Two kisses: greetings in Spain
Two quick kisses, one on each cheek, are the classic Spanish hello. Here’s who gives them, who doesn’t, and how not to bump noses.
Meet a friend’s friend at a bar in Madrid and, before you’ve said your name, you may find yourself in the middle of dos besos: two quick kisses, one on each cheek.
Dos besos
Despite the name, they aren’t really kisses. You touch cheeks lightly, or nearly touch, and make a small kissing sound in the air. One side, then the other. It takes about two seconds, and it’s the normal way to say hello in many social situations in Spain.
«¡Encantada! Dame dos besos.»
Who kisses whom
- Women with women, and men with women: usually dos besos, among friends and when being introduced socially.
- Men with men: usually a handshake, or a hug or a pat on the back between friends. Among family, men often kiss too.
- At work or in formal settings: a handshake, un apretón de manos, is the safe choice, especially the first time.
When you’re not sure, wait half a second and follow the other person’s lead. Nobody will mind a handshake.
How to do it
Most people start on the right cheek, but don’t overthink it: watch which way the other person leans and mirror them. Keep it light and quick, and say something as you do it: «¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?» or «¡Encantado!».
Saying goodbye
The kisses often come back when you leave, especially with people you’ve just met. Add a «¡Hasta luego!» or «¡Nos vemos!» and you’re done.
Spain vs Latin America
In much of Latin America, one kiss on the right cheek is the norm, not two. In Argentina and Uruguay, male friends often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek too.
Greeting phrases
Tap the speaker to hear each one in Castilian Spanish.
Saying hello
A1- dar dos besos[dahr dohs BEH-sohs] to give two kisses
- un apretón de manos[oon ah-preh-TOHN deh MAH-nohs] a handshake
- un abrazo[oon ah-BRAH-thoh] a hug
- ¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?[OH-lah, keh tahl] Hi! How are you?
- Encantado / Encantada[ehn-kahn-TAH-doh / ehn-kahn-TAH-dah] Nice to meet you
- ¡Hasta luego![AHS-tah LWEH-goh] See you later!
Try it
You’re introduced to your friend’s sister at a party in Valencia. What greeting would most people expect?
Answer: Dos besos, plus a «¡Encantado!» or «¡Encantada!»
You’re meeting a new business client in Madrid. Kisses or handshake?
Answer: A handshake, un apretón de manos, is the safe choice in a formal setting.