Greetings are the first words you'll use in any language, and Spanish is no exception. Mastering these essential phrases is the key to making a great first impression, whether you're ordering a coffee in Mexico City, meeting a new friend in Bogotá, or asking for directions in Lima. These words and phrases are your entry ticket to any conversation and are used countless times every single day throughout Latin America. This list focuses on high-frequency, practical vocabulary that you will hear and use immediately. We'll cover the basics like 'hola', but also the crucial follow-up questions and responses that make a conversation flow naturally. You'll notice the important distinction between informal ('tú') and formal ('usted') address, a key feature of Spanish social etiquette. While most of these greetings are universal, we'll focus on the most common forms used across Latin America, giving you the confidence to start speaking from day one.
Hello
Hola, ¿cómo estás? — Hello, how are you?
Good morning
Buenos días, señor. ¿Un café, por favor? — Good morning, sir. A coffee, please?
Good afternoon
Buenas tardes, ¿está la doctora Ramírez? — Good afternoon, is Dr. Ramirez in?
Good evening / Good night
Buenas noches, ya me voy a dormir. — Good night, I'm going to sleep now.
How's it going? (What's up?)
Hola Ana, ¿qué tal? — Hi Ana, how's it going?
How are you? (informal)
Hola, Luis. ¿Cómo estás? — Hi, Luis. How are you?
How are you? (formal)
Buenas tardes, Sra. López. ¿Cómo está usted? — Good afternoon, Mrs. Lopez. How are you?
Fine, thank you.
Estoy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? — I'm fine, thank you. And you?
Very well
Todo muy bien por aquí. — Everything is very well over here.
So-so (more or less)
¿Cómo estás? - Más o menos, un poco cansado. — How are you? - So-so, a little tired.
And you? (informal)
Estoy bien, ¿y tú? — I'm well, and you?
And you? (formal)
Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted? — Very well, thank you. And you?
My name is...
Hola, me llamo David. — Hello, my name is David.
What is your name? (informal)
Hola, ¿cómo te llamas? — Hi, what is your name?
What is your name? (formal)
Perdón, ¿cómo se llama usted? — Excuse me, what is your name?
Nice to meet you
Me llamo Sofía. - Mucho gusto. — My name is Sofia. - Nice to meet you.
Delighted / Charmed (to meet you)
Soy Carlos. - Encantada. (Said by a female) — I'm Carlos. - Delighted to meet you.
Likewise / Same here
Mucho gusto. - Igualmente. — Nice to meet you. - Likewise.
Goodbye
Adiós, ¡que tengas un buen día! — Goodbye, have a good day!
Bye (casual)
Bueno, me voy. ¡Chao! — Okay, I'm leaving. Bye!
See you later
Tengo que irme. ¡Hasta luego! — I have to go. See you later!
See you / We'll see each other
Nos vemos mañana en la oficina. — See you tomorrow at the office.
See you tomorrow
Buenas noches. - Hasta mañana. — Good night. - See you tomorrow.
Take care (informal)
¡Chao, cuídate! — Bye, take care!
Thank you
Aquí está su café. - Gracias. — Here is your coffee. - Thank you.
You're welcome
Gracias por tu ayuda. - De nada. — Thanks for your help. - You're welcome.
Please
La cuenta, por favor. — The check, please.
Pardon / Excuse me
Perdón, ¿dónde está el baño? — Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Excuse me (with your permission)
Con permiso, voy a pasar. — Excuse me, I'm going to pass by.