1.If someone is older than you,then you should wai them 2.you will also wai when receiving a gift from a superior, as a sign of thanks .make your wai before you reach to take the object 3.when leaving a party or other such gathering ,you should wai everyone ,as this is the polite way to excuse yourself from the festivities 4.whlie listening to a buddhist sermon,it is also customary to hold a wai during the entire programme