In Hungarian there are two basic ways of addressing people: a formal and an informal way.

You use the formal way with strangers; colleagues can also address each other in this way (the informal way is becoming more common though).

You use the informal greeting form with friends; besides, young people use this among themselves regardless whether they know each other or not. Adults also use the informal way when they address children or adolescents. 

 

To greet properly in Hungary, observe the following:

1. Handshake with men and women

2. Hug

3. Close friends kiss each other on the cheek

4. Wait for woman to extend hand first (wender bat)