Just arrived in Spain and not sure how to greet people? 🤔 Should you give two kisses, a handshake, or say usted instead of tú? Spanish greetings can feel confusing at first, but don’t worry, once you understand a few simple rules, you’ll feel much more confident.
Greetings in Spain: Two Kisses or a Handshake?
One of the first cultural differences you’ll notice is how Spaniards greet each other. In informal situations, the standard is two kisses on the cheeks. Friends, friends of friends, and casual acquaintances all greet this way, even if it’s your very first meeting.
Here are the basics:
✅ Informal/social settings → Two kisses
✅ Friends of friends → Two kisses
❌ Handshakes are rare outside of work
Handshakes in Spain are mostly reserved for professional environments. If you’re meeting someone at work for the first time, you’ll probably shake hands. Over time, greetings with colleagues often shift to the friendlier two kisses.
Tú vs Usted: Which to Use
Learners often wonder whether to use tú (informal “you”) or usted (formal “you”). In Spain, the general rule is simple: use tú almost always.
Here’s how it works:
✅ With coworkers → tú
✅ In cafés, shops, and restaurants → tú
✅ With taxi drivers → tú
✅ With friends of friends → tú
Usted is saved for very formal situations, like speaking to an important client, addressing a senior executive, or sometimes with older people as a sign of respect. In most everyday interactions, tú is expected. Using usted can feel distant or overly formal.
Formal Spanish Introductions
When you need to introduce yourself in a professional or serious context, these expressions are natural and polite:
Mucho gusto, soy / me llamo …
Encantado/Encantada, soy / me llamo …
Un placer, soy / me llamo …
Me presento, soy / me llamo …
They’re perfect for job interviews, business meetings, or any setting where you want to sound respectful and professional.
Informal Spanish Introductions
In casual situations, introductions are much more relaxed. Here are some common ways to introduce yourself:
Hola, soy / me llamo …
Buenas, soy / me llamo …
Qué tal, soy / me llamo …
Qué hay, soy / me llamo …
Qué pasa, soy / me llamo …
Cómo vas, soy / me llamo …
These expressions are short, friendly, and perfect for meeting new people. And remember: in these informal contexts, greetings usually come with two kisses.
How to Introduce a Friend in Spanish
If you’re introducing one person to another, the structure is very simple:
👉 Te presento a [nombre].
For example:
Te presento a María.
Te presento a Juan.
Tip: Don’t use introducir when you want to introduce people in Spanish. Even though it looks like the English verb to introduce, in Spanish it actually means “to insert” or “to put something inside.” The correct verb is presentar.
Final Tips on Spanish Greetings
Two kisses are the standard in informal settings, while a handshake belongs in professional ones. Tú is the default; usted is for very formal occasions or with older people. Use the four key phrases for formal introductions, the six easy expressions for informal ones, and te presento a when introducing other people.
Learning how to greet in Spanish is more than just vocabulary, it’s about connecting with people and showing respect for the culture. Next time you meet someone new, you’ll know exactly what to say:
Mucho gusto, me llamo … 😉Ready to take your Spanish beyond greetings? Join LAE Madrid and learn in a supportive, immersive environment that brings real Spanish to life every day.
