Hola
everyday
In Honduras you say Hola for hi. Buenas is a short, friendly alternative that works at any time of day.
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | everyday |
| Buenas | casual |
Hola works with everyone. Buenas is common when you enter a shop, pass a neighbor or answer a knock. Add ¿cómo está? for a polite check-in.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With elders add don or doña before the first name, as in hola, doña Marta.
Did you know?
- The short greeting buenas is understood across the Spanish-speaking world as a quick hello.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hi, how are you?
- Buenas, vecino.Hi, neighbor.
- Hola, doña Marta.Hi, Mrs. Marta.
Example conversation
Luis passes his neighbor Doña Marta on the street in Tegucigalpa.
- LuisBuenas, doña Marta.Hi, Mrs. Marta.
- Doña MartaHola, Luis. ¿Cómo está tu mamá?Hi, Luis. How is your mother?
- LuisBien, gracias.Fine, thanks.
