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Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account Browse Articles Quizzes & Games All Quizzes Hot Personality Quizzes Dating Simulator Learn Something New Support wikiHow Log in / Sign up Education and Communications World Languages Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked Learning Basic Greetings Greeting People by Time of Day Using Local Slang What Are Common Ways to Greet Someone in Spanish? Sample Ways to Say Hello This article was co-authored by Carlos Valverde Ochando and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Carlos Valverde Ochando is an English and Spanish teacher and content creator based in Granada, Spain. With over 12 years of experience, Carlos currently works as a high school teacher in Spain after recently returning from a dual-language exchange program in the US. He also creates content focused on making Spanish more accessible and authentic for learners, with an emphasis on slang, accents, and regional expressions across various Spanish-speaking regions. He is especially well-versed in Spain Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, and Mexican Spanish. Carlos has a degree in English Studies from the University of Granada and a Master’s in Secondary Education Teacher Training. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 633,923 times. Even if you've never taken a formal Spanish class, you probably know that "hola" (OH-lah) is the word for "hello" in Spanish. But in Spanish, just as in English, there are a number of different words and phrases that you can use to greet others. Learning multiple greetings is a good first step towards becoming more conversational in Spanish. Add some local slang, and people just might mistake you for a native. [1] X Research source How do you say “hello” in Spanish? Spanish language teacher Carlos Valverde Ochando says the basic greeting for "hello" is “Hola.” If you’re in a more formal setting, you might say, “Hola, buenas.” In a casual setting, you might say, “¿Qué haces?” which translates to “What are you up to?” Learning Basic Greetings 1 Start with "¡Hola!" This is the basic greeting in Spanish, and can be used to greet any person in any situation. Latin American culture in particular can be quite formal, so when in doubt, this is the best way to greet someone. [2] X Research source If you encounter a group of people, plan on saying hola to each of them individually. This gesture may not be necessary everywhere, but it will be seen as a sign of respect regardless. If you encounter a group of people, plan on saying hola to each of them individually. This gesture may not be necessary everywhere, but it will be seen as a sign of respect regardless. 2 Move to more casual ways of saying "hello." Just as in English, it's common for Spanish speakers to use different greetings when talking to friends or acquaintances, or when greeting one another in a more casual atmosphere. [3] X Research source "¿Qué pasa?" (KAY PAH-sah) means "What's happening?" "¿Qué tal?" (kay tahl) means "What's up?" "¿Qué haces?" (kay ah-says) means "What are you doing?" or "What are you up to?" Advertisement "¿Qué pasa?" (KAY PAH-sah) means "What's happening?" "¿Qué tal?" (kay tahl) means "What's up?" "¿Qué haces?" (kay ah-says) means "What are you doing?" or "What are you up to?" 3 Use "¿Cómo estás?" (KOH-moh ess-TAHS) as a greeting. Just as in English, Spanish speakers often skip the "hello" and move straight to "How are you?" as a greeting. You'll change the form of the verb estar depending on who you're greeting. [4] X Research source Say "¿Cómo estás?" when speaking informally, to someone your age or younger, or someone familiar. If you're speaking formally, to someone older than you or in a position of authority, you would say "¿Cómo está?" You can also say "¿Cómo está usted?" When in doubt, address the person formally and give them the opportunity to tell you that it's not necessary. When speaking to a group of people, say "¿Cómo están?" to address everyone. Say "¿Cómo estás?" when speaking informally, to someone your age or younger, or someone familiar. If you're speaking formally, to someone older than you or in a position of authority, you would say "¿Cómo está?" You can also say "¿Cómo está usted?" When in doubt, address the person formally and give them the opportunity to tell you that it's not necessary. When speaking to a group of people, say "¿Cómo están?" to address everyone. 4 Switch up your greeting when answering the phone. In most places, if you answer the phone by saying "¿Hola?" you'll be perfectly well understood. But most Spanish speakers answer the phone by saying "¿Aló?" [5] X Research source In South America, you also might hear the phone answered "¿Sí?" This is especially common in business contexts. Spaniards typically answer the phone "¿Dígame?" or the shortened form "¿Díga?" This also means "hello," but is only going to be used on the phone. If you're the one making the phone call, it's polite to respond to the phone greeting with a greeting based on the time of day. For example, if you're placing the call in the morning, you might respond "¡Buenos días!" (boo-AY-nohs DEE-ahs), or "Good morning!" In South America, you also might hear the phone answered "¿Sí?" This is especially common in business contexts. Spaniards typically answer the phone "¿Dígame?" or the shortened form "¿Díga?" This also means "hello," but is only going to be used on the phone. If you're the one making the phone call, it's polite to respond to the phone greeting with a greeting based on the time of day. For example, if you're placing the call in the morning, you might respond "¡Buenos días!" (boo-AY-nohs DEE-ahs), or "Good morning!" 5 Respond to "¿Cómo estás?" with "Bien, gracias" (BEE-ehn, grah-SEE-ahs). This basic response means "I'm well, thanks." Just as in English, Spanish speakers typically will say that they are doing well in response to a greeting, even if they're not. [6] X Research source You also might respond "Más o menos," which means "okay" or "fine." It's a little more mellow than "Bien, gracias." You also might respond "Más o menos," which means "okay" or "fine." It's a little more mellow than "Bien, gracias." 6 Alter your response depending on the greeting used. Sometimes, even in English, you find yourself on autopilot. Someone says "What's up?" and you respond "Fine, thanks!" Altering your response keeps you from making this same mistake in Spanish. For example, if someone says to you "¿Qué tal?" ("what's up?"), you might respond "Nada" (nah-dah), meaning "nothing." For example, if someone says to you "¿Qué tal?" ("what's up?"), you might respond "Nada" (nah-dah), meaning "nothing." Greeting People by Time of Day 1 Say "¡Buenos días!" (boo-AY-nohs DEE-ahs) in the morning. While this phrase literally means "Good days!" (interpreted as "good day"), it is typically used to mean "Good morning!" Generally speaking, you can use this greeting anytime before noon. [7] X Research source Typically Spanish greetings based on the time of day are plural. You may occasionally hear "buen día," ("good day"), but "buenos días" (good days) is far more common. Typically Spanish greetings based on the time of day are plural. You may occasionally hear "buen día," ("good day"), but "buenos días" (good days) is far more common. 2 Use "¡Buenas tardes!" (boo-AY-nahs TAHR-days) in the afternoon. If it's after 1 p.m. or so, you can use this afternoon greeting instead of "¡Hola!" to say "Good afternoon!" In Latin America, you typically wouldn't use this greeting after the sun goes down, but in Spain you may hear it used well into the evening. [8] X Research source 3 Say "¡Buenas noches!" (boo-AY-nahs NOH-chays) in the evening. This phrase means "Good night," and is used as both a greeting and a way to say goodbye . When used as a greeting, it would more accurately be translated as "Good evening!" [9] X Research source Typically "¡Buenas noches!" is considered a more formal greeting, so be mindful of the context. Use it more frequently with strangers, especially those who are older than you. Typically "¡Buenas noches!" is considered a more formal greeting, so be mindful of the context. Use it more frequently with strangers, especially those who are older than you. 4 Try "¡Muy buenos!" (moo-ee boo-AY-nohs) at any time of day. "¡Muy buenos!" is a shortened version of all of the greetings based on the time of day. If it's around noon, or late afternoon, and you're unsure which greeting would be appropriate, you might want to use this one. Using Local Slang 1 Listen to native speakers. When you first enter a Spanish-speaking country or neighborhood, take a few minutes to listen and absorb the conversations around you. This will allow you to pick up some casual ways locals greet each other. You also may be able to pick up some slang by watching Spanish-language television, or listening to Spanish-language music, especially pop music. You also may be able to pick up some slang by watching Spanish-language television, or listening to Spanish-language music, especially pop music. 2 Use "¿Qué onda?" (kay OHN-dah) in Mexico. The literal translation of this phrase in English ("what wave?") doesn't make a lot of sense. But the phrase is commonly used as a casual and informal greeting, generally meaning "What's up?" Watch your tone, as this phrase also can be interpreted as something similar to "You got a problem?" [10] X Research source Another common way to say "hi" in Mexico is "Quiubole" or "Q'bole" (pronounced KYOO boh-leh). "¿Qué onda?" is also common in many other parts of Latin America. If you hear someone else saying it, feel free to use it. [11] X Research source Another common way to say "hi" in Mexico is "Quiubole" or "Q'bole" (pronounced KYOO boh-leh). "¿Qué onda?" is also common in many other parts of Latin America. If you hear someone else saying it, feel free to use it. [11] X Research source

3 Try "¿Qué más?" (kay mahs) in Colombia. This phrase literally means "What else?" but is used in Colombia and some other parts of Latin America as a greeting meaning, roughly, "What's up?" [12] X Research source 4 Use "¿Qué hay?" (kay aye) or "¿Qué tal?" (kay tahl) in Spain. These two phrases are used as colloquial greetings in Spain, similar to how you would say "Hey!" or "What's up?" to a friend in English. [13] X Research source 5 Learn colloquial responses to Spanish greetings. Just as you can greet someone using a slang or colloquial phrase, you also can respond to their greeting in kind. These are phrases you'll likely use with friends or acquaintances, or people around your age. One common response is "¡No me quejo!" (noh may KAY-hoh), or "Can't complain!" You also might respond "Es lo que hay" (ess loh kay aye), which means "It is what it is." This can be a clever response if you're asked "¿Qué es la que hay?" (kay ess lah key aye), which is a common slang greeting in Puerto Rico. [14] X Research source One common response is "¡No me quejo!" (noh may KAY-hoh), or "Can't complain!" You also might respond "Es lo que hay" (ess loh kay aye), which means "It is what it is." This can be a clever response if you're asked "¿Qué es la que hay?" (kay ess lah key aye), which is a common slang greeting in Puerto Rico. [14] X Research source Sample Ways to Say Hello What Are Common Ways to Greet Someone in Spanish? Join the Discussion... Buenos dias: Good morning Buenas tardes: Good afternoon Buenas noches: Good night ¡Qué gusto verlo!: Glad to see you! ¿Cómo esta usted?: How are you? Saludos: Greetings ¿Cómo estás?: How are you? Tanto tiempo sin verte: Long time, no see ¿Cómo te va?: How's it going? Question Why is it "buenos" for the morning translation and "buenas" for the afternoon and evening? Community Answer "Buenos" and "buenas" both mean "good." "Buenos" is used with masculine words such as "dias." "Buenas" is used with feminine words such as "tardes" and "noches." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 38 Question What is the best way to learn to speak Spanish? Community Answer Try an online app or website that allows you to do it at your own pace. There are different daily goals you can pick to do what you want to do and you will be able to make full use of the images, the text and the audio offered by such sites or apps. It can also be useful to find Spanish speakers in your community or online, to have live conversations in Spanish. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 40 Question How do I pronounce Jody in Spanish? Community Answer If it is a person's actual name, it is just pronounced with a Spanish accent. You do not need to pronounce it any differently. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 39 You Might Also Like ↑ https://www.123teachme.com/learn_spanish/basic_course_saying_hello ↑ https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/spanish.php ↑ https://langster.org/en/blog/say-hello-in-spanish/ ↑ https://www.clozemaster.com/blog/hello-in-spanish/ ↑ https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/spanish.php ↑ https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/spanish.php ↑ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/spanish-culture/spanish-culture-greetings ↑ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/spanish-culture/spanish-culture-greetings ↑ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/spanish-culture/spanish-culture-greetings ↑ https://easyespanol.org/mexican-slang-essentials-que-onda/ ↑ https://www.spanishdict.com/guide/how-to-say-whats-up-in-spanish ↑ https://www.spanishdict.com/guide/how-to-say-whats-up-in-spanish ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/basicspanishskills/saying-hello-common-greetings-in-spanish/1/ ↑ https://www.spanishdict.com/guide/how-to-say-whats-up-in-spanish About This Article If you want to know how to say “hi” in Spanish the next time you greet someone, just say “hola.” For a more casual way to say “hi” in Spanish, try "¿Qué pasa?" which means “What’s happening?” or try "¿Qué tal?" which means “What’s up?” You can also say “Hola, ¿cómo estás?” which means “Hi, how are you?” There are also different ways you can greet people in Spanish depending on the time of day. In the morning, you can say, “Buenos días,” which means “Good day” or “Good morning.” In the afternoon, you can say, “Buenas tardes,” or “Good afternoon.” Finally, in the evening, you can say, “Buenas noches,” or “Good evening.” For more tips, including how to greet people in Mexican or Colombian Spanish, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No Send fan mail to authors Reader Success Stories Anonymous Sep 24, 2017 "It gave translation on the most basic words and sentences that are needed in any language. Also a quick and easy explanation on how they are used. The words are translated, and shown how we would say them in English. You can also type a question. Great." ..." more Did this article help you? Summer Mitchell Quizzes & Games You Might Also Like Trending Articles Trending Articles Take the Quiz. 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