"お箸上手"

It is common for people from other countries to hear ”お箸上手” (o-ha-shi -joh-zu - "You are good at using chopsticks.") when they are eating in Japan. It happens so often... I am not sure if it is a compliment or just surprise.

Many many people from overseas know how to use chopsticks. In the UK for example, there are many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants. We often use chopsticks in those restaurants. Not always, but often.

If "お箸上手" is a complment, it feels a little strange. I started using chopsticks when I was 16 or 17... more than 25 years ago! I feel bad, like I am a young boy when someone says it to me... It feels condescending...

If you want to talk about chopsticks, try one of my suggestions:

"[Where/when] did you learn to use chopsticks?"

"Do you like using chopsticks?"

But I think it is better to talk about the food!

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common: よくあること

people from other countries: 外国の人

(to) happen: 起こる

often: よく、しばしば

compliment: 褒め言葉

surprise: 驚き

people from overseas: 外国の人

for example: 例えば

always: いつも

I feel bad: 気持ち悪い

like I am a young boy: 私は少年のように感じます

condescending: 見下した態度

suggestion(s): 提案

better: もっといい