Hola
everyday
The simplest way to say "hi" in Uruguay is Hola. Friends and shop staff also say Buenas, and ¿Qué tal? adds a quick "how is it going?"
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | everyday |
| ¿Qué tal? | casual |
| Buenas | casual, Uruguay |
Between friends the hello is often followed by a kiss on the cheek, which is normal in Uruguay for greeting women and often men too.
Which one should you use?
Buenas is shorter and more relaxed than Hola, and fits any time of day.
Did you know?
- Uruguayan friends often shorten names with a -i ending, such as Sofi for Sofía.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿qué tal?Hi, how is it going?
- Buenas, ¿todo bien?Hi, all good?
Example conversation
Tomás meets his classmate Sofi at the entrance of the university.
- TomásHola, Sofi.Hi, Sofi.
- SofiBuenas, Tomás. ¿Qué tal?Hi, Tomás. How is it going?
- TomásBien, apurado por la clase.Fine, in a hurry for class.
- SofiYo también. Vamos.Me too. Let us go.
