How to say “hello” in Spanish

7 ways to say hello in Spanish

1. Hola

   OH-lah

   Slow

   Means: Hello / hi

   Use it: Works everywhere, with anyone, at any time of day.

2. Buenos días

   BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs

   Slow

   Means: Good morning

   Use it: From waking up until about noon or lunch.

3. Buenas tardes

   BWEH-nahs TAR-dehs

   Slow

   Means: Good afternoon

   Use it: From lunch until it gets dark.

4. Buenas noches

   BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs

   Slow

   Means: Good evening / good night

   Use it: After dark, both arriving and leaving.

5. ¿Qué tal?

   keh TAHL

   Slow

   Means: How's it going?

   Use it: Casual; often right after “hola”.

6. Buenas

   BWEH-nahs

   Slow

   Means: Hi (short for any of the above)

   Use it: Relaxed greeting at any time of day.

7. ¿Qué onda?

   keh OHN-dah

   Slow

   Means: What's up?

   Use it: Slang, mostly in Mexico and Central America, with friends.