33 Classic and Unique Ways to Say “Hi” in Spanish
Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend getaway to Mexico or considering a deeper dive into the Spanish-speaking world, a great place to start is learning how to say “hello” in Spanish. While mastering the basics like hola is quick and easy, there’s a whole world of specific and casual greetings that can help you sound more natural and confident.
One of the fascinating aspects of Spanish is its diversity and flexibility. With over 360 million native speakers across 20+ countries, Spanish offers a rich variety of expressions for every occasion.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to 33 ways to say “hello” in Spanish, ranging from formal to casual, email greetings, phone phrases, and region-specific expressions.
Why Learning Spanish Greetings Matters
Taking a little time to learn how to say “hi” in Spanish can make a big impression. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or meeting Spanish speakers locally, a simple greeting can foster connections and show appreciation for their culture.
Additionally, practicing these greetings helps with Spanish pronunciation, particularly the distinct vowel sounds that differ from English. Starting with common phrases will also make it easier to learn other Spanish words and expressions as you progress.
First Things First: How to Say “Hello” in Spanish
The most common way to say “hello” in Spanish is hola (pronounced ˈola). However, to make your greeting sound more authentic, it’s essential to master the correct pronunciation. Listening to native speakers or videos can help you get the nuances right. For example, watch former President Obama’s simple yet impactful Hola, Perú—a small effort that resonated deeply with his audience.
For even more accuracy, familiarize yourself with the Spanish alphabet and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This foundational knowledge will improve your pronunciation not only for greetings but for the language as a whole.
33 Ways to Say “Hi” in Spanish
Common Greetings
- Hello – Hola (ˈola)
- How are you? – ¿Cómo estás? (ˈkomo ɛsˈtas)
- Greetings – Saludos (saˈluðos)
- Hi everyone – Hola a todos (ˈola a ˈtoðos)
- Hi, nice to meet you – Hola, mucho gusto (ˈola ˈmuʧo ˈɣusto)
Casual and Informal Greetings
- Hey – ¡Oye! (ˈoʝe)
- What’s up? – ¿Qué onda? (ˈke ˈõnda)
- What’s new? – ¿Qué hay de nuevo? (ˈke ˈai̯ ðe ˈnweβo)
- Hi – Holi (ˈoli)
Formal Greetings
- Hi, how are you? – Hola, ¿cómo está? (ˈola ˈkomo ɛsˈta)
- Delighted [to meet you] – Encantado/a (ɛ̃nkãntaˈðoa)
- Hi, it’s a pleasure [seeing you] – Hola, un gusto de verlo/a (ˈola ũn ˈɡusto ðe βɛɾˈloa)
Email Greetings
- Dear – Estimado/a (ɛstimaˈðoa)
- Beloved – Querido/a (kɛɾiˈðoa)
- Distinguished – Distinguido/a (distĩnɡiˈðoa)
Time-Specific Greetings
- Good morning – Buenos días (ˈbwenos ˈðias)
- Good afternoon – Buenas tardes (ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes)
- Good evening – Buenas noches (ˈbwenas ˈnoʧes)
Phone Greetings
- Hello? – ¿Hola? (ˈola)
- Yes? – ¿Sí? (ˈsi)
- Go ahead – ¿Diga? (ˈdiɣa)
Country-Specific Greetings
Spain
- Hi, dude – Hola, tío (ˈola ˈtio)
- How’s it going? – ¿Cómo va la cosa? (ˈkomo ˈba la ˈkosa)
Mexico
- What’s up, dude? – ¿Qué onda, güey? (ˈke ˈõnda ˈɡwei̯)
- What’s new? – ¿Qué pex? (ˈke ˈpeks)
Argentina
- Good day – ¡Buenas y santas! (ˈbwenas i ˈsãntas)
Colombia
- What else is new? – ¿Qué más pues? (ˈke ˈmas ˈpwes)
Chile
- How are you? – ¿Cómo estái? (ˈkomo ɛsˈtaj)
Venezuela
- Hello! – ¡Épale! (ˈepale)
FAQs on Spanish Greetings
How do informal greetings differ from formal ones?
In informal settings, nicknames and casual pronouns (tú) are common, such as hola, güey or hola, tío. In formal settings, it’s best to use usted and avoid nicknames, as in Hola, ¿cómo está?
What are common mistakes when greeting in Spanish?
One major error is using informal phrases in formal contexts or vice versa. When in doubt, default to formal expressions using usted to show respect.
Mastering Spanish greetings is an easy and impactful way to connect with Spanish speakers. From casual chats with friends to formal introductions, you now have a toolkit of 33 unique ways to say “hi” in Spanish!
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
