How Do You Say Hi In Spanish? Your Guide To Confident Greetings

Kailee Powlowski 13 Jul 2025

Ever find yourself wanting to connect with someone new, perhaps on a trip, or just curious about another culture, and wonder how to start that first conversation in Spanish? It’s a pretty common feeling, you know, wanting to make a good first impression. Getting those initial words just right can really open doors and help you feel more at ease. It's all about making that connection, and a friendly greeting is definitely the first step.

You might already know the most famous Spanish greeting, "hola." And, as a matter of fact, you’re right to think it means both "hello" and "hi." It's wonderfully versatile! But here's the thing: Spanish is so much richer than just one word. There are, actually, many, many ways to say "hi," each with its own special feel and situation where it fits perfectly.

This article is here to show you more than just the basics. We’ll explore different ways to greet people, from super casual chats to slightly more formal moments, and even how you might answer a phone call. By the end of this, you’ll have a whole collection of greetings to use, making your Spanish interactions much more natural and fun. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Hola: The Universal Hello
Beyond 'Hola': Casual Greetings
Greeting on the Phone
Formality Matters: Tú vs. Usted
More Ways to Say Hello
Putting It All Together: Tips for Real Conversations
Frequently Asked Questions

Hola: The Universal Hello

When you're trying to figure out how to say hi in Spanish, "hola" is almost always the first word that comes to mind, and for good reason. It’s the most basic, yet very frequent, way to greet someone. You can use it in nearly any situation, which is really quite handy. It simply means "hello," "hi," or even "hey," depending on the feeling you put into it.

The really good thing about "hola" is that it’s very neutral on the formality scale. This means you can say "hola" to your best friend, a shopkeeper, or even someone you’re meeting for the first time, and it will almost always be appropriate. It’s like your trusty, go-to greeting, ready for just about any moment. So, if you only learn one word, this is definitely it.

People use "hola" during any time of day, too. It doesn't matter if it's morning, afternoon, or evening; "hola" works universally. It’s a very welcoming word, and you’ll hear it all the time if you’re around Spanish speakers. It’s a truly foundational piece of saying hello, and it's quite simple to remember, which is nice.

Beyond 'Hola': Casual Greetings

"Hola" is just the start, though. Spanish is full of lively alternatives, especially for more relaxed, informal chats. These are the kinds of greetings that native speakers use all the time with friends, family, or people their own age. Knowing a few of these can really make you sound more natural, you know?

¿Qué tal?

This is a super common one, sort of like saying "How's it going?" or "What's up?" in English. It’s really versatile for casual situations. You can say "Hola, ¿qué tal?" to a friend you run into, and it feels very natural. It’s a great way to not only say hi but also ask how someone is doing, all in one go. People use this quite a lot, actually.

¿Qué onda?

Now, this one is very informal and a bit more specific to certain regions, like Mexico and parts of Central America. It literally means "What wave?" but it's used just like "What's up?" or "What's happening?" It’s a really cool, laid-back way to greet someone you know well. If you hear it, you know you're in a pretty relaxed setting, and it's quite friendly.

¿Quiubo?

This is a shortened, super casual version of "¿Qué hubo?", which means "What was there?" but it’s used like "What's up?" or "How's it going?" It's also quite common in Mexico and some other Latin American countries. It's a quick, snappy greeting that shows you're comfortable with the person you're talking to. It's definitely for your close friends, you know?

Ey

Yes, you read that right! Just like in English, "ey" is a very common, simple, and informal way to say "hi" or "hey" in Spanish. It’s often used to get someone’s attention or as a quick, friendly greeting among peers. It’s pretty straightforward and easy to remember, which is nice. So, if you're looking for a super casual "hi," this one works.

Greeting on the Phone

When it comes to saying "hello" in Spanish over a phone call, things can be a little different from just saying "hola." While "hola" still works, there are a couple of expressions that are really common when you answer the phone. These are specifically used for picking up a call, and they sound very natural to a native speaker.

One of the most frequent expressions you'll hear is "¿aló?" This is widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries as a way to answer the phone. It's like saying "hello?" when you pick up. Both "¿aló?" and "diga?" (which means "speak?" or "tell me?") are used as a way to indicate you've answered the phone and are ready to listen. So, if your phone rings, you might just say one of these, you know.

Formality Matters: Tú vs. Usted

A really interesting part of Spanish greetings, and something that goes beyond just the words themselves, is knowing when to use "tú" versus "usted." This isn't a greeting in itself, but it affects how you speak to someone, which is quite important for any conversation, including saying "hi." It's about showing respect, or indicating a close relationship.

"Tú" is the informal "you," used with friends, family, children, and people your own age or younger. "Usted" is the formal "you," used with elders, people in positions of authority, or when you want to show respect to someone you don't know well. So, while "hola" is always fine, the next part of your conversation, like "How are you?", would change depending on whether you use "tú" or "usted." It’s a subtle but very significant difference, really.

More Ways to Say Hello

As we’ve talked about, "hola" is just the beginning. There are, actually, many ways to say "hi" in Spanish, each with its own flavor and context. Knowing a few more can really boost your confidence and help you connect with native speakers. This guide will show you some additional useful greetings, which might be very helpful for your next Spanish trip or chat.

Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches

These are time-specific greetings, and they're very polite and common. "Buenos días" means "good morning" and is used until about noon. "Buenas tardes" means "good afternoon/evening" and is used from noon until dusk. "Buenas noches" means "good evening/night" and is used from dusk onwards, both as a greeting and a farewell. They're a bit more formal than just "hola" but still very friendly, you know.

You can use these on their own, or you can combine them with "hola" for a slightly more complete greeting, like "Hola, buenos días." They are universally understood and appreciated, showing a bit more effort than just a simple "hi." It’s a good habit to pick up, especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time or entering a business.

¿Cómo estás? / ¿Cómo está?

While these are questions, they often serve as part of a greeting, similar to "How are you?" in English. "¿Cómo estás?" uses the informal "tú" form, making it suitable for friends and casual acquaintances. "¿Cómo está?" uses the formal "usted" form, for showing respect to elders or strangers. Pairing these with "hola" is a very natural way to start a conversation, you know, showing you care.

People often say "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" or "Buenos días, ¿cómo está?" right after their initial greeting. It's a very common follow-up that keeps the conversation flowing. This combination is pretty much standard practice in many interactions, and it's a great way to express genuine interest in the other person's well-being. It’s a key part of how people connect.

¿Qué pasa?

This one is very similar to "¿Qué tal?" in its casualness, translating to "What's happening?" or "What's up?" It's a relaxed greeting, often used among friends or younger people. It's a bit more direct than "¿Qué tal?" but still perfectly friendly for informal settings. You might hear it a lot in everyday conversations, actually.

Using "¿Qué pasa?" shows you're comfortable and ready for a casual chat. It's not something you'd typically say to someone you just met in a formal setting, but it's perfect for catching up with buddies. It’s a very common expression, and it helps you sound more like a native speaker, which is always a good thing, right?

¿Qué hay?

Another casual greeting, "¿Qué hay?" literally means "What is there?" but is used to mean "What's up?" or "How's it going?" It’s pretty similar in usage to "¿Qué tal?" and "¿Qué pasa?" It’s a simple, quick way to acknowledge someone and open up a conversation. You’ll find this one in informal settings, too, among people who know each other well.

This phrase is quite versatile for informal greetings. It’s not as regionally specific as "¿Qué onda?" or "¿Quiubo?" so you’re likely to hear it in more places. It's a good one to add to your collection of casual hellos, giving you more options when you want to sound relaxed and friendly. It really helps you blend in, you know.

Mucho gusto

While not strictly a "hi," "mucho gusto" is a very important phrase for initial introductions, meaning "nice to meet you." It’s often said right after an "hola" when you're meeting someone for the first time. It adds a layer of politeness and warmth to your greeting. It’s a very common and polite expression, used in almost any social or professional context.

You can say "Hola, mucho gusto" when you shake someone's hand, for example. It shows respect and a genuine pleasure in meeting them. This phrase is pretty universal across Spanish-speaking countries and is always a good one to have in your vocabulary for those first encounters. It really makes a positive impression, you know.

Putting It All Together: Tips for Real Conversations

Knowing all these ways to say "hi" in Spanish is fantastic, but the real magic happens when you put them into practice in actual conversations. It's not just about the words; it's also about how you use them. This guide to different greetings, along with some extra advice for effective hellos and goodbyes, might actually be quite useful for your next Spanish trip or chat.

First off, practice makes perfect. Try saying these greetings out loud, even if it’s just to yourself. The more you say them, the more natural they’ll feel. You could, for instance, practice with a friend who's also learning Spanish, or even just imagine different scenarios. It really helps to build that muscle memory, you know.

Also, pay attention to the context. Think about who you’re talking to. Is it a close friend? A new acquaintance? An older person? The situation will often tell you which greeting is most fitting. For example, you wouldn’t typically say "¿Qué onda?" to your Spanish teacher, but "Buenos días" would be perfectly fine. It's about reading the room, so to speak.

Don't be afraid to mix and match a little. You can start with "Hola" and then add a "Cómo estás?" or "Qué tal?" to keep the conversation flowing. This shows you're comfortable and engaged. It's like building blocks for a chat, and you can combine them in many ways, which is pretty cool.

Finally, remember that confidence is key. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, making the effort to use Spanish greetings will be appreciated. People generally love it when you try to speak their language. So, just give it a go! The more you try, the easier and more natural it will become, you know. You'll be connecting with native speakers with confidence in no time.

You can learn more about Spanish pronunciation on our site, and link to this page for tips on saying goodbye.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common way to say hi in Spanish?

The most common way to say "hi" in Spanish is, without a doubt, "hola." It's incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any situation, whether formal or informal, and at any time of day. It’s your universal greeting, you know, and it's recognized everywhere. So, if you're ever unsure, "hola" is always a safe bet.

How do you say hi in Spanish formally?

While "hola" is neutral and works, for more formal situations, it’s best to use time-specific greetings like "Buenos días" (good morning), "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon/evening), or "Buenas noches" (good evening/night). You might also pair these with a formal question like "¿Cómo está?" (How are you? using the formal "usted" form). These options show more respect, which is pretty important.

Can you say 'ey' in Spanish?

Yes, you can absolutely say "ey" in Spanish! It’s a very common, informal way to say "hi" or "hey," especially among friends or peers. It’s a quick and casual greeting, much like its English counterpart. So, if you're in a relaxed setting with people you know well, "ey" is a perfectly acceptable and natural choice, you know.

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