saludo

Saludo is the act or expression of greeting someone. In Spanish, it can refer to a spoken phrase, a written sentence, or a physical gesture used to acknowledge another person. The word comes from Latin salutare, meaning to greet, and is related to salutatio, the act of greeting or salutation.

Spoken greetings vary by context. Common informal forms include "hola" and "¿qué tal?", while more formal situations use "buenos días", "buenas tardes", or "mucho gusto" when meeting someone for the first time. Question forms like "¿cómo está usted?" use the formal "usted".

Gestures accompany or replace spoken greetings. Handshakes are common in business and formal settings; in many Spanish-speaking cultures, kissing on the cheek or hugs are customary among friends and family. Ritualized greetings such as a military salute exist in official contexts. Eye contact, tone of voice, and appropriate distance influence perceived politeness.

In written communication, "saludo" appears in closings, with phrases like "saludos cordiales" or simply "saludos". The choice of closing reflects formality and relationship. Regional differences exist: Spain, the Andean countries, and parts of Latin America have distinct norms for informality and affectionate gestures. Understanding these norms helps facilitate respectful interaction in diverse Spanish-speaking settings.