Culture and context
Language and culture are inseparable. Understanding Spanish-speaking cultures helps you communicate more naturally and avoid awkward situations. Given that Spanish is spoken in 21 countries, cultural norms vary widely.
Formality: Tú vs Usted
Spanish distinguishes between informal tú and formal usted. This isn't just grammar; it reflects social relationships.
Use usted with:
- People older than you (unless they invite tú)
- Authority figures: doctors, professors, officials
- In business settings (initially)
- When uncertain
Use tú with:
- Friends and family
- Peers and colleagues (usually)
- Children and young people
- When invited to do so
Regional variation
- Spain: Tú is used very freely; even strangers often use it
- Latin America: More formal overall; usted used more widely
- Colombia: Very formal; usted used even between friends in some regions
- Argentina/Uruguay: Vos replaces tú (see Regional differences)
Switching to tú
The older or more senior person usually initiates. You might hear:
- Puedes tutearme. — You can use "tú" with me.
- ¿Nos tuteamos? — Shall we use "tú"?
Greetings
Physical greetings
In Spain:
- Two kisses on the cheeks (right cheek first) between friends
- Women kiss women, women kiss men, men shake hands with men
- Handshakes in business settings
In Latin America:
- One kiss on the cheek (usually right) is more common
- Varies by country and context
- Abrazo (hug with back pats) between male friends
Greeting etiquette
- Always greet everyone individually when entering a room
- Buenos días/tardes/noches in shops and businesses
- In small towns, greet strangers on the street
Time and punctuality
Attitudes toward time vary significantly:
Spain:
- Generally more relaxed about time
- Social events often start 15–30 minutes late
- Business meetings should be on time
Latin America:
- Varies widely by country
- Social events: expect lateness (up to an hour in some countries)
- Business: punctuality increasingly expected
Meal times (Spain)
Spanish meal times are notably late:
- Breakfast (desayuno): 7–9 AM (light)
- Mid-morning snack: 10–11 AM
- Lunch (comida/almuerzo): 2–4 PM (main meal)
- Evening snack (merienda): 5–7 PM
- Dinner (cena): 9–11 PM
In Latin America, schedules are closer to North American norms.
Dining culture
Restaurant customs
In Spain:
- Tipping: Round up or 5–10% for good service; not obligatory
- Bread is charged for (typically €1–2)
- Water isn't automatically served; order it
- Sobremesa: Lingering at the table after eating is normal
In Latin America:
- Tipping: 10–15% is standard in most countries
- Customs vary by country
At someone's home
- Bring wine, flowers, or chocolates as a gift
- Arrive 15–30 minutes late (in Spain; varies elsewhere)
- Compliment the food
- Offer to help but expect to be refused
- ¡Buen provecho! — Enjoy your meal (said before eating)
Toasting
- ¡Salud! — Cheers! (most common)
- ¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa'dentro! — Up, down, to the centre, inside! (festive)
- Make eye contact when clinking glasses
Communication style
Expressiveness
Spanish speakers (especially from Spain) tend to be:
- More expressive with hands and facial expressions
- Louder in conversation (not rudeness, just style)
- More comfortable with interruption (shows engagement)
- More physically close during conversation
Directness
- Spaniards can be quite direct
- Latin Americans often use more indirect language
- "No" is often softened with explanations
Small talk
Common topics:
- Family
- Food and restaurants
- Football (soccer)
- Local festivals and events
- Weather
- Travel
Avoid initially:
- Politics (especially in Spain regarding regions)
- Religion
- Civil War (Spain)
- Salary and money
Holidays and celebrations
Spain
| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Año Nuevo | 1 January | Eat 12 grapes at midnight |
| Reyes Magos | 6 January | When gifts are traditionally given |
| Semana Santa | March/April | Major religious processions |
| San Juan | 23–24 June | Bonfires on beaches |
| Día de la Hispanidad | 12 October | National holiday |
| Navidad | 25 December | Family meal |
Latin America (selected)
| Country | Holiday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Día de los Muertos | 1–2 November |
| Argentina | Día de la Independencia | 9 July |
| Peru | Inti Raymi | 24 June |
| Colombia | Carnaval de Barranquilla | Before Lent |
Christmas traditions
- Nochebuena (24 December): Main family celebration
- Spain: Gifts often on 6 January (Three Kings)
- Latin America: Gifts usually 24–25 December
Social customs
Names
- Spanish names typically include both father's and mother's surnames
- María García López — García is father's surname, López is mother's
- Address people by their first paternal surname: Señora García
Personal space
- Closer than Northern European/North American norms
- Don't back away; it may seem cold
Siesta culture
- Traditional midday rest is declining in urban Spain
- Many shops still close 2–5 PM
- Not as common in Latin America (except some rural areas)
Regional identities (Spain)
Spain has strong regional identities:
- Catalonia: Catalan language and distinct culture
- Basque Country: Basque language and identity
- Galicia: Galician language, Celtic heritage
- Andalusia: Flamenco, distinct accent
These regions have their own languages and may feel strongly about their distinct identities.
Latin American diversity
Each Latin American country has its own culture:
- Mexico: Rich indigenous heritage, strong traditions
- Argentina: European influence, tango, distinctive accent
- Colombia: Diverse geography, regional variations
- Peru: Inca heritage, famous cuisine
- Caribbean countries: African influences, tropical rhythms
Don't assume one country's customs apply to another.