This greeting is extremely informal, and typically considered slang, so the best time to use it is when talking to friends or close acquaintances around your own age.
Pronounce “buenas” as “boo-EHN-ahs. "
Señor (sehn-YOR) means “sir” and can be used to address any man, particularly a man who is older than you or in a position of authority. Señora (sehn-YOR-ah) means “ma’am” and should be used with married women or women who are older than you or in a position of authority. Use señorita (sehn-yor-EE-tah), meaning “miss,” when you are greeting a younger or unmarried woman, but want to be polite.
For example, if you wanted to say good morning to your doctor, you might say “Buenos días, doctor. "
Since this is a rather formal phrase, use it on more formal occasions. For example, you might begin remarks over a business breakfast meeting by saying “muy buenos días a todos. "
This greeting is similar to saying “rise and shine” in English.
The idea behind this phrase is that the day has started without whoever is still sleeping, and it’s past time for them to get up. Some people might consider this phrase rude, so don’t use it with someone unless you’re close to them.
Literally, this question would be translated “How dawned you?” It’s similar to asking someone how they felt when they woke up this morning. You also might say “¿Qué tal va tu mañana?” (kay tahl vah too mahn-YAHN-ah), or “How is your morning going?” This question typically works best mid-morning.
You also could say “que tengas un lindo día” (kay tehn-GAHS boo-EHN DEE-ah), which means “have a nice day. " This phrase is typically used more casually. In more formal settings, you might use “que tenga buen día” (kay tehn-GAH boo-EHN DEE-ah), which means “I hope you have a good day. "
The question “¿Descansaste bien?” (days-cahn-SAHS-tay bee-EHN) is a little more casual. It’s better translated as “Did you rest?” or “Did you get some rest?”
