Greetings Around the World

When you meet someone, you probably say "hello" or wave your hand. But people in other countries greet each other in many different ways. Some people bow. Others touch noses or press foreheads together. Greetings show respect and friendliness.

Different Ways to Say Hello

In Japan, people bow to greet each other. The deeper the bow, the more respect it shows. In New Zealand, the Maori people press their noses and foreheads together in a greeting called a hongi. In Thailand, people press their palms together and bow their head slightly.

Handshakes and More

Handshakes are common in many Western countries. In some parts of the Middle East, people place their hand over their heart after shaking hands. In France, friends often greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. In Tibet, people sometimes stick out their tongue as a greeting!

Fun Facts

• In Ethiopia, close friends may bump shoulders three times as a greeting.
• The word "hello" only became popular after the telephone was invented.
• In India, people say "namaste" and press their palms together to greet others.

Did You Know?

The handshake may have started in ancient Greece. People shook hands to show they were not carrying weapons!