In Spanish, how you say hello can change a lot based on who you are talking to and where you are.

Formal Greetings

• When to Use: Use these when talking to older people, at work, or when you want to be polite.

• Some Examples:

  • "Buenos días" means "Good morning."
  • "Buenas tardes" means "Good afternoon."
  • "¿Cómo está usted?" means "How are you?"

Informal Greetings

• When to Use: Use these with friends, family, or people your age.

• Some Examples:

  • "Hola" means "Hi."
  • "¿Qué tal?" means "What's up?"
  • "¿Cómo estás?" means "How are you?"

Key Differences

• Pronouns: In formal greetings, you say "usted," but in informal ones, you say "tú."

• Tone: Formal greetings sound polite, while informal ones feel more casual and friendly.

Understanding these differences can help you have better conversations, whether you're talking every day or learning about new cultures.