How to say hello in 12 countries around the world
Knowing how to greet someone when visiting another country can help you avoid an awkward encounter.
From bowing in Japan to kissing on the cheek three times in the Ukraine, here is how you say hello in 12 countries around the world.
France: Kiss on each cheek
Flickr/Simon Blackley
Japan: A bow
Shutterstock/Rawpixel
Argentina: Kiss on the right cheek
In Argentina, lightly press your cheek against the right cheek of another for a light kiss.
The Philippines: Mano
AP/Aaron Favila
Russia: A firm handshake
Flickr/Flazingo Photos
Tibet: Sticking your tongue out
Flickr/Kathy
India: Namaste
Shutterstock/O'SHI
Ukraine: A triple kiss
Don't pull back after a kiss on each cheek in Ukraine. Here, the custom is to kiss cheeks three times - left, right, left- to say hello.
Thailand: Wai
Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski
Greenland: Kunik
Wikimedia Commons
Botswana: An elaborate handshake
To say hello in Botswana, extend your right hand and take the other person's hand in a typical handshake position. Next, grip the other person's hand so that your thumbs interlock and raise your right arm up. Finally, return to the handshaking position for one more shake.
When breaking the handshake, you will do the handshake again, click the thumbs together and sometimes bring your arm to your heart as a sign of connection.
New Zealand: Hongi (touching noses)
Wikimedia Commons
Known as hongi, this traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand is done by pressing your nose and forehead to another person's at the same time.
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