Hand signs, personal space, kisses. Non-verbal communication in Spanish-speaking countries.
| Gesture | Meaning | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fingers together, pointing up, moving up and down | "Wait" / "Hold on" / "It's crowded" | All countries |
| Thumb and index finger touching (OK sign) | "Perfect" / OK (but can be rude in some Latin American countries) | Varies |
| Pulling down lower eyelid | "¡Ojo!" = Watch out! / Be careful! | Spain mostly |
| Tapping elbow | "He's cheap / stingy" (ser un agarrado/codo) | Spain, Latin America |
| Waving index finger side to side | "No" / "Don't do that" | All countries |
| Thumb between index and middle finger (figa) | Rude / vulgar — avoid! | All countries |
Spain: Two kisses on cheeks (right then left) between women and mixed. Men shake hands or hug if close.
Latin America: One kiss on cheek (usually right). More formal handshakes in business.
Argentina: One kiss for everyone, even men greeting men (friends).
Mexico: One kiss or handshake. Men rarely kiss each other.
Standing distance is shorter than in Anglo-Saxon cultures. Don't back away — it's perceived as cold or unfriendly. Touching arms and shoulders during conversation is normal and friendly, not invasive.
Direct eye contact is expected and shows interest/honesty.
Animated facial expressions are normal — Spanish speakers are generally more expressive.
Talking with hands is very common — it's part of the communication, not nervousness.
Interrupting in casual conversation is less rude than in English-speaking cultures — it shows engagement.
Hablar con las manos = to talk with one's hands (very common!)
Poner mala cara = to make a bad face (look unhappy)
Encogerse de hombros = to shrug
Hacer un gesto = to make a gesture
Cruzarse de brazos = to cross one's arms (defensiveness / refusal)
Asentir con la cabeza = to nod
1. In Spain, greetings involve _____ kisses.
2. Pulling down the eyelid means _____.
3. Tapping the elbow means someone is _____.
4. Personal space in Spanish culture is _____.
5. In Argentina, men greeting male friends use _____.
6. To shrug = encogerse de _____.
7. To nod = asentir con la _____.
8. Interrupting in Spanish conversation shows _____.
9. Touching arms during conversation is considered _____.
10. To make a bad face = poner mala _____.
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