Portuguese Phrase
Que gestos de cumprimento se usam?
Meaning
The sentence asks which greeting gestures are commonly employed in a given culture or setting. It can refer to handshakes, cheek kisses, bows, or any other non‑verbal way people say hello.
When to use
Use this question when you are learning about cultural etiquette, planning a trip, or discussing social customs with native speakers. It works well in language‑exchange sessions or when you need clarification on proper greetings in a new environment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quegestosdecumprimentoseusam?
Que (interrogative pronoun)
Introduces a question asking for information; translates to “what” or “which”.
gestos (noun, plural)
Means “gestures”; plural because more than one gesture is being discussed.
de (preposition)
Links two nouns, here “gestos” and “cumprimento”, meaning “of”.
cumprimento (noun, singular)
Refers to a “greeting” or “salutation”. In Portuguese it can also mean “the act of greeting”.
se (impersonal pronoun)
Creates a passive‑like construction; the subject is not specified, similar to “are used”.
usam (verb usar, 3rd person plural present)
Conjugated to agree with the plural noun “gestos”. Means “are used”.
🗨In Conversation
Que gestos de cumprimento se usam aqui?
What greeting gestures are used here?
Aqui costuma‑se apertar a mão e, entre amigos, dar dois beijos no rosto.
Here people usually shake hands, and among friends they give two kisses on the cheek.
✕Common Mistakes
Que gestos de cumprimento se usa?
If you mistakenly use the singular ‘usa’, the verb won’t agree with the plural noun ‘gestos’.
Que gestos de cumprimentos se usam?
Using the plural ‘cumprimentos’ changes the meaning to ‘greetings’ as a noun, which is less natural in this construction.
Que gestos cumprimento se usam?
Dropping the preposition makes the phrase sound incomplete; ‘gestos cumprimento’ is not idiomatic.
↔Alternatives
Quais gestos de saudação são comuns?
Which greeting gestures are common?
Que tipos de cumprimento se praticam?
What types of greetings are practiced?
Como as pessoas se cumprimentam aqui?
How do people greet each other here?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, a handshake is typical in business, but among friends you’ll often hear two cheek kisses (right‑left). In Portugal, a single kiss on each cheek is more common, and in some northern regions a bow or a slight nod is used in formal settings. Always observe the local cue first; if unsure, a polite handshake is universally safe.