Greetings are more than just words—they’re a handshake, a hug, a kiss (or two), and sometimes a full-blown social event. If you’ve ever found yourself in a Spanish-speaking country wondering whether to lean in, shake hands, or awkwardly wave from a distance, you’re not alone. After 20 years in South America, I became an expert in greeting blunders—and I’m here to help you avoid them!
One Kiss, Two Kisses, or a Bear Hug? It Depends!
If you thought saying hola was enough, think again. Greetings vary wildly across Spanish-speaking countries. In Venezuela, I got used to one kiss on the right cheek. Simple enough. But when I crossed the border into Colombia, suddenly that kiss was followed by a warm hug. And don’t even get me started on Argentina, where one kiss on the right cheek was the standard—yes, even between men.
Then I moved back to the UK and was reminded that… there’s no kissing. Just a polite nod or, if you’re feeling particularly wild, a handshake. Talk about reverse culture shock!
If you’re visiting Spain, get ready for two kisses—one on each cheek. But here’s the trick: in some regions, like Catalonia, men might shake hands instead. Meanwhile, in Mexico and much of Latin America, a handshake is more common in formal settings, but friends and family will go straight in for the kiss or hug.
Moral of the story? Watch what the locals do and follow their lead. Or, when in doubt, just smile, say hola, and be prepared for anything!
Greetings Are Just the Beginning
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, greetings aren’t just a quick hello—they’re a full conversation. A simple hola is nice, but if you really want to blend in, try adding a warm ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?) or ¡Qué gusto verte! (Great to see you!). Just be prepared for a real answer—because “I’m fine, thanks” isn’t always enough!
In Argentina, I quickly learned that a greeting could turn into a 20-minute chat about family, football, or what we were having for dinner. And honestly? I loved it. Greetings are about connection, and taking the time to ask how someone is (and actually listen to the answer) is part of what makes Spanish-speaking cultures so warm and welcoming.
So next time you say hello in Spanish, embrace the cultural quirks. Whether it’s a kiss, a hug, or a lively chat, you’ll be off to a great start.
