles about chopsticks such as:

Guide to Chopsticks Etiquette Japanese vs. Chinese Chopsticks, What's the Difference? History of Chopsticks

Shop for Chopsticks:

All Chopsticks

Browse categories by country, color, style, use.

Chopsticks

Japanese Styles

Explore the finest chop sticks made in Japan.

Japanese Chopsticks

Chinese Styles

Elegant, beautiful pairs made in China.

Chinese Chopsticks

Personalized for You

Custom engraved chopsticks, boxes and personalized sleeves.

Personalized Chopsticks

Holders & Rests

Pretty and fun styles for your table.

Chopstick Rests & Holders

Cases and Sleeves

Find a box, case or sleeve for your favorite traveling sticks.

Chopstick Boxes, Cases & Sleeves

Follow Us on Social Media

Please follow us, like and share our posts, and interact with us on your favorite platforms.

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Who We Are

We love chopsticks. At Everything Chopsticks we strive to inspire, educate and bring you the wonderful world of chopsticks.

Shop Our Chopsticks Store

Beautiful chopsticks from Japan, China, Korea and more.

Shop for Chopsticks

Personalized Chopsticks, Boxes & Sleeves:

Personalized Chopsticks Personalized Boxes Custom Chopstick Sleeves

Chopstick Accessories:

Chopstick Rests & Holders Chopstick Boxes & Sleeves Chopstick Helpers

Other Popular Categories:

Cool Chopsticks Best Chopsticks Wakasa Chopsticks Chinese Chopsticks

Free Shipping

We offer free ground shipping on all orders of $50 or more. See details.