hola
everyday
The basic way to say "hi" in Venezuela is hola. Friends also say epa, and buenas is a quick friendly greeting at any time of day.
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| hola | everyday |
| Epa | casual, Venezuela |
| Buenas | friendly |
Hola works with everybody. Buenas is a short form of buenos días, buenas tardes and buenas noches.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Epa is casual. With elders, teachers or customers, choose Hola followed by buenos días or buenas tardes.
When do people say it?
Venezuelans often greet with a kiss on the cheek between women or between a man and a woman, and a handshake or a hug between men.
Did you know?
- The Spanish h in hola is silent, so it is pronounced like "OH-la".
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hi, how are you?
- Buenas, ¿se puede?Hi, may I come in?
- ¡Epa, hola!Hey, hi!
Example conversation
Isabel arrives at a friend's home and greets the family.
- IsabelBuenas, ¿cómo están?Hi, how is everyone?
- SeñoraHola, Isabel, pasa.Hi, Isabel, come in.
- IsabelGracias, con permiso.Thanks, excuse me.
