How to Greet People in Spain and Mexico

If you are planning a trip to Spain or Mexico and do not speak Spanish it is nice to at least know how to greet people in these countries in their own languages. There are greetings common to both countries and more local greetings as well. Learn the right ways to greet people in both Mexico and Spain.

Instructions

Greetings in Spain and Mexico

1. 

   When you greet a friend or a stranger in Spain you can say "Qué pasa?" or "Qué pasó?" You can also use "Qué tal?" The less colloquial "Cómo estás?" can be used as well. In English, these basically translate to "What's going on?" or "What's up?"

2. 

   To greet someone in Mexico you normally say "Qué onda?" or "Qué hubo?" or "Qué hay?" or "Qué pachucas?" (very informal) or "Cómo está?" Among friends, greetings such as "Qué pedo" are very common, but possibly can be offensive with strangers. In English, these greetings translate to "How's it going?" or "What's up?" or "How are you doing?"

3. 

   Use "Como está" when you are talking to an elderly person or a member of the clergy in Spain.

4. 

   In Mexico, use "Cómo está?" with anyone older than you and with anyone who has a higher ranking in society. Some people use "Cómo está" with everyone except family and friends.

5. 

   You can use the following greetings in both countries: "Hola" (hello), "Buenos dias" (good morning), "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon), "Buenas noches" (good evening, good night). In both countries you can use "Buenas" as a greeting as well.

Tips & Warnings

• When speaking Spanish, the vowels are always pronounced "ah" for a, "ee" for i, "ew" for u, "eh" for e and "ohhh" for o.

• Do not use "Qué onda?" or "Qué pedo?" with elderly people in Mexico as they are likely to interpret it as a lack of respect.