Hola
standard, Nicaragua
In Nicaragua "hello" is Hola. Shortened Buenas is very common, and friends say ¿Qué hubo? for "what's up".
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | standard, Nicaragua |
| Buenas | casual |
| ¿Qué hubo? | informal |
Use Hola with anyone. Add ¿Cómo está? to a stranger or an older person and ¿Cómo estás? to a friend.
Which one should you use?
Nicaraguans also use the voseo, so a friend might ask ¿Cómo estás vos? in a warm, casual tone.
How do you pronounce it?
The h in hola is silent, so it sounds like "OH-la".
Did you know?
- In Nicaragua you often say Buenas when entering a home or shop to announce yourself.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo está?Hello, how are you?
- Buenas, ¿se puede?Hello, may I come in?
- ¿Qué hubo, vos?What's up, you?
Example conversation
Young woman Mariela meets her friend Josué on a street in Managua.
- MarielaHola, Josué. ¿Cómo estás vos?Hello, Josué. How are you?
- JosuéBien, ¿y vos?Fine, and you?
- MarielaTodo bien, gracias.All good, thanks.
