How Does People Greet Each Other Differently Around The World Work?

Greeting people is like saying “hello” in different languages, but sometimes it looks very different depending on where you are.

Imagine you're at a playground and you see your friend. In some places, like in the United States, you might just say "hi" or wave with your hand. But in other places, like Japan, people might bow, which is like saying “hello” by bending down a little bit.

In some countries, like France, people kiss on the cheek when they greet each other, it’s like giving a quick hug with your face! In parts of Africa and the Middle East, people often shake hands or even press their foreheads together, it's like saying "I'm happy to see you" in a big, warm way.

Sometimes, how we greet someone can show what kind of culture we come from. Just like how different kids have different favorite toys, different people have different ways of saying “hello.”

So next time you meet someone new, maybe they'll say "hi" in a way that feels like a whole new game! Greeting people is like saying “hello” in different languages, but sometimes it looks very different depending on where you are.

Imagine you're at a playground and you see your friend. In some places, like in the United States, you might just say "hi" or wave with your hand. But in other places, like Japan, people might bow, which is like saying “hello” by bending down a little bit.

In some countries, like France, people kiss on the cheek when they greet each other, it’s like giving a quick hug with your face! In parts of Africa and the Middle East, people often shake hands or even press their foreheads together, it's like saying "I'm happy to see you" in a big, warm way.

Sometimes, how we greet someone can show what kind of culture we come from. Just like how different kids have different favorite toys, different people have different ways of saying “hello.”

So next time you meet someone new, maybe they'll say "hi" in a way that feels like a whole new game!

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A child learns that people in Japan bow to greet each other, while people in France often shake hands.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity