Gestures and Body Language in Brazil

Going to Brazil? Make sure you know the basics of talking with your hands.

  • The O.K. hand signal a rude gesture in Brazil
  • To express appreciation, a Brazilian may appear to pinch his earlobe between thumb and forefinger
  • To invoke good luck, place your thumb between your index an middle finders while making a fist. This is also known as the “fig”
  • Flicking the fingertips underneath the chin indicates that you do not know the answer to a question

Related Articles:

Negotiating in Brazil Brazilians behave naturally and spontaneously in meetings, and business meetings normally begin with casual small talk. Never start business discussions before your host does It is important to create trust and a strong personal relationship in order to build a long lasting partnership. It can also be helpful to have a reference from a mutual … Continued
Communication in Brazil Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, but in the business environment English is widely used and undertood. Brazilian communication is complex, and includes many elements of verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as vast use of body language. Brazil is a collectivist society which places family at high importance. This is also evident in … Continued
Brazil Business Etiquette Be prepared to commit long term resources (both in time and money) toward establishing strong relationships in Brazil. This is the key to business success When planning your trip, check for local vacations and holidays. The greatest official holiday in Brazil is the Carnaval, and it lasts five days Business hours normally begin between 8:30 … Continued