Greetings
Author
Chara Scroope,
All research and editorial content is developed and curated by Ƶ. Read about our process.
- In Peru, greetings are very important because they emphasise that an individual is acknowledged and welcomed.
- The most common greeting is a handshake. The handshake is usually light and accompanied by eye contact.
- Handshakes are particularly prevalent when meeting someone for the first time and in formal settings.
- The ‘abrazo' is a standard greeting among friends and family. This consists of a handshake and a hug between men and a hug and a kiss on the right cheek between women. Among family and friends they are not so close to, they will give a kiss on the right cheek.
- Peruvian men often add a pat on the back during a handshake with friends and family.
- Friends address each other by the first name or by a nickname.
- Professionals such as doctors are usually greeted by their title (e.g. doctor for men and doctora for women).
- Older people are typically addressed as “ñǰ” for men or “ñǰa” for women followed by their surname.
- When addressing older people with whom you have a personal relationship, it is common to refer to them as “Don” (for male) or “ٴñ” (for females) followed by their first name.
- Typical phrases that accompany greetings include, “Buenos días” (“Good morning”), “ܱԲٲ” (Good afternoon”) and “ܱԲԴdz” (“Good evening”).