Greeting in Slovakia

Greeting is the absolutely best way to show your respect to a person you meet. The various forms of greeting in different societies are based on local culture, and this can differ widely from region to region. When you are traveling to Slovakia, it is wise to learn about the traditions prevailing in this country. Of course, the people will very probably accept your own ways without too much drama, but why should you show your differences at each step?

In towns and busy tourist centers it is impossible and absurd to greet everyone you see. However, in small villages or when meeting other hikers in the woods and on mountains trails, strangers greet each other spontaneously.

The basic Slovak formal greeting when meeting someone is "dobry den" (good day). If you want to be more time specific, in the morning, until about 8 or 9 am, the greeting is "dobre rano" (good morning) and in the evening, when it gets dark, you can say "dobry vecer" (good evening). The formal word for good-bye is "dovidenia" and means roughly "until we see us again". Definitive farewell, such as when you do not expect to meet the person again soon, for example when foreign tourists are leaving a hotel, can be expressed by "zbohom" (go with God"). All expressions apply equally for men and women, singular and plural.

Hallo and bye-bye: the most common informal greetings are "ahoj" and "cau". If you meet several friends or speak to several children or young people, then you can use the plural form "ahojte" or "caute". The same words are used for informal farewell. "Ahojte/caute" is a grammatical monstrosity, so remember preferrably "ahoj/cau".

The difference between the formal and informal applies to the rest of the conversation equally. If you say "ahoj", then you automatically use the "ty" form ("du" in German, "tu" in French). "Dobry den" and the other variants (see above) go together with the "vy" form ("Sie" in German, "vous" in French).

Greeting does not always need to be spoken aloud. If you see someone on the opposite side of the street - you won't shout "dobry den". In this case you can simply raise your open handto about eye level and move it from side to side. Men can raise their hats. You may smile and move your lips to make it look like you are saying "dobry den" without actually pronouncing the words.

When you meet someone with whom you expect to spend more than a few minutes, for example a business partner, you will have to shake hands. It is customary that the older person, a woman or a person of senior rank offers his or her hand first. Shake it briefly, firmly, with a smile, while looking into the eyes of the other person.

Kiss on the cheek (or both cheeks) and embrace (hug) are common only among family members or very good friends. Never do it with casual acquaintances.

"To greet is good manners, to return a greeting is an obligation." - always return a greeting, if you don't, the other person will very probably feel offended. It is OK to reply the same way the other person has greeted you.