Article: In any language, minding your manners shows respect. Using polite words and phrases in Arabic, even if you don't know any other words in the language, communicates that you respect Arab culture. Some words to learn include: "Al-ma'dirah": Excuse me (if you're asking someone to move) "Aasif": Sorry "Miin faadliikaa": Please "Shukran": Thank you "Al'afw": Reply to "thank you" Traditionally, men and women do not touch each other at all when greeting, unless they are close family members. Some women are willing to shake hands with men, particularly in more formal contexts. However, if you are a man, you should let the woman take the lead. Stand away from the woman as you greet her. If she is willing to shake your hand, she will extend her hand to you. Don't automatically extend your hand first. If she clasps her hands together or places her right hand over her heart, that is an indication that she isn't willing to shake hands but is nonetheless pleased to meet you. When greeting someone of the same gender as you in a formal context, such as in a professional environment or for school, shaking hands is common. It's still a good idea to let the other person take the lead and offer their hand first. Always shake with your right hand, never your left. The left hand is considered unclean in Arab culture. Placing your right hand over your heart indicates that even though you're not going to touch the person, you're still quite pleased to meet them. If you have Arabic friends of a different gender, this is an appropriate way to greet them. Because men and women who aren't related to each other typically don't touch each other when greeting, this gesture is a way to signify your attachment to the person you're greeting without hugging or kissing them. In Arabic culture, touching noses is not considered a particularly intimate gesture and is frequently done between two men as well as between two women. Another gesture popular in some areas is to place 3 kisses on the other person's right cheek. These gestures are typically never appropriate with someone of a different gender unless you are related to them and have a very close relationship. Even then, many Arabs would not consider such a greeting appropriate in public. Elders are greatly respected in Arabic culture. A kiss on the forehead honors them and shows them respect. Reserve this gesture for elders you know well, or who are related to someone you know well. For example, if your Qatari friend introduces you to his grandmother, you might kiss her on the forehead when greeting her.
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Use polite words and phrases to show respect. Avoid touching when greeting someone of a different gender. Shake hands when greeting someone of the same gender formally. Place your right hand on your heart to greet someone warmly. Touch noses or kiss cheeks with people you know well. Greet an elder with a kiss on the forehead.