How to Greet People in Spain

 

Greetings in Spain: A Guide for Visitors

When visiting Spain, understanding the local customs for greeting people can significantly enhance your experience and avoid any awkward moments. Here's a guide to help you navigate social interactions:

Common Greetings

The most common greetings in Spain are:

• Handshake: This is generally used in more formal situations, such as business meetings or when meeting someone for the first time in a professional context.
• Kiss on both cheeks (dos besos): This is the standard greeting between people who know each other, including friends, family, and acquaintances.

The Two-Kiss Greeting (Dos Besos)

The two-kiss greeting is a cultural norm in Spain and can be confusing for visitors unfamiliar with the custom. Here's what you need to know:

• Who uses it: It's common between men and women, women and women, and even between men who are close friends or family members.
• How it works: You lean in and lightly touch cheeks with the other person, starting with the right cheek first. Then you repeat on the left cheek. It’s important to note that it's a cheek-to-cheek touch, not an actual kiss on the cheek.
• When to use it: This greeting is used in most social situations, including meeting friends, being introduced to someone by a mutual friend, and greeting family members.
• When NOT to use it: In very formal business settings, a handshake is generally preferred, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It is also not common between men who are not close friends or relatives, in which case a handshake is usual.

Other Considerations

• Context matters: The context of the situation will often dictate the appropriate greeting. If you're unsure, it's always best to follow the lead of the person you're meeting.
• Regional variations: While the two-kiss greeting is common throughout Spain, there might be slight regional variations. However, adhering to the general guidelines above will be appropriate in most cases.
• Addressing people: Using "Señor" (Mr.), "Señora" (Mrs.), or "Señorita" (Miss) followed by the person's last name is generally considered polite in formal situations. In informal settings, you can use first names.
• First meetings: When you are introduced to someone by a mutual friend, it's normal to give two kisses.
• Illness: Since COVID it is  more acceptable to decline to kiss people if you have something infectious like a cold. You could wave your hands and say "Estoy resfriado" (I have a cold) 
• If you are not Spanish: It can be confusing if you are a foreigner and not used to the local customs. My advice is the hang back slightly and let the Spanish people take the lead. 
• Height: If you are very tall it might be a good idea to bend your legs to get to the height of the other person rather than bend you back.  It just looks more elegant.  
• Being a tourist: If you are a tourist then you probably won't have to kiss many people. However, knowing what to do may come in useful  if you make friends with some people when you are out and you say goodbye. 

By understanding and respecting these customs, you'll be able to navigate social interactions in Spain with confidence and make a positive impression.

Useful Links: 

The vocabulary of greetings in Spanish Click here 

Saying hello and goodbye in Spanish (with sound) Click here

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Last Modified on April 25th, 2024
Created on April 2nd, 2025
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