Appendix 2
COMMON GREETINGS
Common Greetings and Gestures
| Country | Some Common Ways of Greeting | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | A hug and kiss on the cheek; Handshake | Male, female, old, young, it doesn't matter: Whether you want one or not, you're getting a hug and a kiss on the cheek. For professional situations, you should give a firm handshake with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile. |
| Australia | Right-handed handshakes | Right-handed handshakes are customary in Australia and should be accompanied by direct eye-contact. |
| Brazil | Kiss on the cheek one to three times; Handshake | Depending on the region, you'll kiss one to three times; however, the single ladies tend to give an extra smooch. For professional greetings, the most common and appropriate greeting for anyone is a handshake. In Brazil, handshakes are usually firm, although some may prefer lighter handshakes. Brazilians usually take the time to greet each person individually, making direct eye contact. |
| China (including Hong Kong) | Bow or shake hands | In formal settings, the Chinese bow is common. But in recent years, handshakes have become the norm. In business, deference is always given to the oldest member of a group as they will be the one in the most senior position. Bowing or shaking hands are accepted forms of welcome. In Hong Kong, where both English and Chinese cultures have combined over the years, a light handshake, with lowered eyes as a mark of respect, is typical for business. There is no need for the additional bowing that is present in other Asian cultures. |
| France | Kiss on the cheeks three or four times; Handshake | In France the cheek-to-cheek—or cheek-to-cheek-to-cheek—kiss is as regional as the country's wines. In Paris, the standard is two. The more professional greeting is a handshake. French-style handshakes are known to be brisk and light. You should expect a loose grip with only one or two up and down movements. |
| Germany | A firm handshake | It's best to shake everyone's hand upon entering and exiting a meeting and not to shake someone's hand with one hand still in your pocket. Also, maintain eye contact. |
| Greece | A kiss and a slap on the back; Handshake | Greeks tend to give two kisses to ease the pain of the slap on the back. People usually are addressed by their appropriate title, e.g., Keerios (Mr.) for men and Keeria (Mrs.) for women. Some address elders who are not related as Theia (Aunty) and Theios (Uncle). For professional greeting, shaking hands is the most typical way, maintaining direct eye contact. |
| India | Place palms together and say Namaste; Handshake | Place your palms together like a prayer, tilt your head forward, and say Namaste, which means, “adoration to you.” As with the social structure in India, there is a formal hierarchical system that pervades business dealings. Personal space is important. Therefore, maintaining a gap of an arm's length between you and the other person is important. In business, handshakes are now more common. Indian women may not shake hands with men; Western women should also wait for Indian men to extend their hands. |
| Italy | Kiss on each cheek; Firm handshake | A quick kiss on each cheek—usually right, then left (your left, then your right). Most of the time, it's common to brush cheeks and make a kissing sound. The common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact and a smile. If the greeting is between a man and a woman, the woman generally extends her hand first. It is common to give air kisses on both cheeks (starting with your left) when greeting those you know well. This is called the il bacetto. However, in Southern Italy, men generally only kiss family members and prefer to give a pat on the back to show affection in a greeting. |
| Japan | Bow | The bow is the standard greeting in Japan. Depending on the formalities, bows differ in duration, declination, and style. Among peers, the bow may be subtle. How far to bow depends on the relationship and status of the individuals bowing—the lower you bow the more respect you show. A slight bow of the head is generally acceptable for foreign visitors. |
| Mexico | Handshake | Most initial introductions are accompanied by a handshake but may progress to a hug or a back slap (among men) and a touch on the right arm or shoulder for women. |
| Portugal | Kiss on each cheek; Firm handshake | It is appropriate to shake hands with everyone present in formal situations. |
| Russia | Handshake | A very firm handshake is the typical greeting among men in Russia, accompanied by direct eye contact. But when shaking hands with women, this handshake is much less firm. |
| South Korea | Bow accompanied by a handshake | In South Korea, the traditional greeting is a bow, which is often accompanied by a handshake for men that involves supporting your right forearm with your left hand while shaking. Korean women don't often shake hands but tend to nod instead of bowing. |
| Spain | Kiss on each cheek; Firm handshake | A firm handshake with eye contact and a smile is the appropriate greeting in a professional context. |
| Thailand | Press hands together and slightly bow | There's only one correct way greet in Thailand, and that's to press your hands together in a prayer-like fashion and slightly bow to your acquaintance. |
| The Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland | Kiss the cheeks three times from the right to left to right (your left to right to left); Handshake | For nonprofessional greetings, vague acquaintances stick to handshakes and uncomfortable silence. For these countries’ professional greetings, it's typical to shake hands. Handshakes are firm with eye contact. |
| The United Kingdom | Handshake | A handshake, preferably with little eye contact and some light incoherent mumbling, is ideal in Britain. |
| United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia | Touch noses; Handshake | In the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and a number of Persian Gulf countries, the go-to greeting isn't a handshake or kiss on the cheek, but rather it's touching noses. Formality and respect are very important in the UAE and are linked to the Islamic religion, which demands modest dress. No public displays of affection between the opposite sexes, with high regard for religion and the ruling elites. For professional greetings, a light handshake is the most typical form (males/females should not touch) or the right hand placed flat over your heart with a slight bow and can be accompanied by the term Hayyakum, which means hello/welcome. |
| United States | Handshake; Fist bump; Hug; Wave | There's the handshake, fist bump (Thanks, Obama), hug, bro-hug, “the nod,” and the ever-endearing half-excited wave. A handshake is the most common greeting when meeting someone for the first time or in professional settings. Handshakes should be firm and accompanied with direct eye contact throughout the greeting, especially in business contexts. |
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