I am going to Guatemala and meeting my girlfriend's family for the first time. Anything I should know?

Question

I am from the US and went out with a girl from Guatemala who was going to university here. She returned to Guatemala and we have stayed close and now I'm going to visit her and I will be staying with her family. Is there anything I should know? Also, what do I call her parents? By first name? or Senor, then, last name? Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Out of respect any one that is older than you and a stranger to you you will address him as Mr or Mrs. and Usted instead voz or tu, unless they invite you to do otherwise.  When I was growing up I either addressed my parents friend as Mr. or Mrs. or uncles or aunt even though they may not be related to me.  Never, never would you address someone as "you" which is voz or tu.  Even till this day I address them like that.

Answer 2

CALL THEM SENOR OR SENORA ITS NICE PLEASURE TO MEET YOU TALK GOOD ABOUT YOUR GIRLFRIEND

Answer 3

Well in my country usually if you want to be polite with someone that somehow is related to u u call him señor and then his name.. señor Luis, señora Maria...(sometimes they even tell you "no dont call me señor i feel too old =P call me by my name!" but you never know whos this way and whos not so its better if u say señor..). Maybe u should just ask ur girlfriend.. but in any case señor and the name its good... usually thats how i call poeple when im being polite.. i dont use the "Señor .....(last name)" i feel its too formal, we just use it n letters, when writing or at work, but not n our daily talking...hehe or maybe it just depends n the country.. i dont know..

I recommend u señor...(his name)/ señora (her name) =P, it sounds good and its polite n any country...

Answer 4

Congrats on visiting one of the most beautiful countries in Central America!  There is so much to experience when you are down there and I'm sure she will show you wonderful places.  They generally have the same etiquette rules as you do in the states - just be yourself and I'm sure you will do great, you already are a step ahead in being concerned about your demeanor.  I'm sure you will have nothing to worry about.  Ask her if she will take you to Antigua, a charming and historic city full of rich culture.  Also to Tikal to see the ruines (about 5 hours from the city) and Lake Atitlan is something not to be missed.  It is truly an amazing country so take lots of film/batteries for your camera and I'm sure you will have so much fun!  :)

Answer 5

Ask her about the culture. What will be expected of you.

Answer 6

Yea you should be careful when you go out side becuz the flies,scorpions , or snake can affect you .... make sure you dont dress too good cuz you will get jumped by people and will still like try to kill you for money ...... thats all i got ...GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

Just be you...People in Guatemala are cool, you can call them, Senor y senora then their first  name... Try to learn a little bit spanish, so you wont feel strange when you dont understand something...

Answer 8

Guatemalan families are very conservative.  You want to always say "Thank you" (Gracias), "please" (por favor), "pleased to meed you" (mucho gusto).

You will show respect by addressing "Don"  and then the first name (which means mister) instead of senor.  For her mother call her "Donia" and her first name.  Example:

Don Jose

Donia Maria.

For her siblings, you can use their first name.

If they ask you to call them by first name, then you can omit the "don" and "donia"

Also it would be polite from you to eat whatever they invite you  to eat at home, like frijoles ****** (beans), tamales, atol, tortillas, etc.

At the end of the meal, say "Buen provecho", (good appetite)

If you can take with you a nice gift for the parents and siblings of your girlfriend, that would be a plus.  It would show that you cared enough to thing  about them.  Of course, these should be something not expensive, but more a symbol of sympathy towards them.

If you have any more Q's you can email me

Answer 9

i'm from there!