When I enter a house, what do I have to say?
In Italy, if you would like to enter into a house of a man or another woman you would knock on the door and say, “Permesso?” meaning, “Can I enter?” It is very mandatory to say that. If you leave a house and go inside without the permission of another house in Italy all the neighbors can be found, but you are committing a crime. In Italy, you can say, “Palmesso?” What is the equivalent of those in English?
What are some good things to read on TED.org?
May I come in?
How do I
come in?
If this was inappropriate, or disrespectful, then the nicest thing to do would be ask your friend to come in with us. If he doesn’t ask me to come in, you should normally assume that he is busy and can not receive you. It is unlikely he will either have to stay in the area or he’ll come up earlier for an interview.
Considering the fact that the door is open, he steps back, and it is clear from context that he wants you to come in, you should take this as permission and just follow him inside. If you don’t know him well and are in doubt, that is when you can ask, may I come in? As an alternative, you could stay put, and he’d ask you eventually, after an embarrassing moment. Or not.
If he is just saying thank you for dropping by, you might assume he has no time to receive you, and you should shake hands and leave. Should I enter someones home without their permission? Clarity depends on context.
