Hola
neutral
In the Dominican Republic Hola is the standard hello. Buenas is a short, friendly greeting for any time of day, and ¿Qué lo qué? is slang for friends.
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | neutral |
| Buenas | casual |
| ¿Qué lo qué? | slang |
Entering a shop or passing a neighbor, a quick Buenas is enough.
Which one should you use?
With elders or strangers prefer Buenos días or Buenas tardes. Keep ¿Qué lo qué? for people your own age.
Did you know?
- Dominican greetings are warm, and a stranger may reply with a smile and a blessing.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo está usted?Hello, how are you?
- Buenas, ¿tienen pan?Hello, do you have bread?
- ¿Qué lo qué, mi hermano?Hello, my brother?
Example conversation
Sandra walks into a bakery in Santo Domingo.
- SandraBuenas, ¿tienen pan fresco?Hello, do you have fresh bread?
- PanaderoHola, sí, recién salido.Hello, yes, just out of the oven.
- SandraDeme cuatro, por favor.Give me four, please.
