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Two people meeting for the first time.

Saying hello in the UK

Saying hello in the UK

This is lesson six of your activity week and the content is linked to the podcast you listened to in lesson four:

Learning Vocabulary - Breaking the Ice

In this lesson, we look at an aspect of UK culture and ask you to do three things: 

  1. Read the article and look at the words in red. Think about what these words mean.
  2. Do the quiz at the end of the article. This quiz checks your understanding of the English in the article.
  3. Answer the questions and give your opinion in the comments section.

Good morning? Hello? Hi? A Hug or kiss perhaps? What about a firm handshake?

Meeting someone for the first time can be awkward if you get it wrong! It can also be embarrassing when you meet the same person for the second or third time!

In the past, British people knew how to introduce themselves to strangers. They would say ‘How do you do’ and offer a hand for a handshake.

Simple.

However, this phrase is seen as old-fashioned these days and is rarely used. So what do British people do instead? You don’t want to accidentally poke someone in the eye if you offer a hand to shake and the other person comes in for a hug or a kiss!

Here are a few ideas about what you should say and do when you meet someone for the first time in the UK.

What to do?

Handshakes

A handshake is still the most common way to greet someone, especially if you are in a formal situation at work. Shaking hands is the most common greeting between men, between women, and between men and women.

However, the type of handshake is important. Your handshake should be firm and confident, but it’s not a battle to the death or proof of masculinity. You don’t need to crush anybody’s fingers! On the other hand, don’t be too weak. Nobody likes a limp handshake. You want to show that you are confident and sincere. It’s always a good idea to smile and make eye contact with the person you are shaking hands with. People might not trust you if you look away or down at the floor when you shake someone’s hand.

Lastly, two shakes are enough! Take hold of the hand, shake it up and down twice - up down up down. Don't hold on for too long; you’re not asking someone to dance! 

Hugs, kisses and high fives

Hugging, kissing and high-fiving are definitely more informal greetings in the UK and not something you would normally do when meeting someone for the first time. These types of greetings are usually for friends, family and small children. You might see high-fives, hugs and sometimes kisses on the football pitch but not usually in the office! 

What to say?

If you want to sound like you are living in 1952, you can say ‘How do you do?’. This phrase is OK - it's not exactly wrong, but it definitely sounds a bit old-fashioned. Let’s look at some alternatives …

Phrases such as ‘how are you doing?’, ‘how are you?’, and ‘all right?’ have all come to mean something similar to the out-dated and unfashionable ‘how do you do’. These phrases can create some confusion though. Sometimes, people are not familiar with these greetings and make the mistake of confusing them for questions. These greetings may sound like questions, but if a British person asks you, they probably don't want you to answer. 

John: "Hi! How are you?"

Bill: "Hey! How are you?"

There are also regional differences in the UK. In the north, you might hear phrases such as 'how' do?', 'now then?', 'ey up?', or 'alright?'. However, it is not a good idea to try to imitate these greetings until you are very confident. 

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Komentar

Saggi's picture
Saggi
11/05/2020
GH
7
points

It's pretty nice to know that, I have been living the lifestyle of my dream country.


Saggi's picture
Saggi
11/05/2020 07:44
Ghana
Chelsea
7

It's pretty nice to know that, I have been living the lifestyle of my dream country.

Dayana Alexandra's picture
Dayana Alexandra
23/08/2019
CO
91
points

It would be fun to know and learn how other people manage their language to get out of the usual and know how foreigners are headed.


Dayana Alexandra's picture
Dayana Alexandra
23/08/2019 01:46
Colombia
Manchester United
91

It would be fun to know and learn how other people manage their language to get out of the usual and know how foreigners are headed.

Juan_Pablo_Quintero's picture
Juan_Pablo_Quintero
23/08/2019
CO
90
points

Whenever I meet a person for the first time, I greet with my hand so as not to be disrespectful to my friends, I greet them with a hug and women if they allow me to greet them with kisses.


Juan_Pablo_Quintero's picture
Juan_Pablo_Quintero
23/08/2019 01:44
Colombia
Manchester United
90

Whenever I meet a person for the first time, I greet with my hand so as not to be disrespectful to my friends, I greet them with a hug and women if they allow me to greet them with kisses.

JhoanSebastian's picture
JhoanSebastian
23/08/2019
CO
81
points

This platform is fun to learn because we are interested in knowing the vocabulary of people from the English language


JhoanSebastian's picture
JhoanSebastian
23/08/2019 00:48
Colombia
Manchester United
81

This platform is fun to learn because we are interested in knowing the vocabulary of people from the English language

MariangelBermeo123's picture
MariangelBermeo123
22/08/2019
CO
87
points

I think it is very funny all that we can learn on this platform in this case were the different ways of talking about the world but in regards to my way of greeting I think that I am very kind and feels good.


MariangelBermeo123's picture
MariangelBermeo123
22/08/2019 06:31
Colombia
Manchester United
87

I think it is very funny all that we can learn on this platform in this case were the different ways of talking about the world but in regards to my way of greeting I think that I am very kind and feels good.

Santiago Higuita
22/08/2019
CO
82
points

It's fun to meet people from another culture because they tell you new experiences, cultures and much more


Santiago Higuita
22/08/2019 05:44
Colombia
Liverpool
82

It's fun to meet people from another culture because they tell you new experiences, cultures and much more

Juan Manuel gomez
22/08/2019
CO
87
points

I always when I meet a person for the first time the greeting with my hand so as not to be disrespepectful to my Friends i greet them with a hug and the women if they allow me to greet them with Kisses.


Juan Manuel gomez
22/08/2019 04:51
Colombia
Arsenal
87

I always when I meet a person for the first time the greeting with my hand so as not to be disrespepectful to my Friends i greet them with a hug and the women if they allow me to greet them with Kisses.

Karol Yulieth
22/08/2019
CO
22
points

it is good to learn several languages since ir would be easier to communicate with another person if we go somewhere


Karol Yulieth
22/08/2019 04:18
Colombia
Manchester United
22

it is good to learn several languages since ir would be easier to communicate with another person if we go somewhere

Mario Camacho Fiesco
22/08/2019
CO
88
points

I dont knew the multiple options for greetings employed in UK and is very fabulous knowon the information


Mario Camacho Fiesco
22/08/2019 04:04
Colombia
Manchester United
88

I dont knew the multiple options for greetings employed in UK and is very fabulous knowon the information

magdarojas.'s picture
magdarojas.
22/08/2019
CO
87
points

I find it very interesting to learn about the different greetings, since it can be very favorable for us and we can learn them, because it is very good to meet new people and we will know how to break the ice.


magdarojas.'s picture
magdarojas.
22/08/2019 03:45
Colombia
Manchester United
87

I find it very interesting to learn about the different greetings, since it can be very favorable for us and we can learn them, because it is very good to meet new people and we will know how to break the ice.

Juan Ortiz's picture
Juan Ortiz
22/08/2019
CO
86
points

When you meet someone new, we can have new experiences


Juan Ortiz's picture
Juan Ortiz
22/08/2019 03:33
Colombia
AFC Bournemouth
86

When you meet someone new, we can have new experiences

Maria José Guzmán G.
22/08/2019
CO
10
points

I think knowing how to greet each other in different ways is something that benefits us a lot. And that gradually forms us as intellectual people.


Maria José Guzmán G.
22/08/2019 02:32
Colombia
Manchester City
10

I think knowing how to greet each other in different ways is something that benefits us a lot. And that gradually forms us as intellectual people.

isabelacatañoguzman
22/08/2019
CO
52
points

It is important to meet new people because that opens up opportunities for us to have new friends, meet new things, etc.


isabelacatañoguzman
22/08/2019 01:35
Colombia
Manchester United
52

It is important to meet new people because that opens up opportunities for us to have new friends, meet new things, etc.

ramirez2002
22/08/2019
CO
85
points

yes, it is very important to learn and understand many greetings


ramirez2002
22/08/2019 01:24
Colombia
Manchester United
85

yes, it is very important to learn and understand many greetings

PatriciaGomezGuzman
22/08/2019
CO
83
points

when we meet a person we always geet in the most formal way, since we do not have the same confidence as when we interact with people who have had a relationship, it is because a good friendship hes been forged, wherwe trust has been created, but not for that reason we must surpass the confidence that there is in that friendship, that is why it is important to always express ourselves in the best way.


PatriciaGomezGuzman
22/08/2019 01:01
Colombia
Manchester United
83

when we meet a person we always geet in the most formal way, since we do not have the same confidence as when we interact with people who have had a relationship, it is because a good friendship hes been forged, wherwe trust has been created, but not for that reason we must surpass the confidence that there is in that friendship, that is why it is important to always express ourselves in the best way.

DaViD anDres
22/08/2019
CO
86
points

in general I greet new people with a handshake because I am not confident with that person


DaViD anDres
22/08/2019 00:20
Colombia
Chelsea
86

in general I greet new people with a handshake because I am not confident with that person

santiagomontes
22/08/2019
CO
66
points

When somebody have confidence with other people, they have a informal greeting, but when somebody don't knows who is, the greeting is formal.


santiagomontes
22/08/2019 00:12
Colombia
Manchester United
66

When somebody have confidence with other people, they have a informal greeting, but when somebody don't knows who is, the greeting is formal.

sergionuñezgonzalez's picture
sergionuñezgonzalez
22/08/2019
CO
119
points

Most of the time for me it is really awkward how to introduce myself to a new person because when I offer a handshake I don't feel the same sincerity


sergionuñezgonzalez's picture
sergionuñezgonzalez
22/08/2019 00:00
Colombia
Manchester United
119

Most of the time for me it is really awkward how to introduce myself to a new person because when I offer a handshake I don't feel the same sincerity

Saggi's picture
Saggi
11/05/2020
GH
7
points

Yeah, you are absolutely right


Saggi's picture
Saggi
11/05/2020 07:47
Ghana
Chelsea
7

Yeah, you are absolutely right

DiegoFigueroa9B's picture
DiegoFigueroa9B
21/08/2019
CO
85
points

This is very right, since the way to speak to a person is quite important in communication.


DiegoFigueroa9B's picture
DiegoFigueroa9B
21/08/2019 23:23
Colombia
Arsenal
85

This is very right, since the way to speak to a person is quite important in communication.

juan jose castro08
21/08/2019
CO
42
points

when you meet new people, is know new experiences , new adventure and new ways of life


juan jose castro08
21/08/2019 18:13
Colombia
Liverpool
42

when you meet new people, is know new experiences , new adventure and new ways of life

mauricio marin
21/08/2019
CO
87
points

It is interesting to know that there are different ways of speaking throughout the world. In my opinion It is important to understand and learn to greet in different ways.


mauricio marin
21/08/2019 03:53
Colombia
Manchester United
87

It is interesting to know that there are different ways of speaking throughout the world. In my opinion It is important to understand and learn to greet in different ways.

Juanpablorojas
21/08/2019
CO
89
points

most of the time I greet shaking hands, usually good morning or good afternoon, I also ask how they are doing although it is difficult for me to introduce myself to someone older than me.


Juanpablorojas
21/08/2019 02:57
Colombia
Manchester United
89

most of the time I greet shaking hands, usually good morning or good afternoon, I also ask how they are doing although it is difficult for me to introduce myself to someone older than me.

Ximena Alvarez's picture
Ximena Alvarez
21/08/2019
CO
87
points

In general, I always greet with confidence even if we are barely getting to know each other, with a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, it is something simple but with great meaning.


Ximena Alvarez's picture
Ximena Alvarez
21/08/2019 02:57
Colombia
Chelsea
87

In general, I always greet with confidence even if we are barely getting to know each other, with a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, it is something simple but with great meaning.

AnaSofySantofimio
21/08/2019
CO
25
points

It’s great wich every region or conuntry, has it’s own culture, and it is also impressive to see Theme have their own greeting!!!


AnaSofySantofimio
21/08/2019 02:42
Colombia
AFC Bournemouth
25

It’s great wich every region or conuntry, has it’s own culture, and it is also impressive to see Theme have their own greeting!!!

FernandaRiveraAnturi
21/08/2019
CO
67
points

It is important because greeting an interesting conversation begins


FernandaRiveraAnturi
21/08/2019 01:47
Colombia
Manchester United
67

It is important because greeting an interesting conversation begins

FernandaRiveraAnturi
21/08/2019
CO
67
points

His way of greeting is very rare. As everywhere their customs change


FernandaRiveraAnturi
21/08/2019 01:40
Colombia
Manchester United
67

His way of greeting is very rare. As everywhere their customs change

valentinabenavides
21/08/2019
CO
90
points

I think it is very important to know different types of greetings in the formal and informal field and your language in different places to start a comfortable conversation.


valentinabenavides
21/08/2019 00:58
Colombia
Manchester United
90

I think it is very important to know different types of greetings in the formal and informal field and your language in different places to start a comfortable conversation.

valentina trujillo
21/08/2019
CO
75
points

Well, the most common thing is to greet a handshake or a spike on the cheek if the person shows no interest because I would already like it


valentina trujillo
21/08/2019 00:02
Colombia
Arsenal
75

Well, the most common thing is to greet a handshake or a spike on the cheek if the person shows no interest because I would already like it

Mariacordoba12
20/08/2019
CO
30
points

It is incredible to meet people, although sometimes it is uncomfortable because some people do not respond to our greeting as we are used to.


Mariacordoba12
20/08/2019 23:49
Colombia
Manchester United
30

It is incredible to meet people, although sometimes it is uncomfortable because some people do not respond to our greeting as we are used to.

danielacarolina's picture
danielacarolina
20/08/2019
CO
22
points

It is very difficult for me to meet someone and introduce myself since I do not know how this person is, I am afraid that I greet her badly or do something that makes this person uncomfortable


danielacarolina's picture
danielacarolina
20/08/2019 23:39
Colombia
Manchester United
22

It is very difficult for me to meet someone and introduce myself since I do not know how this person is, I am afraid that I greet her badly or do something that makes this person uncomfortable

juandiego
20/08/2019
CO
81
points

I like to know some of the different regional greetings that UK has. It's amazing to see how greetings there, sound strangely, or have a different meaning in Colombia.


juandiego
20/08/2019 23:03
Colombia
Manchester United
81

I like to know some of the different regional greetings that UK has. It's amazing to see how greetings there, sound strangely, or have a different meaning in Colombia.

Julianarojas92
20/08/2019
CO
83
points

It is very good to know the greetings in a new language, I find them a bit interesting, to put them into practice


Julianarojas92
20/08/2019 22:49
Colombia
Manchester United
83

It is very good to know the greetings in a new language, I find them a bit interesting, to put them into practice

MapaRuiz1011's picture
MapaRuiz1011
20/08/2019
CO
76
points

For me, meeting new people is not that difficult, knowing new greetings as they are in the United Kingdom is great! But Colombians are not compared to us since they are formal and we are a little confident becoming informal at the time to greet or appear before people.


MapaRuiz1011's picture
MapaRuiz1011
20/08/2019 22:38
Colombia
Manchester United
76

For me, meeting new people is not that difficult, knowing new greetings as they are in the United Kingdom is great! But Colombians are not compared to us since they are formal and we are a little confident becoming informal at the time to greet or appear before people.

Maria Camila
20/08/2019
CO
83
points

I found it very important to know the different greetings that are used in the united kingdom since knowing this we expand our cultural knowledge


Maria Camila
20/08/2019 22:13
Colombia
Manchester United
83

I found it very important to know the different greetings that are used in the united kingdom since knowing this we expand our cultural knowledge

Fernanda correa
20/08/2019
CO
14
points

I find it very interesting to learn to greet in different ways


Fernanda correa
20/08/2019 22:13
Colombia
Manchester United
14

I find it very interesting to learn to greet in different ways

gabrielaugustogarzon
20/08/2019
CO
89
points

This is important because with greetings you will start your social life


gabrielaugustogarzon
20/08/2019 21:34
Colombia
Liverpool
89

This is important because with greetings you will start your social life

Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019
CO
18
points

I think it's great the way to learn to greet in different ways is very good


Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019 20:21
Colombia
Manchester United
18

I think it's great the way to learn to greet in different ways is very good

soffirodriguez
20/08/2019
CO
15
points

I find it super amazing as in other countries they use differents ways to say hello, it's weird since here you say «hello how are you»a kiss or a hug


soffirodriguez
20/08/2019 04:51
Colombia
Manchester United
15

I find it super amazing as in other countries they use differents ways to say hello, it's weird since here you say «hello how are you»a kiss or a hug

NataliaParedes
20/08/2019
CO
108
points

I can't find the quiz!!!!!!


NataliaParedes
20/08/2019 04:51
Colombia
Manchester United
108

I can't find the quiz!!!!!!

NataliaParedes
20/08/2019
CO
108
points

Definitely each culture has their own aspects, while the Latin Americans express a strong relationship with everyone, the European are more polite, but in essences is to similar, the regionalism require more information in order to be polite.


NataliaParedes
20/08/2019 04:50
Colombia
Manchester United
108

Definitely each culture has their own aspects, while the Latin Americans express a strong relationship with everyone, the European are more polite, but in essences is to similar, the regionalism require more information in order to be polite.

Paula valbuena
20/08/2019
CO
119
points

It is incredible how in other countries they use to greet that I did not imagine for the most normal it is "hello how are you" a hug and a kiss


Paula valbuena
20/08/2019 03:38
Colombia
Manchester United
119

It is incredible how in other countries they use to greet that I did not imagine for the most normal it is "hello how are you" a hug and a kiss

Anthony Montealegre
20/08/2019
CO
85
points

In some situations I find it very uncomfortable to meet new people because I sincerely and affectionately greet the same person I don't receive


Anthony Montealegre
20/08/2019 03:08
Colombia
Manchester United
85

In some situations I find it very uncomfortable to meet new people because I sincerely and affectionately greet the same person I don't receive

Martingomez
20/08/2019
CO
20
points

It is important to understand the best way to address people for the first time so as not to make them feel uncomfortable especially when you want to talk to a British person.


Martingomez
20/08/2019 02:41
Colombia
Manchester United
20

It is important to understand the best way to address people for the first time so as not to make them feel uncomfortable especially when you want to talk to a British person.

Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019
CO
18
points

I like the idea of ​​learning different forms of greetings, but in Colombia it is easier to greet a friend.


Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019 02:34
Colombia
Manchester United
18

I like the idea of ​​learning different forms of greetings, but in Colombia it is easier to greet a friend.

Juan sebastian
19/08/2019
CO
89
points

The most common thing is to greet with a handshake and say hello how are you normal but if the person we are greeting does not show interest, an unpleasant moment arrives but if it is not so and we both have an interest to know each other it is more pleasant.


Juan sebastian
19/08/2019 23:17
Colombia
Manchester United
89

The most common thing is to greet with a handshake and say hello how are you normal but if the person we are greeting does not show interest, an unpleasant moment arrives but if it is not so and we both have an interest to know each other it is more pleasant.

lufe castillo 38
19/08/2019
CO
39
points

I dont knew the multiple options for greetings employed in UK and is very fabulous knowon the with the information


lufe castillo 38
19/08/2019 22:33
Colombia
Manchester United
39

I dont knew the multiple options for greetings employed in UK and is very fabulous knowon the with the information

DANIEL MORENO
19/08/2019
CO
76
points

Is interesting know that around of the world there are different modes to speak, and if we speak badly in another country, we can say things that are not.


DANIEL MORENO
19/08/2019 22:09
Colombia
Manchester United
76

Is interesting know that around of the world there are different modes to speak, and if we speak badly in another country, we can say things that are not.

victorchavarro's picture
victorchavarro
19/08/2019
CO
87
points

It's nice to meet people, even if the greetings are different they mean same. In my opinion, they don't matter how they greet but how they do it.


victorchavarro's picture
victorchavarro
19/08/2019 22:08
Colombia
Manchester City
87

It's nice to meet people, even if the greetings are different they mean same. In my opinion, they don't matter how they greet but how they do it.

Sebastian0818
19/08/2019
CO
81
points

Formally greetings are a hello, how are you? but I think that a happy and pleasant greeting is better with either a close friend or a new person to meet.


Sebastian0818
19/08/2019 21:51
Colombia
Manchester United
81

Formally greetings are a hello, how are you? but I think that a happy and pleasant greeting is better with either a close friend or a new person to meet.

Level

3
Average: 3 (1 vote)

Goals

Skills: Reading

Culture: Greetings in the UK

Language: Vocabulary