The Most Common Spanish Greetings, Introductions and Goodbyes

In your journey to becoming fluent in Spanish, one of the most basic and common scenarios you will find yourself in is introductions and goodbyes, especially if you’re meeting new people and practicing your Spanish!

Just as we were taught growing up to have manners, there is a friendly way to interact with others when meeting someone new or bidding them farewell. This article I’m going to go over some words and phrases that will help you navigate the beginning and ending of common conversations that you will inevitably find yourself in. Remember, first impressions make a lasting memory so make it count. Alright, let’s get started!

SPANISH GREETINGS AND GOODBYES

Spanish has a formal way of communicating as well as an informal way of talking. Depending on who you are speaking with and the situation you will want to select your choice of words carefully.

Formal – Is used to talk with more respect such as to an elderly person or your boss

Informal – Is used to talk to people you have more confidence and familiarity with like your family or friends.

Greetings like “good morning” or “good afternoon” are very important in Spanish. In fact, in Latin American culture it is more formal, in which going through the ritual of greeting another person is an important way of showing respect.

It should also be known that in some parts of Latin America, you are expected to greet every person individually, even if they’re in a group. That means that if you’re walking along the road in a town and pass a group of six people, you’ll have to say, “Good morning,” six times!

• Buenos días – Good morning (Formal)
• Buenas tardes – Good afternoon(Formal)
• Buenas noches – Good evening (Formal)
• ¿Cómo está usted? – How are you? (Formal)
• ¡Que tenga usted un bonito día! – Have a nice day! (Formal)
• Encantado de conocerlo(a) – Nice to meet you (Formal)
• Hola – Hello/Hi (Informal)
• ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (Informal)
• Encantado de conocerte – Nice to meet you (Informal)
• ¿Cómo has estado? – How have you been? (Informal)
• ¿Qué tal?/¿Cómo te va? – How is it going? (Informal)
• ¡Que tengas un bonito día! – Have a nice day! (Informal)
• Bienvenido – Welcome
• Hasta pronto – See you soon
• Hasta luego – See you later
• Hasta mañana – See you tomorrow/Until tomorrow
• Nos vemos – We will see each other
• Cuídate – Take care
• Adiós – Goodbye

In addition, it is very relevant to learn the Spanish greetings and goodbyes so you can use them in your favor. You will then be capable of meeting new people, starting a conversation with a stranger and being polite in another language; as well as being capable of handling a conversation like in the following section.

¡Hace tiempo que no te veo! – It’s been a while since I’ve seen you!
¿Dónde has estado? – Where have you been? – This can be used as more of an informal way of saying it’s been a while how have you been..

When you’re connecting one friend/co-worker to another…

Le presento a… – I’d like you to meet…
Te quiero presentar a una amiga – I want to introduce you to a friend (female)
Te quiero presentar a un amigo – I want to introduce you to a friend (male)

RESPONSES TO GREETINGS

Of course after a standard introduction the conversation doesn’t end there. Here’s a list of responses you can use to continue the conversation and make sure it goes smoothly.

¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
¿Cómo se llama usted? – What’s your name? (formal)
Me llamo (name) – My name is (name).
¿De dónde eres? –Where are you from?
¿Cómo lo sabes (person)? – How do you know (person)?

A nice way to help someone feel welcome in your home…

Mi casa es su casa: My house is your house

When someone asks what’s up or how you are…

Más o menos – More or less/Not too bad
Como siempre – As always
Bien, gracias – I’m good, thank you
Un poco cansado (for men/masculine) – A little tired
Un poco cansada (for women/feminine) – A little tired

We hope this introduction to Spanish greetings and goodbyes was useful for you. If you want more tips for learning Spanish, check out some of our free resources below:

40 Useful Spanish Phrases for Your Next Travel Destination

How to Learn and Retain Any Skill Faster

The Complete List of Colors in Spanish

Below is a chart to help you with pronunciation of some of these words as a refresher.