12 Embarrassing Cultural Mistakes You Probably Don't Even Know You're Making

Do you do any of these things?

A woman and a man in business attire are walking and talking on a modern stairway with red railings. The woman holds a coffee cup and a folder, while the man is holding a smartphone. They appear engaged in a serious discussion.

Most of us have made at least one cultural faux pas in the past, even if our intentions were pure. By familiarizing yourself with the most common mistakes people make, you’ll be less likely to humiliate yourself (or others) with them in the future.

1. Saying something like “Wow, your English is really good for (their culture).”

Two women are engaging in a friendly conversation outdoors. One woman with long gray hair is smiling brightly, dressed in a navy blazer and white shirt, carrying a black shoulder bag. The other woman is seen from behind, with blonde hair, wearing a tan blazer.

More often than not, the people you say this to either grew up in an English-speaking environment, or studied the language extensively in school. In fact, their English might be significantly better than your own. As such, telling them that their English is great is quite embarrassing on your part.

2. Not adhering to other culture’s table etiquette.

Four people are seated around a table, enjoying a meal together. The table is set with various dishes, including a salad, bread, and other foods. The setting appears to be a home with large windows in the background, allowing natural light to illuminate the scene.

Table manners vary from one culture to another, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them if you’re visiting another region, or dining with someone from a different culture. For example, eating with your left hand in a Muslim or Hindu country won’t put you in anyone’s good graces.

3. Saying that things are better back home.

Two people sitting on a bench at a train station, looking bored. One wears a pink hat and striped shirt, the other a white hat and gray sweater. A backpack and coffee cup are beside them, and a moving train is blurred in the background.

It’s poor form to criticize things when abroad because you prefer how they are back in your own country. While it may feel a bit awkward to get used to another country’s plumbing system or culinary ingredients, try to avoid complaining about how different everything is, or just stay home next time.

4. Using colloquialisms that don’t translate well.

Two women sitting at a cafe table, engaged in conversation. One woman wears a hijab and denim jacket, while the other has long hair and a dark top. They have drinks in front of them, and there are blurred people in the background.

People who have English as a second (or third, or fourth) language may struggle with idioms and other colloquial phrases, and as such may take things literally. For example, you might say that you “screwed the pooch” at work (meaning that you made a bad mistake), and horrify your foreign friends.

5. Saying the one phrase you know in their culture’s language to impress them.

A man and woman in safety vests stand outdoors in an urban setting, holding hard hats and architectural plans. They appear to be discussing a construction project, with modern high-rise buildings in the background.

Just because someone is of a particular cultural background doesn’t necessarily mean that they speak that language. Furthermore, how impressed would you be if someone from another country started repeating a standard English catchphrase in your direction? Treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and don’t try to show off.

6. Complimenting something about their culture that has nothing to do with the current conversation.

Two women are sitting across from each other at a table in a bright indoor space. One woman, facing forward, is attentive, while the other has her back to the camera. A potted plant is partially visible in the foreground.

Let’s say you’re discussing a book with someone, and you find out they’re from X country. Complimenting them on their country of origin’s foreign trade policy or prison reform system is awkward and misguided. On that same note, it’s best to avoid making jokes about some past tragedy (or travesty).

7. Asking: “I guess you really like (X food), huh?”

A person with long hair wearing a denim jacket and striped shirt sits at a table, holding chopsticks and eating from a takeout box. They have one hand on their forehead and a glass of water is nearby.

Not every Asian person loves rice more than anything in the world, and the same goes for Swedish people and meatballs. As such, although you may be familiar with something from their culture’s cuisine, don’t assume that they love it. They may prefer something completely different.

8. Giving someone a gift from what you assume is their culture, without knowing whether it’s something they’d actually like.

A person holds a gift wrapped in brown paper with a red ribbon behind their back, while facing a smiling person holding a cup. The scene suggests a surprise gift scenario indoors.

You likely have a wide range of interests that go above and beyond your culture’s stereotypes, right? So does everyone else. As such, giving stereotypical gifts to others is a big “no”, whether it’s offering a Chinese person some really nice chopsticks, or an Ojibwe person a dreamcatcher.

9. Over- or under-stepping that culture’s social distance boundaries.

Two men shaking hands outdoors. One wears a suit and glasses, facing away from the camera. The other wears a red and white keffiyeh, a white thobe, and sunglasses. They are in a modern urban setting with blurred background elements.

While greeting people by kissing them on the cheek is normal in Latin countries, that closeness isn’t displayed in Nordic/Germanic countries, or various parts of Asia and the Middle East. It’s a good idea to learn about how other cultures react to physical affection before trying to inflict any of it.

10. Assuming that the people around you don’t understand what you’re saying.

A woman with long dark hair and a white sweater is furrowing her brows and pursing her lips. She is sitting in front of a bookshelf filled with books.

A person’s ethnic background isn’t necessarily indicative of the languages they’re capable of speaking. The person standing next to you might have been educated in another country, or may speak a dozen languages, so it’s best to remain polite at all times. Otherwise, you risk embarrassing yourself terribly (or worse).

11. Dressing inappropriately.

A person wearing black tights steps into white slippers beside a pair of purple shoes with decorative heels on a wooden floor. A potted plant and a window are in the background.

This can relate to anything from ensuring that you take off your shoes when you enter someone’s home, to not wearing anything revealing if you’re visiting a house of worship. It’s important to be able to express yourself, but do so in a way that isn’t going to make others uncomfortable.

12. Using words that have different meanings for the people you’re interacting with.

Two men are seated at a wooden table, each holding a glass of beer. The man on the left is gesturing while speaking, and the man on the right is listening intently, resting his chin on his hand. They are in a modern, minimalist setting.

A word that has a particular meaning in your language might mean something very different to someone else. As such, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with certain troublesome words in the languages you encounter often so you don’t accidentally humiliate yourself or insult those around you.