Hola
everyday
In El Salvador people say Hola to say hello. Buenas is a short, friendly greeting for any time of day, and ¿Qué onda? is casual between friends.
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | everyday |
| ¿Qué onda? | casual |
| Buenas | casual, any time of day |
Buenas is common when walking into a shop or passing a neighbor. With older people buenos días, buenas tardes and buenas noches are the polite choice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Salvadorans use vos with friends and family, so a casual follow up is ¿Cómo estás vos? This is called voseo and is typical of Central America.
Did you know?
- Salvadorans commonly use the pronoun vos instead of tú in everyday speech.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- ¿Qué onda, vos?What is up, you?
Example conversation
Wendy meets her neighbor Mario in front of their houses in San Salvador.
- WendyBuenas, don Mario.Hello, Mr. Mario.
- MarioHola, Wendy. ¿Cómo está?Hello, Wendy. How are you?
- WendyBien, gracias a Dios.Fine, thank God.
