greetings
Greetings
United States of America
Both men and women usually smile and shake hands when greeting. The American handshake is usually firm. Good friends and relatives may embrace when they meet, especially after a long absence. In casual situations, people may wave rather than shake hands. Friends also wave to each other at a distance. Americans may greet strangers on the street by saying ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning’ (in Spanish, Hola or Buenos días), although they may pass without any greeting. Among young people, casual verbal greetings or hand-slapping and fist-bumping gestures are common. Except in formal situations, people who are acquainted generally address one another by given name. Combining a title (Mr., Ms., Dr., for example) with a family name shows respect. When greeting someone for the first time, Americans commonly say Nice to meet you. A simple Hello or Hi is also common. Regional variations exist, such as Howdy (Hi) in some southern regions or Aloha (Hello) in Hawaii. Friends often greet each other with ‘How are you?’ and respond ‘Fine, thanks’. Americans do not usually expect any further answer to the question.
American greetings are generally quite informal. This is not intended to show lack of respect, but rather a manifestation of the American belief that everyone is equal.
Although it is expected in business situations, some Americans do not shake hands at social events. Instead, they may greet you with a casual "Hello" or "How are you?" or even just "Hi." In larger groups, many may not greet you at all. In social situations, Americans rarely shake hands upon leaving.
The only proper answers to the greetings "How do you do?" "How are you?" or "How are you doing?" are "Fine," "Great," or "Very well, thank you." This is not a request for information about your well-being; it is simply a pleasantry.
"See you later" is just an expression. People say this even if they never plan to see you again.
When saying good-bye, Americans may say "We'll
United States of America
Both men and women usually smile and shake hands when greeting. The American handshake is usually firm. Good friends and relatives may embrace when they meet, especially after a long absence. In casual situations, people may wave rather than shake hands. Friends also wave to each other at a distance. Americans may greet strangers on the street by saying ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning’ (in Spanish, Hola or Buenos días), although they may pass without any greeting. Among young people, casual verbal greetings or hand-slapping and fist-bumping gestures are common. Except in formal situations, people who are acquainted generally address one another by given name. Combining a title (Mr., Ms., Dr., for example) with a family name shows respect. When greeting someone for the first time, Americans commonly say Nice to meet you. A simple Hello or Hi is also common. Regional variations exist, such as Howdy (Hi) in some southern regions or Aloha (Hello) in Hawaii. Friends often greet each other with ‘How are you?’ and respond ‘Fine, thanks’. Americans do not usually expect any further answer to the question.
American greetings are generally quite informal. This is not intended to show lack of respect, but rather a manifestation of the American belief that everyone is equal.
Although it is expected in business situations, some Americans do not shake hands at social events. Instead, they may greet you with a casual "Hello" or "How are you?" or even just "Hi." In larger groups, many may not greet you at all. In social situations, Americans rarely shake hands upon leaving.
The only proper answers to the greetings "How do you do?" "How are you?" or "How are you doing?" are "Fine," "Great," or "Very well, thank you." This is not a request for information about your well-being; it is simply a pleasantry.
"See you later" is just an expression. People say this even if they never plan to see you again.
When saying good-bye, Americans may say "We'll