Spanish Greetings: Hello, How Are You & Common Phrases

Spanish greetings—here are the most common ways to say hello, ask how someone is, and greet people in different situations.

Basic Greetings

Hola (Hello)

• Usage: Universal, casual and formal
• Example: "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" — Hello, how are you?

Buenos días (Good Morning)

• Usage: Morning (until about noon)
• Example: "Buenos días, señor" — Good morning, sir

Buenas tardes (Good Afternoon)

• Usage: Afternoon (after noon until evening)
• Example: "Buenas tardes" — Good afternoon

Buenas noches (Good Evening/Night)

• Usage: Evening/night
• Example: "Buenas noches" — Good evening/night

How Are You?

¿Cómo estás? (How Are You?)

• Usage: Informal, to friends
• Response: "Bien, gracias" (Good, thanks)

¿Cómo está usted? (How Are You?)

• Usage: Formal, respectful
• Response: "Muy bien, gracias" (Very well, thanks)

¿Qué tal? (What's Up?)

• Usage: Casual, very common
• Response: "Bien, ¿y tú?" (Good, and you?)

Common Responses

Bien (Good)

• "Bien, gracias" — Good, thanks
• "Muy bien" — Very well
• "Bien, ¿y tú?" — Good, and you?

Mal (Bad)

• "Mal" — Bad
• "Más o menos" — So-so

Farewells

Adiós (Goodbye)

• Usage: Formal farewell
• Example: "Adiós, hasta luego" — Goodbye, see you later

Hasta luego (See You Later)

• Usage: Casual, very common
• Example: "Hasta luego" — See you later

Nos vemos (See You)

• Usage: Casual
• Example: "Nos vemos mañana" — See you tomorrow

Master Spanish Greetings

The best way to master greetings is through daily practice. Use them in conversations, learn the responses, and practice naturally. Try Parlai and practice Spanish through real conversations, using greetings naturally in context.