Expressions to greet in Spanish
Hola(Hello):
The most used and popular expression to greet someone.
It is usually followed by a question Hello, how are you?, Hello, how are you?
The other person usually responds well, and you? You may not feel really well at the time, but it is the traditional way of greeting someone and starting a conversation.
Greeting conversation example with Hello:
Uncle Spanish: Hello!
Lola: Hello, how are you?
Tio Spanish: Well, and you?
Lola: Very good!
Uncle Spanish: I'm glad to see you….
Buenos días, buenas tardes, buenas noches(Good morning Good afternoon Good night):
They are often used in a more formal context. They can be accompanied by Hello in front (hello, good morning), or they can be said alone
We will use each one according to the part of the day that we are:
Good morning: from sunrise to noon (7am-1pm)
Good afternoon: From noon to dusk (13h-19h approx.)
Good night: when it is night (20h-7h).
Spanish customs you should know before coming
We know very well that, in each house, there are different customs.
If we go to a friend's or relative's house, it is likely that everything is not to our liking or that there are things that we would do differently. If we think about it a little more in a big way, in cities, no matter how close they are, it is also easy for there to be different customs or traditions. Whether because of the history of each city, because of the events that have occurred in each territory...
So, if in the houses or in the cities there are already differences in customs, imagine between countries!
Read this article in English
There is a saying in Spanish that says: wherever you go, do what you see, which means something like, if you travel somewhere, do what the locals do.
For this reason, today we bring a few of the most widespread customs in Spain that may seem a bit strange to you when you arrive. But don't worry, it's easy to get used to.
1. We are used to having sun
If there is something that draws the attention of those who come to Spain, it is the number of hours of sunshine that we have throughout the day. Moreover, we are so used to it that it is very strange if it rains more than two or three days in a row and we do not have sun or if, during a whole week of winter, the sky has always been cloudy.
Enjoy the sun, but protect yourself!
2. A room without blinds is like a meal without bread.
Consequence of that sun, in almost all houses we have blinds.
A blind is a structure made up of horizontal slats intertwined by a rope. Thanks to a cord that is placed inside the room, we can raise and lower the blinds to our liking to control the sun entering the house when we want to go to sleep, so that it does not bother us at dawn or to reduce the heat. especially in the summer noons.
3. To greet, a kiss on each cheek
In Spain, the most common thing is for a man to greet another man with a handshake and a woman giving him two kisses, one on each cheek. Instead, women usually greet men and women with two kisses (except in very formal contexts where they also greet with a handshake).
On the other hand, in the family sphere, both men and women greet each other with two kisses on the cheek. It is such an ingrained custom that no one finds it strange to give two kisses to anyone.
4. We get up early and go to bed late…
Yes, we know. In Spain we are very much into doing things later than normal. Our lunch time is between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., but if the meal lasts until 4:00 p.m., it is not strange at all. If we meet for dinner, it is usually around 9:00 p.m., although dinner is likely to start even later.
So, as soon as you arrive in Spain, get used to not getting desperate when looking at the clock. It's more! Following our schedules you will be able to enjoy all the hours of sunshine.
5. The (famous) nap
As meals are generally copious and very long, on many occasions it is even almost necessary to pause, rest the food and rest for a short period of time. But, at this point, we have to discover something for you. The siesta is not as common as it is thought outside of Spain.
The pace of life that exists, the extensive work schedules and the large number of daily activities make it very difficult to have time to take a nap... Although, on weekends it is a little easier for everyone.
6. No, we don't talk yelling
It often happens to us Spaniards that, when we go to another country, we recognize another group of Spaniards by the slightly raised volume of the tone of voice. In Spain we are used to it, but for tourists or newcomers it can be even annoying.
Really, although it seems that we are talking loudly or even shouting, it is not because we are angry or because they do not hear us. What's more, on public transport it's common to talk to the person or group of people you're going with, although, yes, in a slightly more controlled volume.
7. We do not take off our shoes at the door
For us it is not disrespectful not to take off your shoes at the entrance of a house. Neither when someone comes to visit us nor when we visit someone. The most we do when entering the house is clean the soles of our shoes on the doormat that is usually there before entering.
On the other hand, when we get to our own house, we change our shoes for house slippers or even change our entire clothes for something more comfortable and comfortable. But no walking around taking off your shoes in other people's homes as a general rule.
8. Punctuality… Spanish style
Although we don't normally admit it, we know that we are very prone to being late to the vast majority of sites. If it is for an important work meeting or something formal, we try to arrive on time, although there are always some clueless people who are late. But if we meet close people like friends or family, rest assured that we will have to wait for more than one.
And here's a tip, if someone tells you that "he has five minutes left" ... it is very likely that it will be fifteen or twenty.
9. The food, always with bread
A Spanish meal without bread is like a paella without rice.
The bread is used to push the food and help the fork or spoon, it is used to catch the food and take it directly to the mouth, it is used to clean the plate, to make breakfasts, snacks, dinners or whatever you want, it is used to eat it at home and to take to the street, it accompanies meat, fish, salad... What's more, it even makes us feel bad that in a restaurant they charge us for bread separately from the menu. We have it so ingrained in our customs that we take it for granted that it is included in the price.
And so far the most striking customs of Spain. It is just a little help so that, when you come to learn Spanish, you are more than prepared to not get too many scares.
Have fun with our customs!
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