Argentine Culture - Greetings (2024)

FAQs

Argentine Culture - Greetings? ›

In the US, typical greeting behaviors are a handshake or a hug, saving a kiss on the cheek for the closest of loved ones. But in Argentina, it's always a kiss on the cheek, even if this is your first time meeting them.

In Argentina, people always greet each other with a kiss which is sometimes also extended into a hug depending on how well you know the person. It is also proper to introduce yourself to a group of people rather than waiting for the host to do it; and yes, most likely everyone should receive a kiss.

A handshake and nod show respect when greeting someone. An embrace and one kiss on the cheek is common between friends and acquaintances. Argentines are touchers and stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away.

Gracias (GRAH-seeahs) means 'thanks' or 'thank you' Muchas gracias (MOO-chahs GRAH-seeahs) means 'thanks a lot' or 'thank you very much' Muchísimas gracias (moo-CHEE-see-mahs GRAH-seeahs) means 'thanks a lot' or 'thank you very very much'. Mil gracias (meel GRAH-seeahs) means 'a thousand thank yous'

In South America tipping is not as habitual and the same goes for Argentina. There is no obligation to do so, however, leaving something extra is customary. Argentines are discreet and subtle when it comes to business transactions. It`s helpful when tipping someone not to make a great display.

Most chefs frown upon diners adding salt to their food before tasting it. Other than upsetting restaurant workers, excess salt in your diet can lead to hypertension. That's why 20,000 restaurants in Argentina have banned salt shakers from their tables.

How do argentinians say yes? ›

So if someone asks you something and you want to say yes, just say “dale”. Especially if you're being offered something or being invited to do something. Other options could be: “Bueno”, “Sí”. Sometimes after saying “dale” you may add another word to emphasize you're happy with accepting.

Often the greetings “buenos días”, “buenas tardes” and “buenas noches” are also used to say goodbye as they can be appropriate in several contexts such as when kids go to bed at night or when we finish a conversation on the phone.

Typical phrases that accompany greetings include “Buenos días” (“Good morning”), “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon”) and “Buenas noches” (“Good evening”). People often exchange these greetings when passing one another on the street in smaller towns or among neighbours.

Between friends in Argentina, greetings consist of an informal hello and either one kiss on the cheek, or placing each cheek upon the other cheek while making a kissing noise. When strangers are informally introduced, they will also exchange one kiss on the cheek. In a formal situation a handshake is used.

The most prevalent dialect in Argentina is Rioplatense, whose speakers are located primarily in the basin of the Río de la Plata. There is also Cuyo Spanish and Cordobés Spanish. In the north, Andean Spanish is spoken and in the northeast there is a great influence from Paraguayan Spanish.

In English, the formal demonym (name for a group of people from the same place) is Argentine. However, in popular usage, the terms Argentinian and Argentinean are also widely accepted. In Spanish, it's a little simpler. Males are argentinos and females are argentinas.

The word “dale” in Argentina is used to say “o*k”. So if someone asks you something and you want to say yes, just say “dale”. Especially if you're being offered something or being invited to do something. Other options could be: “Bueno”, “Sí”.