Introductions and greeting customs

In Spain friends usually greet with two light cheek touches; in Argentina, Colombia and Chile one is the norm.

Words are only half of a Spanish greeting. The other half is what you do: a handshake, a hug or a light touch of cheeks. Customs vary between countries and between situations, so this unit gives the general patterns, the titles people use, and the phrases for introducing someone else.

Introducing someone

To introduce a friend, say Te presento a and the name: Te presento a Marta (let me introduce Marta to you). With usted it becomes Le presento a: Le presento a la señora López. The a before the name is the personal a that Spanish puts before a person who is the object of a verb. The person introduced answers with Encantado or Encantada, Mucho gusto, or simply Hola, ¿qué tal? These are the forms the Instituto Cervantes lists for introductions at beginner level.

Titles

Señor (Mr) and señora (Mrs, Ms) go before a surname: el señor García, la señora López. When you speak to the person directly, drop the article: Buenos días, señora López. Don and doña are respectful titles used before a first name, often for older people: don Manuel, doña Carmen.

Kisses, hugs and handshakes

In Spain, friends and people being introduced in social settings usually greet with dos besos, two kisses, which are really a light touch of cheeks on each side with a kissing sound. Between two men a handshake or a hug is more usual. In much of Latin America, including Argentina, Colombia and Chile, one cheek kiss is the norm, and in Argentina men who are friends often greet each other with a kiss too. In formal and business settings, a handshake is the safe choice everywhere.

If you are not comfortable with cheek kisses, offering your hand first is a clear and polite signal. Watch what the people around you do and follow their lead.

A hug, un abrazo, is common between friends in many countries. In writing, Un abrazo and (Muchos) besos are friendly ways to end a message, and the Instituto Cervantes lists both as beginner-level written goodbyes.