Greetings and Etiquette

As in many countries, the older person holds a place of honor as demonstrated in various social conventions. When a younger person greets an elder, the younger one offers the greeting first. It is courteous for a younger person to hold the door for an elder to enter first. If everyone is the same age, women enter first, except in a bar where it is the men who lead. One offers a handshake to guests at the door in both greeting and parting situations. Close women friends may hug, but men do not touch. Although there is limited personal space in a group of friends or acquaintances, in general there is no touching.

Formal terms of address are used for teachers, parents of friends, bosses and doctors. Informal address is reserved for family members, friends, peers of similar age (once the acquaintance is made), and children.