Greeting Etiquette

Elders are looked highly upon in Georgian society and are greeted first. When you meet someone for the first time, you should shake their hand and say “gamarjoba” which means “hello.” Shaking hands is common even at casual meetings; embracing in a friendly manner, or kissing on the cheek, is also common, especially among young people and women. Small children might receive hugs and kisses. Adults are addressed by professional title and last name, or by first name following Batono (“Sir”) or Kalbatono (“Madam”). Using Batono or Kalbatono with just the last name is very formal, so first and last names are used in correspondence or in the media.

Make sure you maintain eye contact when meeting and conversing with another person. Looking away gives the sense that you’re not telling the truth. Georgians are generally welcoming to all guests, even unexpected ones. A popular Georgian saying is “Any guest is God’s messenger.” But once-frequent visits to friends and relatives have declined, partly because of social unrest, and partly for economic reasons; people feel they are not able to provide as adequately for guests as in the past. Still, even if invitations for a meal have become less common, most guests can expect to be offered a cup of coffee or cookies.