If you encounter a group of people, plan on saying hola to each of them individually. This gesture may not be necessary everywhere, but it will be seen as a sign of respect regardless.
“¿Qué pasa?” (KAY PAH-sah) means “What’s happening?” “¿Qué tal?” (kay tahl) means “What’s up?” “¿Qué haces?” (kay ah-says) means “What are you doing?” or “What are you up to?”
Say “¿Cómo estás?” when speaking informally, to someone your age or younger, or someone familiar. If you’re speaking formally, to someone older than you or in a position of authority, you would say “¿Cómo está?” You can also say “¿Cómo está usted?” When in doubt, address the person formally and give them the opportunity to tell you that it’s not necessary. When speaking to a group of people, say “¿Cómo están?” to address everyone.
In South America, you also might hear the phone answered “¿Sí?” This is especially common in business contexts. Spaniards typically answer the phone “¿Dígame?” or the shortened form “¿Díga?” This also means “hello,” but is only going to be used on the phone. If you’re the one making the phone call, it’s polite to respond to the phone greeting with a greeting based on the time of day. For example, if you’re placing the call in the morning, you might respond “¡Buenos días!” (boo-AY-nohs DEE-ahs), or “Good morning!”
You also might respond “Más o menos,” which means “okay” or “fine. " It’s a little more mellow than “Bien, gracias. "
For example, if someone says to you “¿Qué tal?” (“what’s up?”), you might respond “Nada” (nah-dah), meaning “nothing. "
Typically Spanish greetings based on the time of day are plural. You may occasionally hear “buen día,” (“good day”), but “buenos días” (good days) is far more common.
Typically “¡Buenas noches!” is considered a more formal greeting, so be mindful of the context. Use it more frequently with strangers, especially those who are older than you.
You also may be able to pick up some slang by watching Spanish-language television, or listening to Spanish-language music, especially pop music.
Another common way to say “hi” in Mexico is “Quiubole” or “Q’bole” (pronounced KYOO boh-leh). “¿Qué onda?” is also common in many other parts of Latin America. If you hear someone else saying it, feel free to use it. [11] X Research source
One common response is “¡No me quejo!” (noh may KAY-hoh), or “Can’t complain!” You also might respond “Es lo que hay” (ess loh kay aye), which means “It is what it is. " This can be a clever response if you’re asked “¿Qué es la que hay?” (kay ess lah key aye), which is a common slang greeting in Puerto Rico. [14] X Research source
