Americans and Hugging

Americans and hugging.

Hugging is very common in America.  There are many reasons and many occasions when we hug.

1. We hug to say hello and goodbye to friends and family.

(Usually a very short hug and maybe patting on the back with their hand.)

2. We  hug to show our support for someone when they are sad.  For example, everyone hugs each other at a funeral in America.  It shows respect and a feeling of helping each other.

(A closer and longer time hug that is usually for close friends and family.)

3. We hug to show affection and intimacy for someone we love.

(A very close hug usually with rubbing the other persons back with your hand.  Mainly used when dating or married.)

However it is not common to hug at work, school, or someone you just met.  Teachers do not hug students, and bosses do not hug employees.

So if you have American friends and they try to hug you, don’t be surprised.  It is just their way of saying hello.

Vocabulary

common :    ふつう                                    hug :　ほうよう　抱擁

usually : 　つうじょう　通常                   patting / to pat :   なでる

support :     しじ　支持                              funeral : 　そうぎ　葬儀

affection :   あいじょう　愛情                   intimacy :   しんみつ　親密

mainly :      おもに　主に                            bosses / boss :　じょうし　上司

employees / employee :   じゅうぎょういん　従業員

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