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• The most common form of greeting in Timor-Leste is a handshake, especially between men.
• Handshakes typically use the right hand and are firm, though some may prefer a lighter handshake.
• People of the opposite gender will often greet using a handshake. However, a kiss on each cheek may also be acceptable depending on how well the individuals know each other.
• Between women, a typical greeting is a kiss on each cheek.
• Some people may simply brush cheeks and kiss the air, rather than kiss the other person directly on the cheek.
• Friends may also greet each other with a hug, or a handshake followed by a light hug or light pat on the back.
• Children may greet elderly, such as their grandparents, by kissing the back of their hands.
• When greeting one another, people usually maintain eye contact.
• In a group or social setting, the person arriving is expected to greet everyone first.
• One is also expected to bid farewell to everyone when they are leaving.

Verbal Greetings

• People usually use first names to address their friends, teenagers or children. Otherwise, one is expected to address an adult by their title and surname.
• It is common to hear people use one’s title combined with the first name rather than the last. However, this depends on personal preference and the relationship between speakers.
• When addressing an adult, it is common practice to call them ‘S��Գ�ǰ�’ (‘Mister’) or ‘S��Գ�ǰ���’ (‘Miss’). Generally, people use formal titles to address those they are unfamiliar with as well as those who are older.
• Verbal greetings tend to be quite informal. People tend to use Portuguese greetings, such as “Bom dia” (Good morning), “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon) and “Boa noite” (Good evening/night).
• Common Tetum greetings include “Dadeer di’ak” (Good morning), “Loron di’ak” (Good day) and “Kalan di’ak” (Good evening).
• Another common Tetum greeting is “Di’ak ka lai?”, which literally means “Good or not?” but used in the same sense as “How are you?”. It is usually used when people haven’t seen each other for some time.
• If a neighbour is passing by, a common greeting used is “Ba ne’ebe”, which means “Where are you going?”.