Hola
everyday, Ecuador
In Ecuador you say Hola for hello. A shorter casual greeting is Buenas, and friends often say ¿Qué más?, which means "what else" but works as "how are things".
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | everyday, Ecuador |
| Buenas | casual short |
| ¿Qué más? | casual, Ecuador |
Hola works everywhere. Buenas is common when you walk into a shop or greet a neighbor. Answer ¿Qué más? with Bien, ¿y vos? or simply repeat it.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the highlands people often keep to the polite usted form even with friendly strangers, so a respectful tone is a good habit.
Did you know?
- ¿Qué más? is also heard in Colombia as a casual greeting.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo está?Hello, how are you?
- Buenas, ¿me ayuda por favor?Hello, can you help me please?
- ¿Qué más, amigo?What's up, friend?
Example conversation
Camila greets her classmate Felipe in a university hallway in Quito.
- CamilaHola, Felipe. ¿Qué más?Hello, Felipe. What's up?
- FelipeTodo bien. ¿Y tú?All good. And you?
- CamilaBien también. Vamos a clase.Fine too. Let's go to class.
