We live in a time where greetings in a certain way have gone out of fashion. Many of us don’t greet other people like the older generations did, we just tend to use a simple ‘hi’ or ‘hello’. But Spain has not quite given up on their ways of greeting and giving the right salute is very important in Spanish culture. This can be quite useful to know for every visitor, tourist or traveller.
You don’t need to be a master in Spanish language to be able to greet in Spanish. Just learn a few basic phrases, and use them! The Spanish people will love you for it.
Enter a bar or a café in Spain and say nothing, and you’ll get no reply. Enter and say hello in English, you will probably not get any response either. But enter an establishment and phrase a loud and clear: ”BUENOS DIAS” in Spanish – and bar owner Pepe will love you for it and probably serve you in a complete different and more friendly manner. Why? Because you show an important respect of trying to use their language, even if you cannot continuethe conversation in Spanish, you have shown that you tried. That, in eyes of the Spaniard, is very respectable indeed.
You want a better and more respectful contact with the Spanish people? Then do yourself a favour and learn just a few basic phrases of how to say ‘good morning’, ‘good afternoon’ or ‘good evening’. To say ‘thank you’ or ‘you’re welcome’ in Spanish, or finish your visit with a:’hasta luego’ are all very friendly approaches that aspires respect, and that will give a better and more successful interaction with the Spanish people.
After all, never forget that you are visiting a foreign country that does not have English as their mother tongue – and that the attitude of respecting their ways will get you much farther into the Spanish culture. Happy Travels – ¡Buen Viaje!