Using your phone at the table
Neutral Depends on context
What it really means
At a meal with others, having your phone out on the table or checking it is seen as a bit rude, especially at someone's home or a nice restaurant. Put it away or on silent, and if you must reply to something urgent, say "sorry, I just need to answer this" first.
Chinese explanation
和别人一起吃饭时，把手机摆在桌上或时不时看手机会显得有点失礼，在别人家里或高档餐厅尤其如此。把手机收起来或调静音；若确有急事要回，先说一句"抱歉，我回一下这个"。
Example conversation
A: Do you mind if I check my phone?
B: (host) Go ahead — but people do notice at dinner, so keep it brief.
A：你介意我看下手机吗？
B：（主人）看吧——不过吃饭时大家会留意，所以快点。
What you could say back
Related phrases
Go deeper
All Customs & Etiquette
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake