Hola y chao
everyday
In Chile "hello and goodbye" is Hola y chao. Hola greets and chao says goodbye, and Chileans often use both in a quick meeting.
Meaning: greeting and farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola y chao | everyday |
| Hola | greeting |
| Chao | farewell |
People say hola when they arrive and chao when they leave. A short exchange in the street can be just Hola, chao.
Which one should you use?
In a formal setting, buenos días and hasta luego replace the casual pair.
Did you know?
- Hola and chao are the two words most visitors to Chile learn first.
Examples in context
- Hola y chao, ando apurado.Hello and goodbye, I am in a hurry.
- Solo vine a decir hola y chao.I only came to say hello and goodbye.
Example conversation
Felipe stops briefly at his sister's door in Santiago.
- FelipeHola, Paula. Solo vine a dejarte esto.Hi, Paula. I only came to drop this off.
- Paula¿No te quedas?Are you not staying?
- FelipeNo puedo, chao.I cannot, bye.
