When I address an elder,
I should not call him by his given name. This is in accord
with ancient Chinese etiquette.
对尊长。勿见能。
When you are facing teachers and elders,
Don’t show off or try to look smart.
In front of an elder,
I will never show off.
路遇长。疾趋揖。
If you meet an elder while walking,
Greet him or her with respect.
If I meet an elder I know on the street,
I will promptly clasp my hands and greet him with a bow.
长无言。退恭立。
If the elder does not address you,
Respectfully stand to one side.
If he does not speak to me,
I will step back and respectfully stand aside.
骑下马。乘下车。
If an elder’s walking and you’re riding,
Stop and ask if he’s traveling far.
Should I be riding on a horse and spot an elder I know
walking, I will dismount and pay respect to the elder.
If I am riding in a carriage, I will stop, get out of the
carriage, and ask if I can give the elder a ride.
过犹待。百步余。
Respectfully wait till he’s passed you
Before you continue on in your car.
If I meet an elder passing by, I will stand aside and wait
respectfully.
I will not leave until the elder disappears from my sight.
长者立。幼勿坐。
When an elder person is standing,
The young ones should not take a seat,
When an elder is standing,
I will not sit.
长者坐。命乃坐。
But wait till the elder is seated,
And sit down when you are told.
After an elder sits down,
I sit only when I am told to do so.
尊长前。声要低。
Speak softly in front of your elders,
In a low voice that pleases the ear.
Before an elder,
I will peak softly.
低不闻。却非宜。
But you are wrong if you’re speaking
So softly that no one can hear.
But if my voice is too low and hard to hear,
it is not appropriate.
进必趋。退必迟。
Greet your elders promptly,
And take your leave slowly.
When meeting an elder, I will walk briskly towards him;
when leaving, I will not exit in haste.
问起对。视勿移。
Answer questions respectfully,
And don’t let your eyes dart around.
When answering a question,
I will look at the person who is asking me the question.