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Greetings in Different Countries

by cometbballgrrl on 30/01/11 at 2:56 pm

A greeting is very important because it is the first impression given of you to that person or group. Triond has many users from many different countries and they greet people in various different ways. Some people kiss, some hug, and some shake hands while others just say hello. Here is how to greet people from specific countries.

When you greet someone, do you always just say hello to him or her or do you give him or her a hug and kiss to go with it?  In the United States, most people will give you a hug or a kiss with a hello or if they do not know you as well, they will just shake your hand with a hello.  Also in Europe a just a handshake will do.  Saying hello in parts of Asia are different though as well with many other parts of the world.  Below are listed by country how people greet each other their.  When traveling to any of these countries, you should learn how to greet the people there because it is only polite and shows respect.  Try to keep an open mind when reading these because we are all different and each area of the world has its own customs.  Remember that people may laugh at how you greet people.


In Bangladesh, they make a relaxed salute with the right hand.


In Benin, often times young men snap fingers when shaking hands.


In Bhutan, they ask, “Is your body well?”


In Botswana, lightly touch hands and ask each other, “How did you wake?”


In Cambodia, they put their hands together like praying hands and hold them against their chest.  Here, the higher you hold your hands, the more respect you show.


In China, a nod or a bow is how they greet people in there country.


In Greece, they often slap each other on the back instead of shaking hands.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong or older Chinese, they clasp their hands together at throat level and nod at each other.


In India, they place their palms together as if they were praying and bend or nod.  This is called namaste.


In Indonesia, they say selamat that means peace.


In Japan, they place their palms on their thighs, put their heels together, and bow from the waist.


In Korea, a slight bow or handshake will do.  With a handshake, they either use both hands or shake with the right hand if only using one hand.


In Malaysia, they place both hands touching the other person’s hands and then they move their hands back to the breast.  This is called a salame gesture.  People in Malaysia greet each other by saying “Where are you going?”  Since it is not really a question, they use the polite answer, “Just for a walk.”


In Oman, men might add a kiss on the nose after a handshake.


In the Philippines, they greet people with a limp handshake.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, they place their palms together under their chin and slightly bow.


In Syria, children often kiss the back of parents and grandparents hands.


In Thailand, they do something called wai.  Wai is where you place your palms together with your elbows facing down and bow your head slightly.

Around the world, everyday people greet each other in different ways.  Your country may be different from mine.  Greeting people is important because it shows respect and kindness.  Make sure when you travel that you learn the correct and polite way to greet people.

Liked it


Jan 30th, 2011

Fantastic contribution friend. Great to read this.

LJ Spain

Jan 30th, 2011

Very informative and interesting article.

Teri Dreshner

Jan 31st, 2011

how interesting!


Jan 31st, 2011

nice share


Feb 9th, 2011

I read it with pleasure. Sometimes it’s good to know something about other countries.


Mar 1st, 2011

Awesome! Now I see why martial artists in Hong Kong bow the way they do to each other before battling. Thanks for sharing!


Feb 20th, 2013

this website helped a lot
now i got my research done in 5 minutes
maybe add the fillaphines
which mights make it better


Mar 24th, 2013

Very informative site. I’ve always been wondering why some Filipinos give limp handshakes (I thought it was because they were being superficial, insincere, or they didn’t like me or all of the above). Now I know it could be a cultural thing.
Is the same thing true for the Indians, Pakistanis, Koreans? They give limp handshakes too.
I found that GW Bush (the former Prez of the US) has a limp handshake (I actually shook his hand, and his handshake was like shaking nothingness. Since Bush is from the U.S, what does that mean culturally if anything?)

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