Short answer: yes in many places, but not everywhere. Cheek-kissing is a warm social greeting in parts of Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Quebec, while a handshake, nod, or bow is more typical in the US, UK, Northern Europe, and most of East Asia. The trick is to follow local cues and the person you are greeting. If you are learning Spanish, start with our basic greetings phrases.
The 3-second rule of thumb
Pause, smile, and watch what the other person does for about three seconds. If they lean in, you can mirror. If they extend a hand, shake. When in doubt, ask or default to a handshake.
At a glance
- Common: France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, much of Latin America, parts of the Middle East and North Africa, Quebec
- Less common: United States, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, most of East and Southeast Asia
- Social settings: more likely than in formal business
- Not an actual kiss: usually cheek-to-cheek with a light air-kiss sound
Quick global snapshot
| Region | Is it common? | Typical number |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Yes, social | 2 (often starting right) |
| France | Yes, social | 2 to 4 (varies by region) |
| Italy | Yes, social | 2 (varies) |
| Latin America | Yes, depends on country | 1 to 2 |
| Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland | Yes, social | Often 3 in some areas |
| US, UK, Nordics, East Asia | Less common | Usually 0 |
Note: Even within a country, customs vary by city, age group, and relationship.
Traveling soon? Build useful Spanish for trips with our travel and cultural experiences set.
Consent and comfort first
Not everyone wants physical contact. People may skip cheek-kissing for personal, cultural, or health reasons. A friendly handshake or wave is always respectful.
How many kisses and which cheek first
- Spain: two kisses among friends and acquaintances, often starting on the right cheek
- France: two to four depending on region and familiarity. Which cheek first varies by region
- Italy and Portugal: usually two
- Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland: often three in some regions and occasions
- Latin America: often one cheek kiss, especially between a man and a woman or two women, varies by country and situation
- Greece and parts of the Balkans: usually two
- Middle East and North Africa: men often kiss men in social contexts, cross-gender greetings depend on local norms
Want to practice this in context? Try our A1 Spanish stories for friendly greeting dialogues.
Pro move
Keep it feather-light. Touch cheeks, make a small kiss sound, and avoid planting lips on the cheek unless you know that is expected.
What to say while greeting
If you are learning Spanish, these phrases help you navigate the moment:
- Hola, mucho gustonice to meet you
- ¿Nos damos dos besoskisses?
- Encantadopleased or encantadapleased if you are female
- Mejor un apretón de manoshandshake, por favor
Vocabulary boosts:
- mejillacheek
- saludogreeting
- darto give
For more useful lines in friendly contexts, explore socializing and relationships vocabulary.
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Step by step guide
- Make eye contact and smile
- Lean slightly and turn your head so cheeks meet, do not pucker directly on their skin
- Touch cheek-to-cheek lightly and make a small kiss sound
- Repeat on the other side if that is the local custom
- Step back and continue the conversation
Hands and body language
Keep one hand light on their upper arm or no hands at all, avoid grabbing or pulling. If they keep distance, switch to a handshake or wave.
Social vs business
- Social: common among friends, relatives, and friendly acquaintances in many countries
- Business: keep it professional unless your host initiates. Start with a handshake in first meetings, especially across cultures
Heading to the office? Review Spanish vocabulary for the office and work life.
Quick practice
In which places is a cheek-kiss greeting most common in everyday social life?
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence:
Keep going with graded Spanish stories.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Follow the other person’s lead
- Keep it light and brief
- Skip contact if you or they seem hesitant
- Use a handshake in formal or cross-cultural work settings
Do not
- Plant a strong kiss on the cheek
- Grab or hug tightly unless that is clearly welcome
- Assume cross-gender kisses are appropriate in every culture
- Take it personally if someone declines
Health and timing
If you are unwell or unsure, say a quick Hola and offer a handshake or wave. Most people will appreciate the consideration.
Bottom line
Cheek-kissing is a normal social greeting in many parts of the world, yet it is not universal. Learn the local habit, watch what people do, and choose a warm alternative if you are unsure. With a smile, a light touch, and a simple Nos damos dos besos you will fit right in where it is customary.