How do people greet each other in Spain?
The Art of Spanish Greeting: Polished Courtesy in Everyday Life
In Spain, people usually greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. This applies to both men and women. It is a common gesture of greeting and shows appreciation and closeness. It is important to note that this may vary in different regions of Spain.
In some areas, such as Catalonia, it is common to greet with a handshake. This depends on personal preference and regional tradition. It is also common to ask each other how they are doing when greeting. You can say "Hola, ¿Qué tal?" (Hello, how's it going?) or "¿Cómo estás?" (How are you?).
It is important to be polite and respectful when greeting in Spain. Show interest in the person you are speaking with and be open to the kiss on the cheeks if it is the common greeting in the region.
In addition to physical greetings, it is also common to greet verbally. You can say "Buenos días" (Good morning), "Buenas tardes" (Good afternoon), or "Buenas noches" (Good evening), depending on the time of day.
Overall, greeting in Spain is a warm and friendly gesture that emphasizes the importance of closeness and respect. Be open to the local customs and enjoy the warm way of greeting in this wonderful country.