Textbooks teach you "hola" — but native Spanish speakers use a whole range of casual greetings depending on their mood, relationship, and country. Knowing these informal expressions is what separates textbook Spanish from the real thing. Whether you're chatting with friends, texting, or just passing someone in the street, these are the greetings that will make you sound natural.

¿Qué tal? is the Swiss Army knife of casual Spanish greetings. It works as a greeting ("Hey, how's it going?"), a follow-up ("So how did it go?"), and even a reaction ("What do you think?"). It's understood everywhere from Madrid to Mexico City to Buenos Aires and sounds natural in almost any informal context. If you only learn one casual greeting beyond "hola," make it ¿Qué tal?

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In Spanish-speaking cultures, informal greetings often go beyond words. In Spain and most of Latin America, close friends and family greet with un beso (a kiss on the cheek — one in most of Latin America, two in Spain). Men typically shake hands or give a hug (un abrazo). In Argentina, even men may greet with a kiss. These physical greetings are part of the warmth of Spanish culture and accompany the casual phrases above.