Greetings in United States of America

Both men and women usually smile and shake hands when greeting. The American handshake is usually firm. Good friends and relatives may embrace when they meet, especially after a long absence. In casual situations, people may wave rather than shake hands. Friends also wave to each other at a distance. Americans may greet strangers on the street by saying ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning (in Spanish, Hola or Buenos dias), although they may pass without any greeting. Among young people, casual verbal greetings or hand-slapping and fist-bumping gestures are common.

Except in formal situations, people who are acquainted generally address one another by given name. Combining a title (Mr., Ms., Dr., for example) with a family name shows respect. When greeting someone for the first time, Americans commonly say Nice to meet you. A simple Hello or Hi is also common. Regional variations exist, such as Howdy (Hi) in some southern regions or Aloha (Hello) in Hawaii. Friends often greet each other with ‘How are you? and respond ‘Fine, thanks’.

Americans do not usually expect any further answer to the question.

American greetings are generally quite informal. This is not intended to show lack of respect, but rather a manifestation of the American belief that everyone is equal. Although it is expected in business situations, some Americans do not shake hands at social events. Instead, they may greet you with a casual “Hello” or “How are you? ” or even Just “HI. ” In larger groups, many may not greet you at all. In social situations, Americans rarely shake hands upon leaving.

Get quality help now

Doctor Jennifer

Verified

Proficient in: Communication

5 (893)

“ Thank you so much for accepting my assignment the night before it was due. I look forward to working with you moving forward ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

The only proper answers to the greetings “How do you do? ” “How are you? ” or “How are you doing? or “Fine,” “Great,” or “Very well, thank you. ” This is not a request for information about your well-being; it is simply a pleasantry. “See you later” is Just an expression. People say this even if they never plan to see you again. When saying good-bye, Americans may say “We’ll have to get together” or “Let’s do lunch. ” This is simply a friendly gesture. Unless your American colleague specifies a time and date, dont expect an invitation. If you want to have lunch, you should take the initiative to schedule it. Stand while being introduced.

Only the elderly, the ill and physically unable persons remain seated while greeting or being introduced. It is good to include some information about a person you are introducing. Example: “Susan Olson, I’d like you to meet John Harmon. He designed the brochure we are using for this campaign. ” Use professional titles when you are introducing people to each other. Example: “Judge Susan Olson, meet Dr. John Harmon. ” If you are introducing yourself, do not use your professional title. Handshakes are usually brief. Light handshakes are considered distasteful. Use a firm grip.

Eye contact is important when shaking someone’s hand. There are many different ways people greet one another on the street, in the home, or in business situations throughout America. Understanding the appropriate use of the American greeting will make any situation comfortable as well as make a good impression on those in present company. Informal greetings include words such as “Hi” and “Hey. ” Although other acknowledgments such as “How do you do? ” or “I’m it doesnt necessarily mean they want to hear about your health conditions, they are imply using it as a greeting.

A common, somewhat formal response is “I’m fine, thank you. ” Though less formal responses, if appropriate, can be as casual as “Good! ” or even “0K. ” Americans will usually say “Good-bye” or simply “Bye” when bidding someone farewell at the time of departure. More expressive salutations include “Have a nice day”, “It was nice seeing you,” or “See you later. ” Another simple, but greatly appreciated greeting or acknowledgment, which is universally recognized is a smile in combination with direct eye contact.

Good riends, family members, or people in a romantic relationship might give each other a hug or even kiss upon meeting one another or when saying good-bye. This kind of greeting is however, reserved for people who know each other very well and share a very close relationship. Americans often shake hands when being introduced to someone. In more informal situations it is common for people not to shake hands unless a long period of time has elapsed and the people feel comfortable with each other and their mutual friendship.

However, in formal business situations people ost often greet each other with a handshake every time they meet or say good-bye. As a gesture of friendliness, if a person offers you his hand, you should shake it. It could be considered rude if one didn’t. Many times men are the only ones who shake hands in a mixed group. It is customary for a man to shake a woman’s hand only if she offers her hand first, though this is somewhat of an old-fashioned custom and today offering a hand to a woman is accepted, if not expected. An appropriate handshake should be firm and brief.

It will be respected, in almost every social or professional situation when greeting or departing the presence of someone. On the other hand, a soft or weak handshake is viewed negatively by most people throughout the United States and is commonly thought of or indicates that the person might be insecure. Remember that social customs might vary in different parts of the country and also between younger and older generations of people, so it is always a good idea to observe the actions of others, the surrounding situation and whether the situation is formal or informal.