Hello in Spanish

Have you ever wondered how to say Hello in Spanish? Whether you’re learning the language, traveling, or just trying to connect with Spanish-speaking communities, mastering the art of greeting is essential.

In this article, we explored 9 main greetings and 10 additional ways to say “hello” in Spanish. Each greeting reflects the culture, respect, and warmth of Spanish-speaking countries, offering insight into social customs and relationships.

I remember my first time traveling to Spain, where a simple “¿Qué tal?” from a local made me feel instantly welcomed, showing just how powerful a greeting can be in making meaningful connections.

Keep reading to learn how to confidently use these greetings in everyday conversations.

Greeting	Meaning	Translation	Usage	Notes	Pronunciation
Hola	Informal hello	Hello	Used in both formal and informal contexts	Versatile and most common greeting in Spanish-speaking areas	OH-lah
Buenos días	Good morning	Good morning	Commonly used in the morning until noon	Used in formal and polite contexts	BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs
Buenas tardes	Good afternoon	Good afternoon	Used from noon to around 8 PM	Typically formal, used in professional and casual settings	BWEH-nas TAR-des
Qué tal	How’s it going?	How’s it going? / What’s up?	Informal, often among friends	Common greeting in Spain and Latin America	keh tahl
Qué pasa	What’s happening?	What’s happening? / What’s up?	Casual, informal greeting among friends	Popular in Spain and Latin America	keh pah-sah
Ey / Oye	Hey / Listen	Hey / Listen	Informal, used to get someone’s attention	“Oye” is often more urgent than “Ey”	ey / oy-eh
¿Cómo estás?	How are you?	How are you?	Informal, used with friends or acquaintances	Shows interest in the person’s well-being	koh-moh es-tahs
¿Qué tal?	How’s it going?	How’s it going? / What’s up?	Informal, versatile greeting in Spain	Commonly used during casual, friendly conversations	keh tahl
¿Qué pasa?	What’s going on?	What’s going on? / What’s happening?	Casual, commonly used among friends	Similar to “Qué tal,” but can imply more curiosity	keh pah-sah

Main Ways to Say Hello in Spanish

Discover the main ways to say hello in Spanish, from the classic ‘Hola’ to other popular greetings, and learn how to use them in various social settings for authentic conversations.

1. Hola

Hola is the most common Spanish greeting used to say “hello.” Pronounced [OH-lah], it’s used by Spanish speakers across the world, from Spain to Latin America, in both casual and formal contexts. Hola literally means “hello” or “hi” and is one of the most versatile Spanish greetings used in everyday conversations.

When responding, you can simply say “Hola” back or ask “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?). In some parts of Latin America, “¿Cómo andas?” (How’s it going?) or “¿Qué tal?” (What’s up?) can also be used in response. For a more formal tone, “Buenos días” (Good morning) or “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon) are appropriate. Hasta mañana (See you tomorrow) is another common farewell after an hola.

According to the study “Greetings and Farewells: Pragmatic Description for Spanish as a Foreign Language,” the use of greetings like “hola” reflects the pragmatic functions of social interaction in Spanish. The study highlights how context and cultural norms shape its usage, helping Spanish learners understand when and how to use “hola” appropriately in various situations, from casual encounters to more formal settings.

2. Buenos días

Buenos días (Pronounced: BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs) is a formal and common way to say “Good morning” in Spanish. It’s used throughout Spanish-speaking countries in the morning hours, typically until around noon.

The phrase is derived from “bueno” (good) and “día” (day), combining to mean “Good day.” It’s a polite greeting often used in professional settings, as well as among acquaintances and friends.

To respond, you can simply say “Buenos días” back, or, in more casual settings, you could use “¡Hola!”. This greeting reflects the cultural importance of respect and formality in Spanish-speaking societies, especially during the early part of the day.

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3. Buenas Tardes

“Buenas tardes” (BWEH-nas TAR-des) is a common Spanish greeting used in the afternoon, typically from around 12 PM to 8 PM, depending on the region. It translates to “Good afternoon” and is a polite way to greet others in Spanish-speaking countries.

This phrase reflects the warmth and respect inherent in Spanish culture. It is widely used in Spain and Latin America, and can be exchanged in both formal and casual settings. Responding with another “Buenas tardes” or asking “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?) is common in conversation. It’s also a great greeting for kids, teaching them the importance of kindness and manners.

Casual and Modern Ways to Say Hello in Spanish

Explore casual and modern ways to say hello in Spanish, from relaxed greetings like ‘Qué tal?’ to trendy expressions, perfect for informal conversations with friends and acquaintances in everyday settings

4. Qué tal

Qué tal (pronounced: keh tahl) is a common Spanish greeting that translates to “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” It is informal and widely used in casual conversations, particularly among friends or people you know well. Qué tal can be used at any time of the day and is popular in both Spain and Latin America.

To respond, you can say “Bien” (Good) or “Todo bien” (Everything’s good). The phrase originated from the expression “Qué tal está todo?”, meaning “How is everything?” but has evolved into a more relaxed, everyday greeting.

5. Qué pasa

Qué pasa (pronounced: keh pah-sah) is a casual, informal Spanish greeting commonly used in Spain and Latin America, particularly among friends or acquaintances. It translates to “What’s happening?” or “What’s up?” and is similar to asking “How’s it going?” in English.

You can respond with “Todo bien” (everything’s good), “Nada” (nothing), or simply “Bien” (good).

The phrase likely evolved from the verb “pasar”, meaning “to happen,” reflecting a friendly, informal inquiry into someone’s life or current state. It’s a popular greeting among younger people, particularly in Spain and Mexico.

A colleague greeted me with “Qué pasa?” when I walked in, explaining it’s a casual way to ask “What’s going on?” It instantly felt relaxed and friendly, showing the easygoing nature of Spanish greetings.

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6. Ey / Oye

Ey / Oye (pronounced: ey / oy-eh) are informal Spanish expressions used to grab someone’s attention, similar to saying “Hey” or “Listen” in English. Both are used to call someone’s focus in casual or friendly contexts.

“Ey” is more relaxed and used in everyday interactions, while “Oye”, which literally means “Listen,” can be used with a bit more urgency, especially when trying to catch someone’s attention quickly.

In response, you can say “Qué pasa” (What’s up?), “Qué tal” (How’s it going?), or simply acknowledge the speaker with “Dime” (Tell me). Historically, these phrases have become staples in informal Spanish-speaking communities, reflecting the friendly and conversational nature of the language.

Regional and Cultural Variants of Greetings in Spain

Explore the regional and cultural variants of greetings in Spain, highlighting the unique expressions and traditions that reflect the diverse customs and language nuances across the country’s different regions.

7. ¿Cómo estás?

¿Cómo estás? (pronounced: koh-moh es-tahs) is a common and friendly way to ask someone “How are you?” in Spanish. It is informal and typically used in conversations with friends, family, and people you know well. The phrase comes from the verb estar (to be), referring to someone’s state or condition at that moment, making it an essential part of social interactions.

In response, you can say “Bien, gracias” (I’m good, thank you), “Muy bien” (Very well), or simply “Mal” (Bad). ¿Cómo estás? reflects the warm, personal nature of Spanish-speaking cultures, where asking about someone’s well-being is an important part of maintaining relationships. Over time, it has become a staple of casual conversation, showing interest and care for others.

According to the study PRAGMATICS AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VERBAL GREETING IN HISPANIC WORLD, greetings like ¿Cómo estás? are essential to Spanish-speaking social interactions. The study emphasizes how such greetings reflect cultural norms and relationships, similar to how phrases like ¿Cómo estás? play a central role in expressing care and connection in daily conversations.

8. ¿Qué tal?

¿Qué tal? (pronounced: keh tahl) is a common informal Spanish greeting used in Spain, translating to “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” It’s a casual and versatile phrase used to ask someone how they are or how things are going, typically used among friends, family, or acquaintances. You can use it at any time of the day.

Common responses include “Bien” (Good), “Todo bien” (Everything’s good), or “Nada” (Nothing, in a more casual sense). It’s a relaxed, everyday greeting in Spain, widely used in daily conversations.

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9. ¿Qué pasa?

¿Qué pasa? (pronounced: keh pah-sah) is a casual and informal Spanish greeting commonly used in Spain. It translates to “What’s happening?” or “What’s going on?” and is often used among friends or acquaintances to ask how things are or if anything interesting is occurring. It’s popular in everyday conversations and can be used at any time of the day.

To respond, you can say “Nada” (Nothing), “Todo bien” (Everything’s good), or “Todo tranquilo” (All calm). It’s a laid-back way to catch up with others and check in on their well-being.

Additional Ways to Say Hello in Spanish

1. Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night (Pronunciation: Bwe-nahs noh-chess)
2. ¿Cómo te va? – How’s it going for you? (Pronunciation: Koh-moh teh vah)
3. ¿Qué hay? – What’s up? / What’s happening? (Pronunciation: Keh eye)
4. ¿Qué onda? – What’s up? (more common in Spain) (Pronunciation: Keh on-dah)
5. ¡Ey, qué tal! – Hey, how’s it going? (Pronunciation: Ey, keh tahl)
6. ¡Hola, ¿qué tal todo? – Hello, how’s everything? (Pronunciation: Oh-lah, keh tahl toh-doh)
7. ¡Qué lo que! – What’s up? (used in the Dominican Republic) (Pronunciation: Keh lo keh)
8. Saludos – Greetings (Pronunciation: Sah-loo-dohs)
9. ¡Cuánto tiempo! – Long time no see! (Pronunciation: Kwahn-toh tee-em-poh)
10. ¿Todo bien? – Everything good? (Pronunciation: Toh-doh byen)

Hello in Spanish: A Recap

Spanish greetings reflect the warmth, openness, and vibrancy of Spanish-speaking cultures. From “Hola” to more casual expressions like “Qué tal?” and “¿Cómo estás?”, these greetings are essential in daily conversations, shaping how people connect and express friendliness.

The informality of greetings such as “Ey” or “Oye” highlights the relaxed nature of Spanish-speaking societies, while “Buenas tardes” and “Buenas noches” bring a sense of time and respect.

During my trip to Spain, I was warmly greeted with a “¿Qué tal?” by a local friend, and it immediately felt like I was welcomed into the community. These simple yet meaningful phrases convey more than just a greeting—they carry the essence of culture, connection, and care, making them vital in building relationships.

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