greeting etiquette

Greeting etiquette refers to the social conventions governing how people acknowledge each other upon meeting—what gestures, words, or physical contact are appropriate in a given context.

These norms vary by culture, relationship, and setting: Greeting etiquette in Japan involves bowing, while Brazilians may embrace.

Knowing proper greeting etiquette helps avoid awkwardness or offense: She wasn't sure of the greeting etiquette for meeting her boyfriend's parents.