From handshakes to cheek kisses and affectionate sign-offs in messages, greetings in Portugal follow unspoken social codes. This guide will help you navigate both formal and casual situations with confidence and warmth.
Greeting people in Portugal isn’t just about saying “olá.” It involves gestures, tone, and small rituals that reflect warmth, respect, and social context. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or messaging a close friend, knowing how to greet properly can make your interactions smoother and more natural.
In formal or professional settings, a firm handshake is the go-to gesture. It’s brief, direct, and often accompanied by eye contact and a polite “Muito prazer” (Nice to meet you). This applies whether you’re in a business meeting or meeting someone older for the first time.
In casual or social environments, things get more affectionate. Among friends and family, women usually greet each other with two quick kisses on the cheeks — right cheek first. This also happens between men and women, even if it’s the first time they meet. Between men, a handshake is still common, but among close friends or younger people, you might see a hug or a friendly slap on the back.
The rules are soft, but the feeling matters. If someone leans in for kisses, don’t freeze up — it’s part of the culture.
Digital communication in Portugal also carries these affectionate patterns. People often end their messages with Beijinhos (little kisses) or Abraço (hug), depending on the level of familiarity. It might sound intimate in English, but it’s completely normal in Portuguese.
Example: “Olá Filipa! Tudo bem? Encontro-te na praia por volta das 14h. Beijinhos!”
These small endings help express warmth and keep the relationship tone soft and kind.
Understanding how to greet someone in Portugal is a mix of observing and adapting. When in doubt, start formal and let the other person guide the tone. Most importantly, be sincere. A genuine smile and an effort to get it right go a long way.
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I’m Sofia, a European Portuguese teacher and artist. I offer engaging small-group intensives, personalized private lessons, and conversational practice designed to help you feel the language—not just study it.
