Gestures, written notes and body language when words fail

Key rules

• Backup channels: Notes, drawings and screens are valid ways to communicate; write key facts in block capitals.
• Greeting: Follow the other person's lead: handshake in formal settings, dos besos among friends.
• Waiters: Never snap your fingers; raise a hand or say "perdona".
• Official translations: Offices may require a sworn translation rather than an app translation.

Writing and showing works when speaking does not

Written Spanish is easier to read than spoken Spanish is to hear, so write things down. Notes, drawings and screens are all accepted ways to get your point across.

• Write names, dates, numbers and addresses in block capitals.
• Prepare a short note or phone screenshot before you go. Include your case, your appointment and the documents you carry.
• Show documents, photos, maps and calendar screens. Point to the date you mean.
• Draw simple sketches for places, objects or symptoms.
• Ask the other person to write down numbers, amounts and dates, then repeat them back.
• Use a translation app with short sentences. Show the screen instead of reading out the machine text. Use camera translation for forms.
• Two useful phrases: "Más despacio, por favor" (slower, please) and "No hablo bien español" (you do not speak Spanish well).
• Afterwards, confirm the outcome by email or in writing.

An app translation is fine for conversation. For official procedures, an office may ask for a sworn translation instead, so ask the office.

Common gestures and what they mean

Meanings shift a little by region and age. These are the ones you will see most.

• Fingertips bunched together and shaken upward: "What do you want?" or "What's going on?"
• Thumb rubbed against fingers: money, or something expensive.
• Tapping the elbow: someone is stingy.
• Pulling down the lower eyelid with a finger: "Watch out."
• Thumb and fingers pinched together and shaken: "Wait a moment" or "so-so".
• Hand cupped and moved up and down: "Calm down" or "slowly".
• Tapping the wrist: "Hurry up", or the time.
• Fingers wiggled by the mouth: eating.
• Thumbs-up: positive.

Counting on fingers starts with the thumb as one.

Gestures to avoid

• The forearm jerk with a fist (corte de mangas) is obscene.
• The middle finger, and the "V" sign with the palm facing you, are insulting.
• The horns sign (index and little finger) can mean a partner is cheating.
• Pointing a finger at people is impolite.
• Snapping your fingers at a waiter is rude. Raise a hand or make eye contact and say "oye" or "perdona".
• The OK sign is usually fine, but some people read it as rude.
• To call someone over, scoop with the palm down. Palm up may look odd.

Greetings and personal space

In informal settings, people greet with dos besos: a light cheek touch on each side, right first. This is normal between women, and between a man and a woman. Male friends often shake hands or hug with a back pat.

Use a handshake in formal settings, at first meetings, in business and with officials. Kissing is not expected at a formal counter.

Since Covid, some people skip kisses. Follow the other person's lead.

Spaniards stand closer than people in northern Europe or North America. Expect a touch on the arm or shoulder in conversation, and close standing in queues and bars. Do not step back, as it can look cold.

Say "buenos días" when you enter a shop, lift or waiting room. In a small group, greet and say goodbye to each person.

The questions below cover the chin flick, finger snapping, cheek kisses and translation apps.

Frequently asked questions

What does a flat hand flicked under the chin mean in Spain?

A flat hand flicked under the chin means the person does not care or has no idea. It is casual and not meant as an insult. Tapping the elbow, by contrast, means someone is stingy.

Is it rude to snap my fingers at a waiter in Spain?

Yes, snapping your fingers at a waiter is rude in Spain, so raise a hand or catch their eye instead. Then say "oye" or "perdona" to get their attention.

Should I kiss people on the cheek when I meet them in Spain?

In informal settings, yes: dos besos, a light cheek touch on each side starting with the right, is normal between women and between a man and a woman. Use a handshake in formal settings, at first meetings and with officials. Some people skip kisses since Covid, so follow the other person's lead.

Do I need a sworn translation instead of a translation app at an office?

For official procedures, you may need a sworn translation rather than an app translation. Apps are fine for talking at the counter, where short sentences and showing the screen work best. Ask the office which documents need a sworn translation.