{"id":132560,"date":"2024-01-03T07:52:28","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T12:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/learn-spanish-greetings-introductions-list\/"},"modified":"2025-01-31T00:51:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T05:51:35","slug":"learn-spanish-greetings-introductions-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/learn-spanish-greetings-introductions-list\/","title":{"rendered":"76 Ways to Say Hello and Greet People in Spanish"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knowing how to say “hello” in Spanish is probably the first and single most important skill to master as a Spanish learner.<\/p>\n

And Spanish greetings, depending on the situation, go way beyond hola <\/em>(hello).<\/p>\n

In this post, we\u2019re going to go over 76 greetings and introductions you can use to say hello in Spanish. We’ll also explain a little about when and how to use each one.<\/p>\n

We’ve also included phone greetings, email greetings, country-specific greetings <\/strong>and a section on non-verbal greetings that are common in the Spanish-speaking world.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Top Ways to Say “Hello” in Spanish<\/h2>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

Now say hello to these useful greetings and introduction phrases. After all, first impressions<\/a> are everything.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a1Hola!<\/em> \u00a0\u2014 Hello<\/h3>\n

This is the most basic of the greetings, and can be combined with any of the other ones found below. Now you can say, Hola, buenos d\u00edas<\/em> or Hola, buenas tardes.<\/em>\u00a0The h<\/em> is silent!<\/p>\n

2. Buenos d\u00edas<\/em> \u2014 Good morning<\/h3>\n

Literally meaning “good day,” it can also mean “good morning.” Buenos d\u00edas<\/em>\u00a0is usually used until noon.<\/p>\n

3. Buenas tardes<\/em> \u2014 Good afternoon<\/h3>\n

If you want to say “good afternoon,”<\/a> and it\u2019s one o\u2019clock or later in the day, you can say buenas tardes.<\/em><\/p>\n

In Spain, it may be used until later in the evening, while in most Latin American countries and the Caribbean, it may be used until the sun goes down.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Buenas noches<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 Good evening<\/h3>\n

This phrase also means “goodnight.” Always be mindful of the context since you could be saying goodbye.<\/p>\n

5.\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1?<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 How are you? (Formal)<\/h3>\n

This is a formal way of asking how someone is feeling. It\u2019s usually reserved for older people, authority figures or as a sign of respect. In some South American countries, always use this one to be on the safe side.<\/p>\n

Are you conducting business? It is important that you inquire about a person\u2019s well-being before beginning any type of business talk. It\u2019s an indication that you care about your client.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1s?<\/em> \u2014 How are you? (Informal)<\/h3>\n

The S at the end indicates that you\u2019re talking to someone your same age or younger. If you hear tut\u00e9ame,<\/em>\u00a0you have permission to address the person in the informal way, regardless of age.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1n?<\/em> \u2014<\/em>\u00a0How are you? (Plural)<\/h3>\n

Greeting a group of people? The N at the end will indicate that you just said hello to everyone.<\/p>\n

Traveling to Spain? Say: \u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1is?<\/strong><\/em> instead.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00bfQu\u00e9 tal?<\/em> \u2014 How’s it going?<\/h3>\n

For some it may be informal, but in general this question can be used with anyone in a non-business setting.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00bfQu\u00e9 pasa?<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>\u2014 What\u2019s happening? \/ What\u2019s up?<\/h3>\n

Talking to your friends or someone younger than you? Use the phrase \u00bfQu\u00e9 pasa?<\/em>\u00a0You may also hear this one when someone wants to know if something is wrong.<\/p>\n

10. \u00bfQu\u00e9 hubo?<\/em> \u2014 How’s it going?<\/h3>\n

This is considered informal in some countries. Use it with your friends and family. Just remember the rule about the silent H.<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0Bienvenidos<\/em> \u2014 Welcome<\/h3>\n

Want to welcome someone to your home? Use this friendly greeting.<\/p>\n

Keep the final S if you are welcoming more than one person. Drop the final S and it becomes singular.<\/p>\n

If you’re speaking to a female, you’ll say bienvenida, <\/em>but for a gentleman, say bienvenido. <\/em>Welcoming a group of females? Use the word bienvenidas.<\/em>\u00a0It may sound chauvinistic, but use the form bienvenidos<\/em>\u00a0if it is a mixed group.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0Mi casa es su casa<\/em> \u2014 My house is your house<\/h3>\n

If you want to make someone comfortable in your home, you can say this. You\u2019re not really giving your house away, but you are indicating that they can feel at home.<\/p>\n

If you invited someone your same age, change the su<\/em> to tu.<\/em><\/p>\n

13.\u00a0\u00bfDe d\u00f3nde eres?<\/em> \u2014 Where are you from?<\/h3>\n

Use this phrase when you want to ask someone your age or younger where they\u2019re from. The question will change to \u00bfDe d\u00f3nde es usted?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0if you\u2019re speaking to an adult or an authority figure.<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0\u00bfC\u00f3mo te llamas?<\/em> \u2014 What’s your name?<\/h3>\n

This literally means “What do you call yourself?” and this is what you ask to find out someone\u2019s name. It does have a few variations depending on formality. If you want to ask someone older in Spanish you say, \u00bfC\u00f3mo se llama?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

15.\u00a0\u00bfAl\u00f3?<\/em> \u2014\u00a0Hello?<\/h3>\n

This is a common way of answering the phone in many Spanish-speaking countries. Depending on where you travel, you may hear bueno, s\u00ed,<\/em>\u00a0and diga<\/em>\u00a0used for answering a phone call.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the greeting, respond by saying who you are and make sure to inquire how they are. It\u2019s impolite not to ask! Thank them very much. Then, state the purpose of your call.<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0\u00bfAd\u00f3nde vas?<\/em> \u2014 Where are you going?<\/h3>\n

Saying hello to someone who\u2019s in a rush? To ask someone where they\u2019re going in Spanish, say this phrase. Change it to va<\/em>\u00a0for formal conversations and if you’re asking a group of people where they’re going in Spain, change the last word to vais.<\/em><\/p>\n

17.\u00a0\u00bfD\u00f3nde has estado?<\/em> \u2014 Where have you been?<\/h3>\n

Has it been a long time since you\u2019ve seen someone? Say hola<\/em>\u00a0and find out where they have been. Be prepared to get the whole story!<\/p>\n

18.\u00a0\u00a1Hace tiempo que no te veo!<\/em> \u2014 It\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve seen you!<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re saying hello, but it\u2019s been ages since you\u2019ve seen them.<\/p>\n

19. Mucho gusto<\/em> \u2014 Nice to meet you<\/h3>\n

This is an easy thing to say to anyone you’re meeting for the first time. It literally means “much pleasure,” but you can use it to express your happiness in meeting someone.<\/p>\n

20. \u00bfQu\u00e9 onda, microonda?<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 What wave, microwave?<\/h3>\n

This is an incredibly stupid (or funny, depending on your mindset) way to greet people in Chile, where the more standard\u00a0\u00bfQu\u00e9 onda?<\/em> (What\u2019s up?) rules the day.<\/p>\n

21. \u00bfQu\u00e9 pasa, huev\u00f3n?<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 What\u2019s up, dude?<\/h3>\n

This fun greeting is pretty much just used in South America.<\/p>\n

Here’s a fun video from our YouTube channel<\/a> to practice Spanish greetings and introductions:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

How to Answer the Phone in Spanish<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Answering the phone is sometimes scary in another language, because you don’t know what the caller is going to say. But with these foolproof Spanish phone greetings, you’ll start the conversation out right.<\/p>\n

22. \u00a1Hola!<\/em> \u2014 Hello!<\/h3>\n

23. \u00a1Buenas!<\/em> \u2014 Hi there!<\/h3>\n

24. \u00a1Saludos!<\/em> \u2014 Greetings!<\/h3>\n

25. \u00bfQu\u00e9 hay de nuevo?<\/em> \u2014 What’s new?<\/h3>\n

26. Hola, \u00bfqu\u00e9 onda?<\/em> \u2014 Hey, what’s up?<\/h3>\n

27. \u00a1Buenas tardes!<\/em> \u2014 Good afternoon!<\/h3>\n

28. \u00a1D\u00edgame!<\/em> \u2014 Tell me!<\/h3>\n

29. \u00a1S\u00ed!<\/em> \u2014 Yes!<\/h3>\n

30. \u00a1Al\u00f3!<\/em> \u2014 Hello!<\/h3>\n

31. \u00a1Diga!<\/em> \u2014 Speak!<\/h3>\n

32. \u00bfEn qu\u00e9 puedo colaborar?<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 How can I help you?<\/h3>\n

Formal Spanish Greetings<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

For your average high-falutin\u2019 folks, you can use:<\/p>\n

33. Se\u00f1or<\/strong><\/em> \u2014<\/em> Mr.<\/h3>\n

34. Se\u00f1ora<\/strong><\/em> \u2014\u00a0<\/em>Mrs.<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re having proper adventures in Spain or Latin America, you may eventually need to know\u00a0how to address a judge:<\/p>\n

35. Honorable<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Honorable<\/h3>\n

Informal Email Spanish Greetings<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

In emails to friends, family and even close business associates, you can write the following greetings to start things off:<\/p>\n

36. Querido \/ Querida \/ Queridos \/ Queridas<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Dear<\/h3>\n

37. \u00a1Hola! Espero que este mensaje te encuentre bien.<\/em> \u2014 Hello! I hope this message finds you well.<\/h3>\n

38. \u00a1Buen d\u00eda!<\/em> \u2014 Good day!<\/h3>\n

39. \u00a1Saludos!<\/em> \u2014 Greetings!<\/h3>\n

40. \u00a1Hola! Quer\u00eda ponerme en contacto contigo para…<\/em> \u2014 Hello! I wanted to get in touch with you regarding…<\/h3>\n

41. \u00a1Estimado \/ Estimada [Nombre]!<\/em> \u2014 Dear [Name]!<\/h3>\n

42. \u00a1Saludos cordiales! \u00bfC\u00f3mo va todo por tu parte?<\/em> \u2014 Warm regards! How is everything on your end?<\/h3>\n

43. \u00a1Hola, [Nombre]! \u00bfC\u00f3mo te encuentras hoy?<\/em> \u2014 Hello, [Name]! How are you today?<\/h3>\n

44. \u00a1Saludos afectuosos! \u00bfC\u00f3mo va todo contigo?<\/em> \u2014 Affectionate greetings! How’s everything with you?<\/h3>\n

45. \u00a1D\u00edgame! \u00bfEn qu\u00e9 puedo ayudarle con respecto a este asunto?<\/em> \u2014 Tell me! How can I help you regarding this matter?<\/h3>\n

46. \u00a1Al\u00f3! Quer\u00eda consultarte acerca de…<\/em> \u2014 Hello! I wanted to ask you about…<\/h3>\n

How to Greet Someone Via Text Message<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

As\u00a0with other languages, most friendly written communication in Spanish is now limited to what you can poke out on your mobile device screen (incidentally,\u00a0WhatsApp<\/a> is the most popular service for this in Spain and much of Latin America). Often, vowels are omitted. (Check out our excellent full guide to text-message talk in Spanish<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

47.<\/strong> Hla<\/strong><\/em>\u2014 Hello<\/h3>\n

48.<\/strong> Q tl?<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/em>How are you?<\/h3>\n

This is from \u00bfQu\u00e9 tal?<\/em>\u00a0I have to admit, a lot of my own Spanish friends do spell this out a bit more as\u00a0q tal?<\/em>, but many of them are also over 30.<\/p>\n

49. B<\/em>s<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Kisses (from\u00a0besos<\/em>)<\/h3>\n

50. a10<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Wait<\/h3>\n

Before you read further, can you figure this out on your own? Think about how it\u2019s pronounced. If you guessed\u00a0adi\u00f3s\u00a0<\/em>(goodbye), congrats!<\/p>\n

Formal Email Spanish Greetings\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

At the beginning of a formal email, you can use the following phrases followed by a colon ( : ).<\/p>\n

51. A quien corresponda:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 To whom it may concern<\/h3>\n

52. Estimado se\u00f1or \/ Estimada se\u00f1ora \/ Estimados se\u00f1ores \/ Estimadas se\u00f1oras:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u2014 Literally: esteemed sir\/madam\/sirs\/madams<\/h3>\n

The above two greetings are particularly useful for starting an email when you don\u2019t know the name of the person you\u2019re addressing, like when writing to a company. If you do know the name, just add it. For example: Estimado Se\u00f1or Almod\u00f3var<\/em>.<\/p>\n

53. Muy se\u00f1or m\u00edo: \/ Muy se\u00f1ora m\u00eda: \/ Muy se\u00f1ores m\u00edos: \/ Muy se\u00f1oras m\u00edas:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Very much my dear sir\/madam\/sirs\/madams<\/h3>\n

For some extra help learning these super-useful greetings, look for them in authentic media. For instance, you can see them in use in native Spanish videos like movie clips and vlogs on FluentU<\/a>.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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