Spanish, spoken by over 460 million people, is the official language of 21 countries, including Spain, Mexico, and much of Latin America. It’s also widely spoken in the United States, where it’s the second most common language. Spanish is known for its diversity, with various regional accents and dialects. Beyond its native countries, Spanish holds significant influence globally, used in international business, culture, and diplomacy. It’s one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is increasingly important for communication, travel, and cultural exchange worldwide.
Anyway, you are here that means you may planning for a trip in any Spanish spoken countries or region. But you don’t know anything about Spanish. Don’t worry, you are in the right place, because today here in this article we will show you 100 different ways to say “hi” in Spanish.
Not just “hi”, by reading this article you will have an idea how you can start conversation with all types, ages, and genders of people who speak Spanish. So, it will be better for you if you bookmark this article for your next move. Without wasting time lets see how to start conversation in Spanish with the word hi (hola). If you follow this blog regularly hope, within a few days you can learn Poco (a little bit) Spanish for your day to day conversation.
Different ways to say "Hi" in Spanish
| English Spanish Pronunciation Voice Pronunciation Spelling |
|---|
| English: Hello Spanish: Hola Hola Pronunciation: OH-lah |
| English: Good morning Spanish: Buenos días Buenos días Pronunciation: BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs |
| English: Good afternoon Spanish: Buenas tardes Buenas tardes Pronunciation: BWEH-nahs TAR-dess |
| English: Good evening / Good night Spanish: Buenas noches Buenas noches Pronunciation: BWEH-nahs NOH-chess |
| English: How’s it going? Spanish: ¿Qué tal? Qué tal Pronunciation: KEH tahl |
| English: How are you? Spanish: ¿Cómo estás? Cómo estás Pronunciation: KOH-moh es-TAHS |
| English: How’s it going? Spanish: ¿Cómo te va? Cómo te va Pronunciation: KOH-moh teh vah |
| English: How are you? Spanish: ¿Cómo andas? Cómo andas Pronunciation: KOH-moh AHN-dahs |
| English: What’s up? Spanish: ¿Qué pasa? Qué pasa Pronunciation: KEH PAH-sah |
| English: What’s up? Spanish: ¿Qué onda? Qué onda Pronunciation: KEH OHN-dah |
| English: What’s up? Spanish: ¿Qué hay? Qué hay Pronunciation: KEH ai |
| English: What’s new? Spanish: ¿Qué cuentas? Qué cuentas Pronunciation: KEH KWEHN-tahs |
| English: How’s everything? Spanish: ¿Qué tal todo? Qué tal todo Pronunciation: KEH tahl TOH-doh |
| English: How are you? Spanish: ¿Cómo estás tú? Cómo estás tú Pronunciation: KOH-moh es-TAHS too |
| English: Hi, how are you? Spanish: Hola, ¿cómo estás? Hola, ¿cómo estás Pronunciation: OH-lah, KOH-moh es-TAHS |
| English: Hi, how’s it going? Spanish: Hola, ¿qué tal? Hola, ¿qué tal Pronunciation: OH-lah, KEH tahl |
| English: Hi, what’s up? Spanish: Hola, ¿qué hay? Hola, ¿qué hay? Pronunciation: OH-lah, KEH ai |
| English: Hi, how’s it going? Spanish: Hola, ¿cómo te va? Hola, ¿cómo te va? Pronunciation: OH-lah, KOH-moh teh vah |
| English: Hi, what’s new? Spanish: Hola, ¿qué cuentas? Hola, ¿qué cuentas Pronunciation: OH-lah, KEH KWEHN-tahs |
| English: Hi, how are you? Spanish: Hola, ¿cómo andas? Hola, ¿cómo andas Pronunciation: OH-lah, KOH-moh AHN-dahs |
| English: Hi, what’s up? Spanish: Hola, ¿qué pasa? Pronunciation: OH-lah, KEH PAH-sah |
| English: Hi, how’s everything? Spanish: Hola, ¿cómo está todo? Hola, ¿cómo está todo Pronunciation: OH-lah, KOH-moh es-TAH TOH-doh |
| English: Hi, how’s everything? Spanish: Hola, ¿qué tal todo? Pronunciation: OH-lah, KEH tahl TOH-doh |
| English: Hi, friend (male) Spanish: Hola, amigo Hola, amigo Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-MEE-goh |
| English: Hi, friend (female) Spanish: Hola, amiga Hola, amiga Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-MEE-gah |
| English: Hi, buddy Spanish: Hola, compa Hola, compa Pronunciation: OH-lah, KOHM-pah |
| English: Hi, colleague Spanish: Hola, colega Hola, colega Pronunciation: OH-lah, koh-LEH-gah |
| English: Hi, brother Spanish: Hola, hermano Hola, hermano Pronunciation: OH-lah, ehr-MAH-noh |
| English: Hi, sister Spanish: Hola, hermana Hola, hermana Pronunciation: OH-lah, ehr-MAH-nah |
| English: Hi, boy Spanish: Hola, chico Hola, chico Pronunciation: OH-lah, CHEE-koh |
| English: Hi, girl Spanish: Hola, chica Hola, chica Pronunciation: OH-lah, CHEE-kah |
| English: Hi, neighbor (male) Spanish: Hola, vecino Hola, vecino Pronunciation: OH-lah, beh-SEE-noh |
| English: Hi, neighbor (female) Spanish: Hola, vecina Pronunciation: OH-lah, beh-SEE-nah |
| English: Hi, sir Spanish: Hola, señor Hola, señor Pronunciation: OH-lah, seh-NYOR |
| English: Hi, madam Spanish: Hola, señora Hola, señora Pronunciation: OH-lah, seh-NYOH-rah |
| English: Hi, miss Spanish: Hola, señorita Hola, señorita Pronunciation: OH-lah, seh-nyoh-REE-tah |
| English: Hi, young person Spanish: Hola, joven Hola, joven Pronunciation: OH-lah, HOH-ven |
| English: Hi, boy Spanish: Hola, niño Hola, niño Pronunciation: OH-lah, NEE-nyoh |
| English: Hi, girl Spanish: Hola, niña Hola, niña Pronunciation: OH-lah, NEE-nyah |
| English: Hi, dad Spanish: Hola, papá Hola, papá Pronunciation: OH-lah, pah-PAH |
| English: Hi, mom Spanish: Hola, mamá Hola, mamá Pronunciation: OH-lah, mah-MAH |
| English: Hi, grandfather Spanish: Hola, abuelo Hola, abuelo Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-BWEH-loh |
| English: Hi, grandmother Spanish: Hola, abuela Hola, abuela Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-BWEH-lah |
| English: Hi, uncle Spanish: Hola, tío Hola, tío Pronunciation: OH-lah, TEE-oh |
| English: Hi, aunt Spanish: Hola, tía Hola, tía Pronunciation: OH-lah, TEE-ah |
| English: Hi, cousin (male) Spanish: Hola, primo Hola, primo Pronunciation: OH-lah, PREE-moh |
| English: Hi, cousin (female) Spanish: Hola, prima Hola, prima Pronunciation: OH-lah, PREE-mah |
| English: Hi, father-in-law Spanish: Hola, suegro Hola, suegro Pronunciation: OH-lah, SWAY-groh |
| English: Hi, mother-in-law Spanish: Hola, suegra Hola, suegra Pronunciation: OH-lah, SWAY-grah |
| English: Hi, brother-in-law Spanish: Hola, cuñado Hola, cuñado Pronunciation: OH-lah, koo-NYAH-doh |
| English: Hi, sister-in-law Spanish: Hola, cuñada Hola, cuñada Pronunciation: OH-lah, koo-NYAH-dah |
| English: Hi, partner Spanish: Hola, compañero Hola, compañero Pronunciation: OH-lah, kohm-pah-NYEH-roh |
| English: Hi, partner (female) Spanish: Hola, compañera Hola, compañera Pronunciation: OH-lah, kohm-pah-NYEH-rah |
| English: Hi, boss (male) Spanish: Hola, jefe Hola, jefe Pronunciation: OH-lah, HEH-feh |
| English: Hi, boss (female) Spanish: Hola, jefa Hola, jefa Pronunciation: OH-lah, HEH-fah |
| English: Hi, colleague Spanish: Hola, colega Hola, colega Pronunciation: OH-lah, koh-LEH-gah |
| English: Hi, people Spanish: Hola, gente Hola, gente Pronunciation: OH-lah, HEN-teh |
| English: Hi, everyone Spanish: Hola, todos Hola, todos Pronunciation: OH-lah, TOH-dohs |
| English: Hi, to everyone Spanish: Hola, a todos Hola, a todos Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah TOH-dohs |
| English: Hi, guys (male) Spanish: Hola, muchachos Hola, muchachos Pronunciation: OH-lah |
| English: Hi, girls Spanish: Hola, muchachas Hola, muchachas Pronunciation: OH-lah, moo-CHA-chahs |
| English: Hi, everybody Spanish: Hola a todos Hola a todos Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah TOH-dohs |
| English: Hi, everyone (informal) Spanish: Hola a todos Hola a todos Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah TOH-dohs |
| English: Hi, my friend Spanish: Hola, mi amigo Hola, mi amigo Pronunciation: OH-lah, mee ah-MEE-goh |
| English: Hi, dear Spanish: Hola, querido Hola, querido Pronunciation: OH-lah, keh-REE-doh |
| English: Hi, darling Spanish: Hola, cariño Hola, cariño Pronunciation: OH-lah, kah-REE-nyoh |
| English: Hi, sweetheart Spanish: Hola, amor Hola, amor Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-MOHR |
| English: Hi, love Spanish: Hola, amor Hola, amor Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-MOHR |
| English: Hi, beautiful Spanish: Hola, hermosa Hola, hermosa Pronunciation: OH-lah, ehr-MOH-sah |
| English: Hi, handsome Spanish: Hola, guapo Hola, guapo Pronunciation: OH-lah, GWAH-poh |
| English: Hi, gorgeous Spanish: Hola, precioso Hola, precioso Pronunciation: OH-lah, preh-SYOH-soh |
| English: Hi, cutie Spanish: Hola, lindo Hola, lindo Pronunciation: OH-lah, LEEN-doh |
| English: Hi, my love Spanish: Hola, mi amor Hola, mi amor Pronunciation: OH-lah, mee ah-MOHR |
| English: Hi, sunshine Spanish: Hola, sol Hola, sol Pronunciation: OH-lah, sohl |
| English: Hi, star Spanish: Hola, estrella Hola, estrella Pronunciation: OH-lah, es-TREH-yah |
| English: Hi, angel Spanish: Hola, ángel Hola, ángel Pronunciation: OH-lah, AHN-hel |
| English: Hi, princess Spanish: Hola, princesa Hola, princesa Pronunciation: OH-lah, preen-SEH-sah |
| English: Hi, prince Spanish: Hola, príncipe Hola, príncipe Pronunciation: OH-lah, PREEN-see-peh |
| English: Hi, my dear Spanish: Hola, mi querido Hola, mi querido Pronunciation: OH-lah, mee keh-REE-doh |
| English: Hi, big guy Spanish: Hola, grandote Hola, grandote Pronunciation: OH-lah, grahn-DOH-teh |
| English: Hi, champ Spanish: Hola, campeón Hola, campeón Pronunciation: OH-lah, kahm-peh-ON |
| English: Hi, chief Spanish: Hola, jefe Hola, jefe Pronunciation: OH-lah, HEH-feh |
| English: Hi, boss Spanish: Hola, patrón Hola, patrón Pronunciation: OH-lah, pah-TROHN |
| English: Hi, dude Spanish: Hola, tipo Hola, tipo Pronunciation: OH-lah, TEE-poh |
| English: Hi, man Spanish: Hola, hombre Hola, hombre Pronunciation: OH-lah, OHM-breh |
| English: Hi, lady Spanish: Hola, dama Hola, dama Pronunciation: OH-lah, DAH-mah |
| English: Hi, friend (neutral) Spanish: Hola, amigo Hola, amigo Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-MEE-goh or ah-MEE-gah |
| English: Hi, sunshine (neutral) Spanish: Hola, solecito Hola, solecito Pronunciation: OH-lah, so-leh-SEE-toh |
| English: Hi, little one Spanish: Hola, peque Hola, peque Pronunciation: OH-lah, PEH-keh |
| English: Hi, champ Spanish: Hola, crack Hola, crack Pronunciation: OH-lah, krahk |
| English: Hi, hero Spanish: Hola, héroe Hola, héroe Pronunciation: OH-lah, EH-roh-eh |
| English: Hi, sweetheart Spanish: Hola, cielo Hola, cielo Pronunciation: OH-lah, SYE-loh |
| English: Hi, love of my life Spanish: Hola, amor de mi vida Hola, amor de mi vida Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-MOHR deh mee VEE-dah |
| English: Hi, partner Spanish: Hola, socio Hola, socio Pronunciation: OH-lah, SOH-syo |
| English: Hi, friend Spanish: Hola, cuate Hola, cuate Pronunciation: OH-lah, KWAH-teh |
| English: Hi, godmother Spanish: Hola, madrina Hola, madrina Pronunciation: OH-lah, mah-DREE-nah |
| English: Hi, godfather Spanish: Hola, padrino Hola, padrino Pronunciation: OH-lah, pah-DREE-noh |
| English: Hi, godson Spanish: Hola, ahijado Hola, ahijado Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-ee-HAH-doh |
| English: Hi, goddaughter Spanish: Hola, ahijada Hola, ahijada Pronunciation: OH-lah, ah-ee-HAH-dah |
| English: Hi, little brother/sister Spanish: Hola, hermanito/hermanita Hola, hermanito/hermanita Pronunciation: OH-lah, ehr-mah-NEE-toh / ehr-mah-NEE-tah |
Different Ways To Say “Hi” In Spanish – Explanation
Hola
- Usage: The most universal and versatile way to say “Hi” in Spanish.
- Context: Suitable for both formal and informal situations. You can use it anytime, whether you’re meeting a friend, a colleague, or someone new.
¿Qué tal?
- Usage: A casual way to greet someone, similar to “How’s it going?” in English.
- Context: Used in informal settings, often among friends, family, or peers.
¡Qué onda!
- Usage: A very informal greeting, equivalent to “What’s up?”.
- Context: Common in Latin America, especially among younger people. It’s a slang phrase that adds a laid-back, friendly vibe to the greeting.
¡Hola, qué pasa!
- Usage: Literally means “Hi, what’s happening?”
- Context: Informal, used among friends or people you know well. It’s another way to ask how someone is doing while saying “Hi.”
¡Ey! / ¡Oye!
- Usage: Very informal, used like “Hey!” in English.
- Context: Typically used among close friends or younger people. It can be a way to grab someone’s attention or simply greet them in a very casual way.
Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches
- Usage: These are more formal greetings, meaning “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” and “Good evening/night,” respectively.
- Context: Appropriate in professional or formal situations, or when you want to show respect, such as when addressing someone older or in a business setting.
¿Qué más?
- Usage: Common in some Latin American countries, especially Colombia and Venezuela.
- Context: Informal, meaning something like “What’s new?” or “How are you?” while greeting someone.
¡Ché, hola!
- Usage: A regional greeting, particularly in Argentina.
- Context: “Ché” is an informal way to address someone, similar to “mate” or “dude,” so this greeting is friendly and informal.
¿Cómo estás?
- Usage: Often used immediately after “Hola” to say “Hi, how are you?”
- Context: Versatile, can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Regional Differences
- Different Spanish-speaking countries have their own slang and unique ways to say “Hi.” For example, “¿Qué más?” is more common in Colombia, while “¡Qué onda!” is popular in Mexico.
Formality Considerations
- Informal Greetings: Use phrases like “¿Qué tal?” or “¡Hola, qué pasa!” with friends, peers, or younger people.
- Formal Greetings: Stick with “Buenos días/tardes/noches” in professional environments or when showing respect.
How To Formally Say “Hi” In Spanish
To formally say “Hi” in Spanish, you typically use greetings that convey respect and politeness. Here are some formal ways to greet someone:
1. Buenos días
- Meaning: “Good morning.”
- Usage: Used from early morning until around midday. It’s appropriate in professional settings, when addressing elders, or in any situation where a respectful tone is needed.
2. Buenas tardes
- Meaning: “Good afternoon.”
- Usage: Typically used from midday until early evening. It’s a polite and formal way to greet someone during this time of day.
3. Buenas noches
- Meaning: “Good evening” or “Good night.”
- Usage: Used in the evening or at night, whether you are greeting someone or saying goodbye. It’s formal and appropriate for various settings.
4. Saludos
- Meaning: “Greetings.”
- Usage: A formal way to acknowledge someone, often used in written communication like emails or letters but can also be used in conversation.
5. Estimado/Estimada [Title]
- Meaning: “Dear [Title]” (like Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.).
- Usage: This is very formal and often used in correspondence, but it can also be used verbally when addressing someone of high respect.
6. Un placer saludarle
- Meaning: “A pleasure to greet you.”
- Usage: This is a formal phrase often used in business or professional contexts when meeting someone for the first time.
These are the formal greeting words in Spanish. So for formal uses, you can use these words
How To Informally Say “Hi” In Spanish
In informal settings, Spanish offers a variety of ways to say “Hi” that are more casual and friendly. Here are some common informal greetings:
1. Hola
- Meaning: “Hi” or “Hello.”
- Usage: The most common and versatile greeting. It’s used in almost any informal situation and is appropriate for friends, family, and peers.
2. ¿Qué tal?
- Meaning: “How’s it going?”
- Usage: A casual way to ask how someone is doing while saying “Hi.” It’s commonly used among friends or people you know well.
3. ¡Qué onda!
- Meaning: “What’s up?”
- Usage: Very informal and popular in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It’s used among friends or younger people.
4. ¡Hola, qué pasa!
- Meaning: “Hi, what’s happening?”
- Usage: An informal greeting used to ask how someone is or what’s new. It’s friendly and casual.
5. ¡Ey!
- Meaning: “Hey!”
- Usage: A very informal greeting, often used to grab someone’s attention or greet them in a relaxed, friendly way.
6. ¡Oye!
- Meaning: “Hey!” or “Listen!”
- Usage: Similar to “Ey,” but can also imply that you want to talk to someone or have something to say. It’s informal and often used among friends.
7. ¿Qué más?
- Meaning: “What’s new?” or “What else?”
- Usage: Common in some Latin American countries, like Colombia and Venezuela. It’s a casual way to greet someone and ask how they are doing.
8. ¡Ché, hola!
- Meaning: “Hey, hi!”
- Usage: Particularly common in Argentina, where “Ché” is a colloquial term similar to “mate” or “dude.” It’s very informal and friendly.
These are the informal ways how you can start your conversation with your Spanish friend or close person.
Final Words
So, today in this article I have shown 100 different ways how you can say “hi” in Spanish. And how you can start your conversation with all types, ages, and genders of Spanish. Hope this article will help you a lot and next time while you are going on a trip in Spanish spoken region you would be more confident. For other update about Spain and Spanish language stay connected with abdulahadsdiary.com.