Think “hello” is universal? Think again. Across cultures, greetings carry hidden rules – and getting them wrong can be awkward, rude, or even offensive. In this guide, we’ll show you the wildest greeting mistakes travelers make, and how to avoid them with ease.
What you’ll learn:
- Shocking cultural greeting fails (like bowing in Italy or hugging in Japan)
- Why using “hi” everywhere doesn’t always work
- Gender and formality traps to avoid
- How to make locals feel respected from the first word
Mistake #1: Saying “Hi” Everywhere Like It's Universal
Q: Is it okay to just say “hi” wherever you go?
A: No — some cultures expect specific greetings.
Explanation: While “hi” or “hello” might feel safe, it can come off as lazy or even disrespectful in formal cultures like Japan, Russia, or France. In some places, like Korea or Germany, skipping the proper greeting ritual can feel abrupt or cold.
Tip: Learn one local greeting per country — it makes a huge difference.
Mistake #2: Hugging or Touching Too Soon
Q: Are physical greetings like hugs or cheek kisses always okay?
A: Definitely not.
Explanation: In the U.S. or Brazil, a hug might feel warm and friendly – but in Japan or Finland, it’s way too personal. Even a handshake can feel aggressive in some Asian cultures if it’s too strong or forced.
Tip: Let locals lead the physical part of the greeting — and watch body language.
Mistake #3: Using Informal Phrases with Strangers
Q: Can I use casual greetings with everyone?
A: No — formality matters a lot in many cultures.
Explanation: In Russian, “Привет” is only for friends — using it with a stranger might seem immature or disrespectful. The same goes for ciao in Italy, or annyeong in Korea — they’re informal and should be used only in relaxed settings.
Tip: Always default to formal greetings unless invited to be casual.
Mistake #4: Forgetting Time-Specific Greetings
Q: Do greetings change depending on the time of day?
A: Yes — and using the wrong one can be confusing.
Explanation: In many languages, there are specific greetings for morning, afternoon, and evening. Saying bonjour at night or buonasera at noon can sound odd.
Tip: Memorize at least two: one for daytime, one for evening.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Greeting Altogether
Q: Can I just ask a question without saying hello first?
A: In many countries, that’s considered rude.
Explanation: In France, it’s expected to say bonjour before asking for help. In Japan, a greeting sets the tone before any conversation. Jumping into a request without acknowledging someone can feel abrupt or disrespectful.
Tip: Always greet before you speak — even if you don’t know the language well.
Mistake #6: Getting Gender or Status Wrong
Q: Do greetings change based on gender or social role?
A: Yes — and getting it wrong can cause offense.
Explanation: In Arabic and South Asian cultures, men and women don’t always greet each other the same way. In Germany or Japan, greetings with elders or superiors often require more formal phrasing and tone.
Tip: When in doubt, greet politely from a — and observe how locals do it.
Mistake #7: Mispronouncing Without Trying
Q: Is it okay if I say the greeting wrong?
A: It’s okay to make a mistake — but trying matters most.
Explanation: Locals usually appreciate the effort, even if your accent isn’t perfect. But if you butcher a word without care (especially one that sounds like something rude in their language), it can backfire.
Tip: Practice the pronunciation just like you’d practice directions or menu words.
Pro tip: Practice greetings before you land
Don’t wait until you’re jetlagged at the airport to figure out how to say “hello.”
Try our mini-course: Greetings in 8 Languages — hear native pronunciation, learn cultural do’s and don’ts, and start speaking with confidence in under 15 minutes.
FAQ – Greeting Etiquette for Travelers
Q: What’s the safest greeting to use when you don’t know the language?
A: A smile, light bow, or a wave can go a long way. If you want to use words, show your appreciation of greeting etiquette by learning just one polite phrase like bonjour or konnichiwa.
Q: Should I shake hands everywhere?
A: Not always. Some cultures (like Thailand or Japan) don’t use handshakes as the default. Observe what others do before offering your hand.
Q: What if I make a greeting mistake?
A: Most locals will forgive you if you’re respectful and show you’re trying. Just smile, apologize if needed, and adjust next time.
