A2 · What nobody explains
How things work
Not vocabulary and not grammar: the invisible rules that make a correct sentence land badly, or a silence read as rudeness.
Time
la hora peruanavery Peruvian
arriving late is expected
An invitation at eight usually means between half past eight and nine. Arriving on time to a house party can find the hosts still getting dressed. For work, medical or formal appointments, punctuality is expected.
- México
- la hora mexicana
- Argentina
- llegar 20 min tarde es normal
- España
- más puntual que en América
la sobremesaPeruvian
staying at the table after eating
The meal ends and nobody stands up. Leaving as soon as you finish your plate reads as being in a hurry to escape. Count on two more hours after dessert.
Greeting and personal space
el beso en la mejillaPeruvian
one kiss on the cheek
In Peru, one kiss between women and between a man and a woman, even on first meeting. Between men, a handshake. In Spain it is two kisses; in Argentina one, between men as well.
- España
- dos besos
- Argentina
- uno, también entre hombres
- Colombia
- uno
- Chile
- uno
la distancia al hablar
personal space
Closer than an English speaker expects. Stepping back is noticed and read as coldness.
Money
la propina
tipping
In Peru, ten per cent in restaurants with table service, and not always. Taxis get no tip: the fare is agreed before you get in. In Spain and much of Latin America, low or none.
- España
- casi nunca
- México
- 10–15%, esperada
- Argentina
- 10%
invitarPeruvian
to pay for someone
Yo invito means I am paying, and there is usually a small argument about who does. Accepting straight away without protesting a little can read as taking advantage.
How no gets said
el no indirectoPeruvian
saying no without saying no
Vamos a ver, yo te aviso, or a smile and a silence are usually a no. Pushing after that is uncomfortable. A very quick yes to an invitation is not always a commitment either.
la insistencia
offering three times
Food and drink are offered at least twice more after a no. Refusing once does not close the matter; it is part of the hospitality script.
8 expressions in this pack