Portuguese Phrase
Tem tabus na hora de cumprimentar?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether there are any social taboos or unwritten rules that apply when you greet someone. It is often used when discussing etiquette, traveling, or learning Portuguese culture.
When to use
Use this question when you want to learn about proper greeting customs in Brazil or Portugal, especially before meeting new people, attending a business meeting, or traveling to a region with distinct greeting habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temtabusnahoradecumprimentar?
Tem (ter)
Third‑person singular of the verb *ter* used impersonally, equivalent to ‘há’ (there is/are).
tabus
Plural noun, borrowed from English, meaning prohibitions or social rules.
na (em + a)
Contraction of the preposition *em* + feminine article *a*, meaning ‘in the / at the’.
hora
Noun meaning ‘time’ or ‘moment’; here it refers to the moment of greeting.
de
Preposition that links a noun to an infinitive verb, similar to ‘when’ or ‘at the time of’.
cumprimentar
Infinitive verb meaning ‘to greet’ or ‘to say hello’.
🗨In Conversation
Tem tabus na hora de cumprimentar?
Are there any taboos when greeting?
Sim, por exemplo, não se deve apertar a mão muito forte e, no sul, costuma‑se dar dois beijos no rosto.
Yes, for example, you shouldn’t shake hands too hard and, in the south, people usually give two kisses on the cheek.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem tabu na hora de cumprimentar?
‘Tabu’ is singular; when you refer to more than one prohibition you must use the plural ‘tabus’.
Tem tabus na hora de cumprimento?
Learners sometimes use the noun *cumprimento* instead of the infinitive verb; the correct form here is the verb *cumprimentar*.
↔Alternatives
Existe algum tabu ao cumprimentar?
Is there any taboo when greeting?
Há regras não ditas para cumprimentar?
Are there unspoken rules for greeting?
Quais são os cuidados ao cumprimentar alguém?
What should you be careful about when greeting someone?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, greetings differ by region: a firm handshake is common in business settings, a hug and a single cheek kiss are typical among friends in the Southeast, while two cheek kisses are the norm in the South. Avoid overly strong handshakes, and never start a conversation with a kiss unless you’re sure the other person is comfortable with it. In Portugal, a handshake is standard, and a light kiss on both cheeks is reserved for close acquaintances.