greeting customs
How cultures say hello
Greeting customs are the conventional behaviors people perform when meeting or acknowledging others—handshakes, bows, kisses, waves, or verbal exchanges.
These practices vary widely across cultures: Japanese greeting customs emphasize bowing, French greeting customs include cheek kisses.
Understanding local greeting customs helps travelers avoid awkwardness or offense.
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- firm handshakeTight palm-to-palm greeting
- namasteRespectful Indian greeting
- salutationsFormal words of welcome
- gift exchangeReciprocal present giving
bonjour · kowtow · wave · curtsy · hug · bow · hello · how do you do · shalom · good evening · good afternoon · hi · diplomatic protocol · nod · hat tip · fist bump · good morning · high-five
social acknowledgment vs. non-acknowledgment
greeting customssnubbing
Pointedly ignoring someone
shunning · cold shoulder · ostracism · silent treatment · blanking