Hi in Spanish | 6 Phrases & Examples

Hola (pronounced “oh-laa”) is how to say hi in Spanish.

While “hi” is considered slightly more casual than “hello” in English, in Spanish, “hola” can be used to say “hi” or “hello” and is appropriate in informal and formal contexts.

It’s common to add other phrases when saying “hi” in Spanish. For example, “Hola, mucho gusto” means “Hi, nice to meet you.”

Hola means hello in Spanish

There are a few other ways to say “hi” in Spanish, but keep in mind that some are considered more informal than others.

Hi in Spanish
Formal ways to say hi in Spanish Informal ways to say hi in Spanish
Hola

(Hi/hello)

Buenas

(Shortened form of good morning/afternoon/evening)

Saludos

(Salutations)

¿Qué me cuentas?

(What’s new?)

Buenos días/Buenas tardes/Buenas noches

(Good morning/afternoon/evening)

¡Hola, hola!
(Hello, hello!)
Tip
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Formal ways to say hi in Spanish

“Hola,” “saludos,” and “buenos días,” “buenas tardes,” and “buenas noches” are suitable expressions to greet someone politely and respectful in Spanish.

Hola

“Hola” is a straightforward way to say “hi” in Spanish, as it is a direct translation of “hi” or “hello.”

The phrase is extremely popular and versatile. Although it’s often used in formal contexts, like when communicating with someone older than you or a superior at work, it’s also commonly used in casual conversations as well, like when speaking with a friend or family member.

Examples: Using hola to say hi in Spanish
Hola, mi nombre es Diana.

[Hi, my name is Diana.]

¿Hola, cómo te puedo ayudar?

[Hi, how can I help you?]

Hola, soy tu nueva asistente.

[Hi, I’m your new assistant.]

Saludos

“Saludos” is another way to say “hi” in Spanish, though it conveys a strong sense of formality. It’s more accurately translated to “greetings” or “salutations.”

Additionally, “saludos” can also mean “regards,” as in “send him my regards.”

Examples: Using saludos to say hi in Spanish
¡Saludos, familia! ¿Cómo están?

[Greetings, family! How are you?]

Saludos, Mónica. ¿Cómo has encontrado todo?

[Greetings, Monica. How did you find everything?]

¿Vas a ver a Antonio? Mándale mis saludos, por favor.

[Are you going to see Antonio? Send him my regards, please.]

Buenos días/Buenas tardes/Buenas noches

“Buenos días,” “buenas tardes,” and “buenas noches” mean “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good evening”, making these phrases suitable when wanting to greet someone in Spanish. However, these phrases are also flexible and often used in casual conversations as well.

While they are typically preceded by “hola,” it’s not necessary to include it.

Please note that “buenas noches” also means “good night.” However, although “good night” is typically used when parting ways or ending a conversation in English, “buenas noches” can be used at the start or end of a conversation.

Examples: Using buenos días/tardes/noches to say hi in Spanish
Buenos días, Mario. ¿Deseas desayuno?

[Good morning, Mario. Would you like breakfast?]

Buenas tardes, soy Eduardo. ¿Cómo está?

[Good afternoon. I’m Edward. How are you?]

Buenas noches a todos. Gracias por venir a mi clase de arte.

[Good evening to all. Thanks for coming to my art class.]

Informal ways to say hi in Spanish

“Buenas,” “¿qué me cuentas?” and “Hola, hola” are not direct translations of “hi,” but these expressions are often used as informal greetings in Spanish. They’re best used in casual conversations and relaxed settings.

Buenas

“Buenas” is a shortened form of “buenos días,” “buenas tardes,” and “buenas noches” that’s regularly used as a way to say “hi” in Spanish. This phrase can be used when speaking to people you know well, but it’s also frequently used with strangers, such as when walking into a waiting room full of people.

Examples: Using buenas to say hi in Spanish
Buenas. Estoy buscando a un mecánico que me pueda ayudar con mi carro.

[Hi. I’m looking for a mechanic that can help me with my car.]

Buenas. Avisame si necesitas algo.

[Hi. Let me know if you need anything.]

Buenas. Mi nombre es Samantha. ¿Tú cómo te llamas?

[Hi. My name is Samantha. What’s your name?]

¿Qué me cuentas?

“¿Qué me cuentas?” is a colloquial expression that’s used as a greeting in Spanish. It’s similar to saying “what’s up” or “what’s new?” This phrase is typically used with friends, family members, colleagues, or other people you can have familial conversations with.

Examples: Using qué me cuentas to say hi in Spanish
Hola. ¿Qué me cuentas?

[Hi. What’s up?]

¿Qué me cuentas, hermano? ¿Cómo has estado?

[What’s up, brother? How have you been?]

¡Qué gusto verte! ¿Qué me cuentas?

[So nice to see you! What’s up?]

Hola, hola

“Hola, hola” is as casual and friendly as saying “hello, hello.” It’s a fun way to say “hi” in Spanish that conveys a sense of playfulness.

Examples: Using hola, hola to say hi in Spanish
¡Hola, hola! ¿Dónde está la fiesta?

[Hello, hello! Where’s the party?]

¡Hola, hola! Soy la nueva profesora de inglés.

[Hello, hello! I’m the new English teacher.]

¡Hola, hola a todos! ¿Cómo están?

[Hello, hello to all! How are you all doing?]

Frequently asked questions about hi in Spanish

How do you say hi my name is in Spanish?

“Hola” is one way to say “hi” in Spanish. “Mi nombre es” is how to say “my name is.” Therefore, “Hola, mi nombre es” is how to say “hi, my name is” in Spanish (e.g., “Hola, mi nombre es Rafael).

How do you say hi beautiful in Spanish?

“Hola” means “hi” in Spanish.

“Beautiful” can be translated to either “bella” or “hermosa.” Therefore, two ways to say “hi, beautiful” in Spanish are:

  • Hola, bella.
  • Hola, hermosa.
How do you say hi handsome in Spanish?

“Hola” is a direct translation of “hello” or “hi” in Spanish.

“Guapo” and “bello” mean “handsome.” Therefore, two ways to say “hi, handsome” in Spanish are:

  • Hola, guapo.
  • Hola, bello.
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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.