Hola
everyday
In Bolivia the common greeting is Hola. Many people also say Buenas to anyone at any hour, or Buenos días, Buenas tardes and Buenas noches by time of day.
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | everyday |
| Buenas | short, informal |
| Buenos días | morning |
Hola works with friends and strangers. When you enter a shop or a minibus, a short Buenas is polite.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Aymara language the question "how are you?" is Kamisaraki, which you can hear in the highlands around La Paz.
Did you know?
- Aymara and Quechua are both widely spoken in Bolivia, along with Spanish.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- Buenas tardes, señor.Good afternoon, sir.
Example conversation
Javier enters a small shop in El Alto.
- JavierBuenas tardes.Good afternoon.
- TenderaHola, buenas tardes. ¿En qué le ayudo?Hello, good afternoon. How can I help you?
- JavierQuisiera un refresco.I would like a soft drink.
