How to Say Hi in Spanish | Polite and Casual Ways to Greet (2025-26)

Last updated: November 16, 2025 at 9:56 am by ramzanseo23@gmail.com

Learning a new language can be exciting, and one of the first things you’ll want to master is greetings. 

If you’ve ever wondered “how say hi in Spanish?”, you’re in the right place! Saying hello is more than just a word—it’s a way to connect with people, show respect, and even make friends. 

In this guide, we’ll explore simple and fun ways to greet someone in Spanish, when to use each greeting, and how to sound natural. 

By the end, you’ll confidently start conversations in Spanish without hesitation. 

Let’s dive in and make saying hi feel as easy as saying it in English! 🌟

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Basic Ways to Say Hi in Spanish

Just like in English, Spanish has multiple ways to greet people depending on the time of day, the formality, and even your mood.

Hola | The Most Common Greeting 👋

• Translation: Hello / Hi
  
• Pronunciation: OH-lah
  
• Usage: This is the simplest and most universal way to say hi. You can use it with friends, family, or even someone you just met.
  
• Example:
  
  • Hola, ¿cómo estás? – Hi, how are you?
    

Buenas | A Friendly Time-Based Greeting

• Buenos días – Good morning | Pronunciation: BWEH-nos DEE-ahs
  
• Buenas tardes – Good afternoon | Pronunciation: BWEH-nas TAR-des
  
• Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night | Pronunciation: BWEH-nas NOH-ches
  
• Usage: Perfect for showing politeness. Unlike “Hola,” these greetings match the time of day.
  

Informal Greetings Among Friends

• ¡Qué tal! – What’s up? | Pronunciation: KEH tahl
  
• ¿Cómo va? – How’s it going? | Pronunciation: KOH-moh vah
  
• Usage: Casual greetings used with friends, peers, or younger people.
  

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When to Use Formal vs Informal Greetings

Spanish culture values respect, especially in formal situations. Use:

• Formal: Buenos días, señor/señora – When meeting someone older, a teacher, or in a business setting.
  
• Informal: Hola, ¿qué tal? – With friends, family, or people your age.
  

Just like in English, knowing the context helps you choose the right greeting and sound polite.

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Follow Up Phrases After Saying Hi

After greeting someone, it’s common to continue the conversation. Here are a few:

• ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
  
• ¿Qué hay de nuevo? – What’s new?
  
• Adiós / Hasta luego – Goodbye / See you later
  
• Encantado(a) – Nice to meet you
  

Using these makes your Spanish feel natural and friendly.

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Quick Mini Vocabulary List 📝

Spanish Phrase	English Meaning	Pronunciation	Usage
Hola	Hi / Hello	OH-lah	Universal greeting
Buenos días	Good morning	BWEH-nos DEE-ahs	Morning greeting
Buenas tardes	Good afternoon	BWEH-nas TAR-des	Afternoon greeting
Buenas noches	Good evening/night	BWEH-nas NOH-ches	Evening/night greeting
¡Qué tal!	What’s up?	KEH tahl	Informal, casual greeting
¿Cómo estás?	How are you?	KOH-moh es-TAHS	Follow-up question

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Fun Cultural Tip 🌟

In Spain, it’s common to greet close friends or family with a light kiss on both cheeks! In Latin America, a handshake or hug is more typical depending on the country. Learning greetings helps you navigate these small cultural nuances effortlessly.

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to say hi in Spanish, it’s time to practice! Try using Hola or Buenos días with friends, and don’t be afraid to mix in casual greetings like ¿Qué tal? Remember, the more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Soon, greeting someone in Spanish will be as easy as saying “hi” in English. Keep experimenting, have fun, and enjoy connecting with Spanish speakers around the world! 🌎💬