Mexican Culture - Greetings (2024)

FAQs

Mexican Culture - Greetings? ›

When greeting someone in Mexico, it is customary to make physical contact, rather than simply saying “hello.” A handshake is the most common form of greeting between strangers, though friends will usually greet each other with a single kiss on the cheek.

The standard greeting in Mexico is a handshake. However, when greeting a woman for the first time, it is best to bow while saying, Buenos días or Buenos tardes, etc. (Good morning or good afternoon, etc.).

The common verbal greeting is “Buenos dias” (Good day), “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon) or “Buenas noches” (Good evening/night) depending on the time of day. A more casual greeting is “Hola” (Hello), “¿Qué tal?” (What's up?) or “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?).

− Women will hug or kiss each other on the cheek. − Men may offer an abrazo (a warm hug accompanied by hearty back-slapping), followed by a handshake. − Men and women will hug or kiss each other on the cheek in a social setting. In a professional setting, they will greet each other with a handshake.

To say hello or hi, merely say "Hola" or "OH-la" (rhymes with "Lola"; note that the letter h is silent in Spanish). To introduce yourself, simply say "Me llamo" (may YAHM-oh) followed by your name. For example, "Hola, me llamo Chris" ("OH-la, may YAHM-oh Chris") means "Hi, I'm Chris."

Common courtesies such as saying please, thank you etc. go a long way in Mexico. Learn some Spanish before you come to Mexico is also a good way of showing respect - any effort that you make to speak the language in Mexico is really appreciated. Greeting everyone is also a sign of respect.

Caminando y meando, pa' no hacer charco

This is the colorful, inventive, and very Mexican way of saying: stop talking so much and just start doing all the things you say you'll do.

Hello, everybody = Hola a todos. Hello, dear = Hola, cariño.

When greeting someone in Mexico, it is customary to make physical contact, rather than simply saying “hello.” A handshake is the most common form of greeting between strangers, though friends will usually greet each other with a single kiss on the cheek. The same physical gestures are repeated when you say good-bye.

What is Spanish greeting etiquette? ›

Spaniards greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. It is likely that even if you just get introduced to someone, they will just reach out to kiss you on the cheek. This does not happen among men but mostly among women and between men and women. A handshake is the rule of thumb, though.

This is simply to show warmth. The Hispanic culture is naturally caring and friendly. This kind of proximity to another person helps extinguish hostility and allows an individual to look into another person's face to sincerely ask how they are doing. However, a genuine greeting can take time.

Embrace and kiss someone is a sign of respect and appreciation as a person. We embraces those who are considered our friends or family, and kisses those who represent something special to us. If I open my house to you, and you simply salute me with your hand I can considered it as a rude snub. Latinos, we are warm.

Salud means “Health” and when using this phrase during Spanish cheers, you toast to someone or people's health— as in, you wish them good health.