Spanish · Real conversations
How to respond to “¡Hola!” in Spanish
A greeting opens the exchange. Match the time and relationship, then add a small follow-up if you want to keep talking.
What you might hear
¡Hola!
Hello!
Choose a reply that fits
¡Hola!
Hello!
A simple greeting works in a brief encounter.
Buenos días.
Good morning.
Use a morning greeting during the morning.
Qué gusto verte.
Nice to see you.
A warm choice when you already know the person.
¿Cómo estás?
How are you?
Invite a short check-in instead of ending with a greeting.
Two short exchanges
A brief greeting
¡Hola!
Hello!
¡Hola!
Hello!
Meeting someone you know
¡Buenos días!
Good morning!
Buenos días.
Good morning.
Your turn
Greet someone you already know and show that you are pleased to see them.
Reveal a sample reply
Qué gusto verte.
Nice to see you.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
