Buenos días
morning, Mexico
In Mexico the standard daytime greeting is Buenos días, used until about midday. After noon people switch to Buenas tardes. Buen día is a shorter, friendly version that is also heard.
Meaning: daytime greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | morning, Mexico |
| Buen día | casual, Mexico |
| Buenas tardes | afternoon |
Buenos días is used when entering a shop, greeting a neighbor or starting a phone call. Many Mexicans say it to strangers in elevators and waiting rooms.
Which one should you use?
Buenos días is a greeting for the morning. If you want to wish someone a nice day when leaving, say Que tenga un buen día.
When do people say it?
In Mexico it is polite to greet people with Buenos días when you walk into a small shop or office, even before asking for something.
Did you know?
- Buenas on its own is a very common short greeting in Mexico at any time of day after the morning.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, señora.Good morning, ma'am.
- Buen día, ¿cómo amaneció?Good day, how are you this morning?
- Que tenga un buen día.Have a good day.
Example conversation
Don Luis greets the shopkeeper Rosa when he walks into her tortillería in Puebla.
- Don LuisBuenos días, doña Rosa.Good morning, Rosa.
- RosaBuenos días, don Luis. ¿Lo de siempre?Good morning, Luis. The usual?
- Don LuisSí, un kilo, por favor.Yes, one kilo, please.
