How To Greet People Around The World
Sure, a wave is a pretty universal way to say hello to people no matter where you are. With a friendly face and that simple gesture, you can probably get by. But if you really want to delve into the culture and understand their customs, most countries have unique ways of greeting people. If you want to be respectful and learn about other traditions, here are 20 different ways people greet each other around the world.
Photo by Rutgers CSO & Sumita Roy Dutta on Wikimedia Commons
1. The United States - Handshake
The classic handshake is likely something you're the most familiar with. In the United States, whenever you meet someone new, the best way to make a good first impression is by giving them a solid, firm handshake. Of course, it's typically accompanied by a friendly "hello" or "hey" too.
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2. South Korea - Bow
Over in South Korea, how you greet someone reflects your attitude. It's considered highly disrespectful if you don't greet someone with a bow, especially if they're older than you or they're someone you look up to. The correct, most respectful way to do it is by bowing 90 degrees.
3. France - Cheek Kiss
France has a global reputation of being incredibly friendly with their greetings. As most people know, the French greet each other with a friendly exchange of kisses on the cheek. While some countries don't appreciate hellos that are overly fond, France is definitely an exception.
4. Micronesia - Raising Eyebrows
One of the more quirky greetings out there in the world takes place in Micronesia. If you ever visit here, you might be confused as to why everyone is raising their eyebrows at you. Don't worry, they're not judging you, they're saying hello!
5. New Zealand (Maori People) - Hongi
In New Zealand, the Maori people practice a very traditional greeting that's typically done at formal ceremonies or important events. It's called hongi and it's done by pressing your nose and forehead against someone else's. It's a very intimate, personal way to say hello to someone.
6. Tibet - Sticking Out Tongues
While it's not done as much in these more modern times, sticking out your tongue to say hello is considered a very traditional way of greeting someone in Tibet. It's actually a very respectful greeting and it all started thanks to an old myth having to do with reincarnation.
7. Greenland - Breathing In
Traditionally called Kunik in Greenland, the people there have a unique way of saying hello to close friends or family members. It involves pressing their face, particularly their nose, against someone's cheek or forehead and breathing in.
8. Uruguay - One Right Cheek Kiss
When meeting good friends or people you know well, it's common for people in Uruguay to greet each other with one kiss to the right cheek. Of course, this typically isn't done for someone you just met; in that scenario, a nice handshake will do just fine!
9. Zimbabwe - Clapping
While the initial greeting does involve a handshake, Zimbabwe has an additional step you can follow. It has to do with clapping! One party will clap once while the other will clap twice in response. It sure seems like a friendly and lively way to greet someone.
10. Malaysia - Hand Over Heart
In Malaysia, they have a sweet gesture they do after giving someone a handshake. While it's said online that it's typically done in more rural areas, after greeting someone, Malays will typically put their hand on their heart . It's a simple action, but it feels very respectful.
11. Asia - Specific Titles
It may sound a bit general, but we do think it's important to note that in Asia, greeting people, particularly elders, has a lot of importance. Not only should you address them first, they have certain respectful titles that you must include in your greeting.
12. Brazil - Cheek Kiss
Just like in France, don't be surprised if you visit Brazil and find that a lot of people lean in for a cheek kiss upon meeting them. Cheek kisses are one of the main methods of saying hello in the country.
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13. India - Namaste
You've probably heard the word namaste multiple times in your life, but do you know what it actually means? It's basically a respectful way of greeting someone in Indian culture. By placing your hands together, giving a slight bow, and saying namaste, you are showing extreme respect to the other person.
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14. Canada - Handshake
Canada is known worldwide for being one of the friendliest countries around. And when they greet people for the first time, you can expect the classic handshake to be the main method of saying hello. Like many other places in the world, it's a very respectful way to say nice to meet you.
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15. United Arab Emirates - Touching Noses
Sometimes better known as the Eskimo kiss, it's interesting to observe how men in the UAE do their greetings with other men they're close to. While shaking hands, they also come close enough to touch noses. It's quite the intimate gesture, but here, it reflects a very simple but genuine symbol of friendship and appreciation.
16. Japan - Bowing
Japan is well known for being a very polite and respectful country. This is clearly reflected in their greeting, which is done with a well-mannered bow. How low you go and how much of your body you use can differ depending on the context.
17. China - Handshake
In most of China's main cities, the handshake is the most popular method of greeting someone. While sometimes a slight bow might be included, what matters more here is supposedly the firmness of your shake.
18. Mexico - Single Cheek Kiss
Over in Mexico, while strangers generally greet each other with a nice handshake, friends definitely show each other a bit more love. Like many other countries on this list, it's pretty common to find friends saying hello with a quick and simple kiss on the cheek. Just one to be exact!
19. Cambodia - Palms Together
The most traditional and respectful way to say hello in Cambodia is to press your palms together (like a prayer formation) and raise your hands to your chest. Bowing slightly after signals an even higher degree of respect to whoever you're greeting!
20. The United Kingdom - Handshake
The UK shares pretty similar cultural practices to the United States, so you're probably not surprised to hear their main form of greeting is the handshake too. It's simple, not too intimate, but just respectful enough that it works well when meeting strangers for the firs time.
