The common verbal greeting is “
The most common Italian greeting is Ciao (pronounced CHOW). Ciao is a simple, snappy way of saying hello and goodbye in Italian.
Just like when saying hello, if you are saying goodbye to someone you know well, it is normal to give them an air kiss on both cheeks (you don't need to make contact with your lips, usually you just touch cheeks).
Greeting others in Italy
When it comes to greeting new people, Italians shake hands and exchange three kisses on the cheeks. As to greeting friends and relatives, the tradition dictates that you must exchange a hug and two kisses on the cheeks.
The palm-show is dominant across most of Europe, but Italy predominantly uses the palm-hide wave. Waving the hand to say "hello" or "goodbye" is done by moving the fingers down towards the wrist and back to an open palm position while keeping the palm facing out.
In Italy, the above gesture (with fingers pointing down) is known as the corna ("horns"). It is a common. Mediterranean apotropaic gesture, by which people.
One of the most famous gestures, the so-called “chin flick” means “Non mi interessa!” – I don't care, and is formed by flicking the back of one's fingers under the chin.
The general rule of the cheek kisses is to give one or two light kisses, one on each side. Your lips shouldn't touch the other person's cheek unless you are extremely good friends; instead, aim to lightly touch your cheek to theirs.
Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek. Also, try to save it for casual social environments (not networking events).
The more you know the person, the more cheek kisses to expect. 1 kiss = a quick hello or goodbye to a friend, acquaintance/stranger. 2 kisses = friend/close friend/family member. 3+ kisses = close friend/family member.
Fingertips Kiss: Gently bring the fingers and thumb of your right hand together, raise to your lips, kiss lightly, and joyfully toss your fingers and thumb into the air. This gesture is used commonly in Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Germany as a form of praise. It can mean sexy, delicious, divine, or wonderful.
Both "Bella Ciao" and "Ciao Bella" can be translated as "hello/goodbye beautiful".
Of course, when you're introduced to someone, you need to know how to reply. People usually simply say piacere (nice to meet you), whether in formal or informal situations. Piacere – Piacere. Nice to meet you.
Pash (pash) / Kiss
An indelicate description of kissing passionately, hence the name. Pashing typically leads to two things: pash rash (red marks around the lips caused by excessive kissing), and/or rooting (the crass Australian term for the birds and the bees).
Let's pause for a minute here – although most people lead with their right cheek and lean to their left, in Italy it's customary to lead with the left cheek and lean to the right. It's not as complicated as it sounds – promise! So, unless you're on a weekend jaunt to Italy, stick to leaning left.
Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes)
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
Don't wander around alone: Moving freely around someone else's home is considered rude and inappropriate. Accept something they offer: Leaving a house without having a coffee, a piece of cake, or even just a glass of water might disappoint your host. Let them welcome you.
Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is expected and held during conversations. In some places in Italy, people may inadvertently stare out of curiosity. However, be aware that staring is generally considered rude and can also represent an act of defiance if a person of low social status stares at someone higher than them.
Thumbs-Up. Avoid using this gesture in: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece. The gesture of 'Thumbs-up may look cool on Facebook or USA, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means "up yours." So, to avoid any awkwardness, next time you must reconsider what you are doing.
One of the common hand gestures across the world—biting your hand or a finger is a great way to convey, you are holding up something you want to blurt out in anger. All you need to do is, make a fist and bite the index finger with words uttered- Porca miseria or Cavolo or Mannaggia.