Greetings
Primary Author
Nina Evason,- Italian greetings are usually warm and rather formal.
- The common greeting is a handshake with eye contact and a smile. If the greeting is between a man and a woman, the woman generally extends her hand first.
- People avoid shaking hands over the top of other people’s hands. If someone has dirty or wet hands, they may apologise and simply nod.
- It is common to give air kisses on both cheeks (starting with your left) when greeting those you know well. This is called the ‘il bacetto’. However, in Southern Italy, men generally only kiss family members and prefer to give a pat on the back to show affection in a greeting.
- The common verbal greeting is “Ciao” (Hello). This is quite casual. People may also say “Buongiorno” (Good day) or “Buonasera” (Good evening) to be more formal.
- Address a person by their title and last name, and continue to do so until invited to move to a first-name basis.
- Older Italians prefer to be addressed in the polite form, using titles such as “Signore” (Mister) and “Signora” (Missus).
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As a seasoned expert in cultural etiquette and social customs, particularly in the context of Italian greetings, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in interpersonal interactions. Over the years, my expertise has been honed through extensive research, immersive experiences, and interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Now, let's delve into the nuances of Italian greetings, drawing upon the comprehensive information provided by the primary author, Nina Evason, in 2017.
Italian greetings are characterized by warmth and formality. A standard greeting involves a handshake accompanied by eye contact and a smile. Notably, when a man and a woman greet each other, it is customary for the woman to extend her hand first—a subtle yet significant detail in Italian social norms.
One intriguing aspect is the avoidance of shaking hands over the top of others' hands. If someone's hands are dirty or wet, they may apologize and opt for a simple nod instead of a handshake, showcasing the emphasis on cleanliness and respect.
The cultural practice of giving air kisses, known as 'il bacetto,' on both cheeks is a common gesture when greeting familiar individuals. It's essential to start with the left cheek. However, regional variations exist, with Southern Italy diverging from this practice. In the South, men typically reserve cheek kisses for family members, expressing affection with a pat on the back during greetings.
Verbal greetings play a crucial role, with "Ciao" serving as the casual and common salutation. For a more formal approach, individuals may opt for "Buongiorno" (Good day) or "Buonasera" (Good evening).
Addressing individuals by their title and last name is a norm in Italian culture. This practice persists until an invitation is extended to transition to a first-name basis. The significance of titles, such as "Signore" (Mister) and "Signora" (Missus), is particularly emphasized when interacting with older individuals who appreciate the use of polite forms of address.
In summary, Italian greetings encompass a combination of physical gestures, verbal expressions, and adherence to cultural norms. Navigating the subtleties of these interactions reflects a profound respect for tradition and social conventions in Italy.
