What does it mean word for word?
The word is the plural form of the noun saludo, which means "greeting" or "salutation".
Which one should you use?
In spoken, everyday conversation, Hola is the standard way to say hello, whereas Saludos functions more like a formal "Greetings" or "Best regards".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While Saludos can be used as a standalone greeting, it is more common in written correspondence (like emails) or as a polite way to conclude a message than as a spoken verbal greeting in casual conversation. For formal spoken greetings, you might use Buenos días (Good morning) until noon or Buenas tardes (Good afternoon) from noon until early evening. For informal spoken situations, you can use Hola (Hello) at any time of the day, ¿Qué tal? (How are you? or What's up?) or the shortened form Buenas (Hi or Good day).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people might commonly use Buenas instead of Hola as a casual greeting. In Mexico, it is common to greet someone with ¿Cómo estás? meaning "How are you?"
How do you pronounce it?
/saludos/
Did you know?
- The word saludo shares a root with the verb saludar, which is related to the Latin word 'salus' meaning 'health'. Historically, greeting someone was equivalent to wishing them good health.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a verbal greeting like Saludos is often accompanied by a 'beso', a light kiss on one or both cheeks. This is a standard social greeting even between acquaintances who are not romantic partners.
- The concept of a 'saludo' is so central to social etiquette that failing to offer one when entering a room, even in a small shop, can be seen as quite rude in many Hispanic cultures.
Examples in context
- Mándale mis saludos a tu esposa.Send my greetings to your wife.Tatoeba #1355038 by marcelostockle, translation #25692 by AlanF_US
- Los saludos son la base de los buenos modales.Greetings are the basis of good manners.Tatoeba #1355040 by marcelostockle, translation #28679 by Swift
- Saludos.Greetings.Tatoeba #12220506 by Agua, translation #11129883 by ddnktr
- Buenos días, señorGood morning, sir
- Buenas tardes, señoraGood afternoon, ma'am
- Buenas noches, señoritaGood evening, miss
- Hola, amigoHello, friend
- ¿Qué tal, hermano?What's up, brother?
- Buenas, chicaHi, girl
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are exchanging emails for a professional project.
- MaríaSaludos, Daniel. ¿Cómo estás hoy?Greetings, Daniel. How are you today?
- DanielHola, María. Estoy muy bien, gracias.Hello, María. I am very well, thank you.
- MaríaMe alegra saberlo. Adjunto el archivo.I am glad to hear that. I attach the file.
- DanielRecibido. Muchas gracias por todo.Received. Thank you very much for everything.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
