You’ll want the two chopsticks to be lined up on top of each other, not side-to-side.
If you’re having trouble, set the other chopstick down so you can concentrate on this one. It’s easy to slide back in later.
Try to keep your thumb straight as you do this. If you bend it to move the top chopstick down, it’s easier for your form to collapse and for you to lose control of the sticks. Remember, the bottom chopstick doesn’t move. Keep it wedged in place and supported by your ring finger. Practice your moves by having both chopsticks’ food ends touch each other repeatedly.
If you’re using food and this is your first time, you may want to lay down a towel to protect against spills.
This makes it easier to support balls of rice as you lift them up to your face. It’s hard for the rice to fall between two horizontal sticks. On the other hand, it’s a lot easier for it to fall to either side when it’s balanced between two vertical sticks.
Lifting the rice from the bottom makes it easier to handle without dropping any. The more tightly-packed rice between the chopsticks supports the rice above it, turning your set of chopsticks into a sort of makeshift spoon.
Note, however, that it’s considered a little impolite to shovel food directly from the bowl into your mouth. Pick up pieces of rice and bring them into your mouth. Don’t just put your lips to the bowl and move the rice toward your mouth.
In addition, when someone wants to give you food, offer your plate, rather than grabbing it with your own chopsticks.
In addition, when someone wants to give you food, offer your plate, rather than grabbing it with your own chopsticks.
