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Mastering Greetings and Farewells in Spanish

Writer's picture: SpanishLM.comSpanishLM.com

Let's go over some common greetings ("saludos") and farewells ("despedidas") in Spanish. Understanding these basics will help you navigate social interactions with ease.

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Greetings (Saludos)

Hola - Hello

  • A simple, informal greeting used at any time of day.

Buenos días - Good morning

  • Used in the morning until around noon.

Buenas tardes - Good afternoon

  • Used from noon until it gets dark.

Buenas noches - Good evening / Good night

  • Used after dark as both a greeting and a farewell.

¿Cómo estás? - How are you? (informal)

  • Used to ask how someone is doing in an informal setting.

¿Cómo está usted? - How are you? (formal)

  • Used to ask how someone is doing in a formal setting.

¿Qué tal? - What's up? / How's it going?

  • An informal way to ask how someone is.

¿Qué pasa? - What's happening? / What's up?

  • Informal and used to ask about current events or someone's state.

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Greetings / Saludos
 

Farewells (Despedidas)

Adiós - Goodbye

  • A common way to say goodbye.

Hasta luego - See you later

  • Used when you expect to see the person again soon.

Hasta pronto - See you soon

  • Similar to "hasta luego," indicating a short time apart.

Hasta mañana - See you tomorrow

  • Used when you will see the person the next day.

Nos vemos - See you

  • Informal, indicating that you'll see each other again.

Cuídate - Take care (informal)

  • A friendly way to say goodbye, wishing someone well.

Cuídese - Take care (formal)

  • A formal version of "cuídate."

Buenas noches - Good night

  • Used to say goodbye in the evening or at night.

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Farewells - Despedidas
 

Formal vs. Informal

In Spanish, the level of formality can change based on who you are speaking to. Use "usted" (formal) with people you don’t know well, or with someone older or in a position of authority. Use "tú" (informal) with friends, family, and people you know well.

Examples

  • Hola, ¿cómo estás? - Hello, how are you? (informal)

  • Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted? - Good morning, how are you? (formal)

  • Adiós, nos vemos mañana. - Goodbye, see you tomorrow.

  • Hasta luego, cuídate. - See you later, take care (informal).

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Greetings and Farewells / Saludos y Despedidas
 

Mastering these greetings and farewells will significantly enhance your Spanish communication skills. Whether you're in a formal setting or chatting with friends, knowing the right phrases will help you make a good impression. Ready to put these greetings and farewells into practice?


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