11+ Ways How Do You Say Hello in Spanish | Natural and Polite Spanish Greetings

Have you ever met someone who speaks Spanish and wondered, “How do you say hello in Spanish?” You’re in the right place! 

This article is made just for you — simple, fun, and full of real-life examples. 

Whether you’re planning a trip, learning Spanish for fun, or just want to sound friendly when greeting someone, knowing how to say “hello” the right way makes a big difference. 

Spanish is one of the warmest languages in the world, and greetings are a big part of that charm. 

Let’s explore how to say “hello” naturally like a native speaker — and when to use each version! 🌞

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The Classic Greeting | “Hola” 🇪🇸

The most common way to say hello in Spanish is “Hola” (pronounced OH-lah).
It’s short, friendly, and perfect for almost any situation — formal or informal.

Example:

• Hola, ¿cómo estás? → “Hello, how are you?”
  

🗣 Pronunciation tip: The “H” in hola is silent — so never say Ho-la!

You can use hola anytime — morning, afternoon, or night. It’s a safe, go-to greeting for all occasions.

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Time Based Greetings ⏰

Just like in English, Spanish speakers greet differently depending on the time of day.

Buenos días – Good morning ☀️

Pronunciation: BWEH-nos DEE-as
Use it from sunrise until noon.
Example: ¡Buenos días, señor López! → “Good morning, Mr. López!”

Buenas tardes – Good afternoon 🌤

Pronunciation: BWEH-nas TAR-des
Use it from noon until sunset.
Example: Buenas tardes, María. → “Good afternoon, María.”

Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night 🌙

Pronunciation: BWEH-nas NOH-ches
Use it when it’s dark or before bedtime.
Example: Buenas noches, amigo. → “Good night, friend.”

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Formal vs. Informal Greetings 🤝

In Spanish, greetings can change depending on who you’re talking to.

Informal

Use with friends, family, or people your age.

• Hola, ¿qué tal? → “Hey, what’s up?”
  
• ¿Cómo estás? → “How are you?”
  

Formal

Use with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

• Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted? → “Good morning, how are you (sir/ma’am)?”
  

💡 Cultural note: Showing respect is important in Spanish-speaking countries. Using usted instead of tú shows politeness.

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Fun and Friendly Alternatives 😄

Want to sound more natural and local? Try these casual ways to greet friends:

• ¿Qué pasa? → “What’s happening?”
  
• ¿Qué onda? (common in Mexico) → “What’s up?”
  
• ¡Hola, amigo/amiga! → “Hello, friend!”
  
• ¡Ey! → “Hey!”
  

These make your conversation feel more relaxed and friendly.

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Common Follow Up Phrases 💬

After saying hello, Spanish speakers often continue with small talk.

English	Spanish	Pronunciation
How are you?	¿Cómo estás?	KOH-moh ehs-TAHS
What’s your name?	¿Cómo te llamas?	KOH-moh teh YAH-mas
Nice to meet you	Mucho gusto	MOO-choh GOO-stoh
Goodbye	Adiós	Ah-dee-OHS
See you later	Hasta luego	AH-stah LWEH-goh

Try combining them!
👉 Hola, ¿cómo estás? Mucho gusto. → “Hello, how are you? Nice to meet you.”

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Cultural Tip | Greetings Go Beyond Words 🌍

In many Spanish-speaking countries, greetings include gestures.

• Friends might hug or give a light kiss on the cheek.
  
• In business, a firm handshake is common.
  
• Always greet everyone in the room — it’s a sign of respect and warmth.
  

So, greeting isn’t just about saying hola — it’s about making a real human connection. ❤️

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Conclusion 🌟

Now you know that hola is just the beginning! From buenos días to ¿qué tal?, each Spanish greeting carries warmth and friendliness. Start practicing these phrases today, and soon you’ll be greeting people with confidence — like a true Hispanohablante! 🇪🇸✨