Hola
neutral
In Mexico Hola is the standard hello. When answering the phone, many Mexicans say Bueno instead, and friends often say ¿Qué onda?
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | neutral |
| Bueno | Mexico, phone |
| ¿Qué onda? | casual, Mexico |
In the day use Buenos días in the morning, Buenas tardes in the afternoon and Buenas noches after dark. Buenas alone is a quick greeting to a shop or group.
Which one should you use?
Bueno as a phone greeting is typical of Mexico. In other countries people say Aló or Hola.
How do you pronounce it?
The h in hola is silent, so it is OH-lah.
Did you know?
- Answering the phone with Bueno is a habit that makes Mexican Spanish stand out.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- ¿Bueno? Habla Laura.Hello? This is Laura speaking.
- Buenas tardes a todos.Good afternoon, everyone.
Example conversation
Laura calls her grandmother Elvira from her cell phone in Toluca.
- Elvira¿Bueno?Hello?
- LauraHola, abuela, soy Laura.Hello, grandma, it is Laura.
- ElviraHola, mija, ¿cómo estás?Hello, dear, how are you?
