How to Say “What’s Up” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to say “What’s up” in Spanish is essential for any language learner aiming for fluency and natural conversation. This phrase, used casually to greet someone or inquire about their well-being, has many equivalents in Spanish, each with its own nuance and regional variation.

Understanding these nuances will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in different Spanish-speaking contexts. This article provides a detailed exploration of the various ways to say “What’s up” in Spanish, complete with examples, usage rules, and practice exercises.

This guide is suitable for beginners, intermediate learners, and anyone looking to refine their conversational Spanish.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories
  • ¿Qué pasa?
  • ¿Qué tal?
  • ¿Cómo estás? / ¿Cómo está?
  • ¿Qué hay de nuevo?
  • Dime / Dímelo
  • ¿Qué onda?
  • Other Expressions
• Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

Mastering everyday greetings and casual inquiries is paramount to becoming proficient in any language. Asking “What’s up?” is a common way to initiate a conversation, show interest in someone’s life, or simply acknowledge their presence.

In Spanish, there are several ways to convey this meaning, ranging from the straightforward to the idiomatic. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently use these expressions in various social situations.

By exploring the different nuances and regional variations, you’ll be better prepared to engage in authentic and meaningful conversations with native Spanish speakers. Whether you are a student, traveler, or simply an enthusiast, this guide will provide valuable insights into the vibrant world of Spanish greetings.

Definition

The phrase “What’s up” is a colloquial greeting or inquiry used to ask about someone’s current state, activities, or general well-being. In Spanish, there isn’t a single, direct translation, but rather a variety of expressions that capture the same essence.

These expressions can be classified based on their level of formality, regional usage, and specific connotation. They function as conversation starters, indicating interest in the other person’s life or simply serving as a friendly acknowledgment.

The choice of which expression to use depends heavily on the context of the conversation and the relationship between the speakers. Understanding the subtle differences between these expressions is crucial for effective communication in Spanish.

Structural Breakdown

The Spanish equivalents of “What’s up” often involve interrogative pronouns and verbs that inquire about a person’s state or recent activities. For instance, “¿Qué pasa?” directly translates to “What’s happening?” or “What’s going on?”. The structure of “¿Qué tal?” is simpler, directly asking “How’s it going?”. “¿Cómo estás?” is a more direct question about someone’s well-being, translating to “How are you?”. These phrases typically consist of an interrogative word (qué, cómo), a verb (pasar, estar, haber), and sometimes a pronoun to specify who is being addressed. The word order is generally consistent with Spanish question formation, with the verb often preceding the subject pronoun (which is often omitted). The structural simplicity of these phrases makes them easy to learn and use, even for beginners.

The use of pronouns also plays a crucial role in conveying the appropriate level of formality. For example, using “tú” (informal “you”) with “¿Cómo estás?” is appropriate for friends and family, while using “usted” (formal “you”) with “¿Cómo está?” is necessary when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone in a position of authority.

Understanding these grammatical nuances is essential for avoiding social faux pas and maintaining respectful communication. The correct use of pronouns and verb conjugations is a fundamental aspect of Spanish grammar that directly impacts the effectiveness of these common greetings.

Types and Categories

There are several ways to say “What’s up” in Spanish, each with its own specific usage and nuance. Here are some of the most common expressions:

¿Qué pasa?

¿Qué pasa? is one of the most common and versatile ways to say “What’s up” in Spanish. It literally translates to “What’s happening?” or “What’s going on?”. It’s suitable for informal situations and can be used to greet friends, family, or acquaintances. It can also be used to inquire about a problem or issue.

¿Qué tal?

¿Qué tal? is a simple and widely used greeting that translates to “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?”. It’s a versatile option for both formal and informal situations, making it a safe choice when you’re unsure about the appropriate level of formality. It’s often used as a quick and casual greeting.

¿Cómo estás? / ¿Cómo está?

¿Cómo estás? (informal) and ¿Cómo está? (formal) both translate to “How are you?”. While not a direct translation of “What’s up,” they serve a similar purpose by inquiring about someone’s well-being. The choice between estás and está depends on the level of formality required by the situation.

¿Qué hay de nuevo?

¿Qué hay de nuevo? translates to “What’s new?” and is used to inquire about any recent developments or news in someone’s life. It’s a more specific question than “What’s up?” and implies that you’re interested in hearing about any changes or updates. This phrase is more common in some regions than others.

Dime / Dímelo

Dime (informal) and Dímelo (more emphatic) translate to “Tell me” or “Tell me about it.” While not a direct translation of “What’s up?”, they can be used in a similar way to invite someone to share what’s happening in their life. These are more common in Latin America, especially in Caribbean countries.

¿Qué onda?

¿Qué onda? is a slang term that translates to “What’s up?” or “What’s the vibe?”. It’s commonly used in Mexico and some other Latin American countries. It’s a very informal expression and should only be used with close friends and peers.

Other Expressions

There are several other regional and slang expressions that can be used to say “What’s up” in Spanish, including:
* ¿Qué bolá? (Cuba)
* ¿Qué rollo? (Mexico)
* ¿Qué más? (Colombia, Venezuela)
* ¿Qué haces? (What are you doing?)

Examples

Here are some examples of how to use the different expressions for “What’s up” in Spanish in various contexts:

Table 1: Examples Using “¿Qué pasa?”

Spanish	English	Context
¿Qué pasa, Juan? ¿Por qué estás tan callado?	What’s up, Juan? Why are you so quiet?	Informal, inquiring about someone’s mood.
¿Qué pasa aquí? ¿Por qué hay tanta gente?	What’s going on here? Why are there so many people?	Inquiring about a situation.
¿Qué pasa con el proyecto? ¿Ya lo terminaste?	What’s up with the project? Did you finish it yet?	Asking about the status of something.
¿Qué pasa, María? ¿Todo bien?	What’s up, Maria? Is everything okay?	Greeting a friend and checking on her well-being.
¿Qué pasa con este coche? No arranca.	What’s wrong with this car? It won’t start.	Inquiring about a problem.
¿Qué pasa, chicos? ¿Listos para la fiesta?	What’s up, guys? Ready for the party?	Greeting a group of friends.
¿Qué pasa? Te veo preocupado.	What’s up? You look worried.	Expressing concern.
¿Qué pasa, jefe? ¿Necesita algo?	What’s up, boss? Do you need anything?	Speaking to a superior (though less formal).
¿Qué pasa con la televisión? No funciona.	What’s wrong with the television? It’s not working.	Identifying an issue with something.
¿Qué pasa, Ana? ¿Por qué llegas tarde?	What’s up, Ana? Why are you late?	Asking for an explanation.
¿Qué pasa contigo hoy? Estás muy raro.	What’s up with you today? You’re acting very strange.	Commenting on someone’s unusual behavior.
¿Qué pasa en la escuela? ¿Hay algún problema?	What’s happening at school? Is there a problem?	Asking about events at a specific place.
¿Qué pasa con la comida? ¿Cuándo estará lista?	What’s up with the food? When will it be ready?	Inquiring about the timing of something.
¿Qué pasa, abuelo? ¿Te sientes bien?	What’s up, grandpa? Are you feeling well?	Showing concern for a family member.
¿Qué pasa con el internet? No tengo conexión.	What’s wrong with the internet? I have no connection.	Reporting a technical issue.
¿Qué pasa, Pedro? ¿Te has resfriado?	What’s up, Pedro? Have you caught a cold?	Commenting on someone’s appearance or health.
¿Qué pasa con la música? Está muy alta.	What’s up with the music? It’s too loud.	Expressing a complaint.
¿Qué pasa, Sara? ¿Por qué estás llorando?	What’s up, Sara? Why are you crying?	Showing concern and asking for an explanation.
¿Qué pasa con el tráfico? Está horrible.	What’s up with the traffic? It’s terrible.	Commenting on an external situation.
¿Qué pasa, Luis? ¿Tienes buenas noticias?	What’s up, Luis? Do you have good news?	Expecting a positive response.

Table 2: Examples Using “¿Qué tal?”

Spanish	English	Context
¿Qué tal, María? ¿Cómo estás?	What’s up, Maria? How are you?	Casual greeting, slightly more formal.
¿Qué tal el trabajo? ¿Todo bien?	How’s work? Everything okay?	Asking about someone’s job.
¿Qué tal la película? ¿Te gustó?	How was the movie? Did you like it?	Asking about someone’s experience.
¿Qué tal el viaje? ¿Lo pasaste bien?	How was the trip? Did you have a good time?	Inquiring about a trip.
¿Qué tal, Juan? ¡Cuánto tiempo!	What’s up, Juan? Long time no see!	Greeting an old friend.
¿Qué tal, clase? ¿Listos para empezar?	What’s up, class? Ready to start?	A teacher addressing a class.
¿Qué tal la cena? ¿Estaba rica?	How was dinner? Was it delicious?	Asking about a meal.
¿Qué tal el examen? ¿Fue difícil?	How was the exam? Was it difficult?	Asking about an exam.
¿Qué tal, señor? ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?	What’s up, sir? How can I help you?	A formal greeting in a service setting.
¿Qué tal el partido? ¿Ganó nuestro equipo?	How was the game? Did our team win?	Asking about a sports game.
¿Qué tal, chicos? ¿Qué planes tienen para hoy?	What’s up, guys? What are your plans for today?	Greeting a group of friends and asking about their plans.
¿Qué tal, doctora? ¿Cómo se encuentra hoy?	What’s up, doctor? How are you feeling today?	Greeting a doctor.
¿Qué tal el clima por allá? ¿Está lloviendo?	How’s the weather over there? Is it raining?	Asking about the weather.
¿Qué tal el libro que estás leyendo? ¿Lo recomiendas?	How’s the book you’re reading? Do you recommend it?	Asking about a book.
¿Qué tal, profesor? ¿Todo en orden?	What’s up, professor? Is everything in order?	Greeting a professor.
¿Qué tal la reunión? ¿Se llegó a un acuerdo?	How was the meeting? Was an agreement reached?	Asking about a meeting.
¿Qué tal el nuevo restaurante? ¿Es caro?	How’s the new restaurant? Is it expensive?	Asking about a new restaurant.
¿Qué tal, amiga? ¿Cómo va todo en tu vida?	What’s up, friend? How’s everything going in your life?	Greeting a friend and asking about her life.
¿Qué tal el concierto? ¿Te gustó la banda?	How was the concert? Did you like the band?	Asking about a concert.
¿Qué tal, vecino? ¿Necesitas ayuda con algo?	What’s up, neighbor? Do you need help with anything?	Greeting a neighbor and offering help.

Table 3: Examples Using “¿Cómo estás?” / “¿Cómo está?”

Spanish	English	Context
¿Cómo estás, Ana? Te veo muy bien.	How are you, Ana? You look great.	Informal, complimenting someone.
¿Cómo está, Sr. López? Es un placer verlo.	How are you, Mr. Lopez? It’s a pleasure to see you.	Formal greeting.
¿Cómo estás hoy? ¿Te sientes mejor?	How are you today? Are you feeling better?	Asking about someone’s health.
¿Cómo estás, cariño? Te he echado de menos.	How are you, darling? I’ve missed you.	Affectionate greeting.
¿Cómo está su familia, señora?	How is your family, madam?	Formal, inquiring about family.
¿Cómo estás, Juan? ¿Listo para el partido de hoy?	How are you, Juan? Ready for today’s game?	Informal, asking if someone is ready for an event.
¿Cómo está, Doctora Rodríguez? ¿Todo bien en el consultorio?	How are you, Doctor Rodriguez? Is everything okay in the office?	Formal, asking about work in a professional setting.
¿Cómo estás, abuela? ¿Te duele algo?	How are you, grandma? Does anything hurt?	Informal, showing concern for an elderly relative.
¿Cómo está su madre, señor? Espero que esté mejorando.	How is your mother, sir? I hope she is improving.	Formal, showing concern for someone’s family member.
¿Cómo estás, amigo? ¿Qué tal te fue en el viaje?	How are you, friend? How was your trip?	Informal, asking about a trip.
¿Cómo estás, María? ¿Ya terminaste el proyecto?	How are you, Maria? Have you finished the project yet?	Informal, asking about the progress of a project.
¿Cómo está, profesor? ¿Disfrutó de sus vacaciones?	How are you, professor? Did you enjoy your vacation?	Formal, asking about a vacation.
¿Cómo estás, vecino? ¿Necesitas ayuda con algo?	How are you, neighbor? Do you need help with anything?	Informal, offering help to a neighbor.
¿Cómo está su salud, señorita?	How is your health, miss?	Formal, asking about someone’s health.
¿Cómo estás, cariño? ¿Te sientes cansado después del trabajo?	How are you, honey? Do you feel tired after work?	Informal, showing affection and concern.
¿Cómo está, jefe? ¿Todo bien en la oficina?	How are you, boss? Is everything okay in the office?	Formal, asking about work in an office setting.
¿Cómo estás, papá? ¿Te cuidaste hoy?	How are you, dad? Did you take care of yourself today?	Informal, showing concern for a parent.
¿Cómo está su esposa, señor? Espero que se recupere pronto.	How is your wife, sir? I hope she recovers soon.	Formal, showing concern for someone’s spouse.
¿Cómo estás, Pedro? ¿Qué tal el nuevo trabajo?	How are you, Pedro? How’s the new job?	Informal, asking about a new job.
¿Cómo está, señora González? ¿Le gusta el nuevo vecindario?	How are you, Mrs. Gonzalez? Do you like the new neighborhood?	Formal, asking about a new neighborhood.

Table 4: Examples Using “¿Qué hay de nuevo?”

Spanish	English	Context
¿Qué hay de nuevo, amigo? Cuéntame todo.	What’s new, friend? Tell me everything.	Informal, expecting news.
¿Qué hay de nuevo en el trabajo?	What’s new at work?	Asking about work-related updates.
¿Qué hay de nuevo con tu proyecto?	What’s new with your project?	Inquiring about progress on a project.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, vecino?	What’s new, neighbor?	Casual greeting, expecting some news.
¿Qué hay de nuevo en tu vida?	What’s new in your life?	Asking for general updates.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, María? ¿Alguna noticia emocionante?	What’s new, Maria? Any exciting news?	Informal, expecting exciting news.
¿Qué hay de nuevo en la escuela? ¿Algún chisme?	What’s new at school? Any gossip?	Informal, expecting gossip.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, Juan? ¿Sigues trabajando en el mismo lugar?	What’s new, Juan? Are you still working at the same place?	Informal, asking about work.
¿Qué hay de nuevo con tu familia? ¿Todos bien?	What’s new with your family? Is everyone okay?	Informal, asking about family.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, amigo? ¿Ya tienes planes para el fin de semana?	What’s new, friend? Do you have plans for the weekend yet?	Informal, asking about weekend plans.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, vecino? ¿Cómo va la remodelación de la casa?	What’s new, neighbor? How’s the house remodeling going?	Informal, asking about a specific project.
¿Qué hay de nuevo en el equipo? ¿Algún nuevo miembro?	What’s new on the team? Any new members?	Informal, asking about a team.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, abuela? ¿Alguna receta nueva que quieras compartir?	What’s new, grandma? Any new recipe you want to share?	Informal, asking an elderly relative.
¿Qué hay de nuevo en la ciudad? ¿Algún evento interesante?	What’s new in the city? Any interesting event?	Informal, asking about city events.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, colega? ¿Algún proyecto nuevo en mente?	What’s new, colleague? Any new project in mind?	Informal, asking about work projects.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, Sara? ¿Cómo va tu búsqueda de empleo?	What’s new, Sara? How’s your job search going?	Informal, asking about a job search.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, Luis? ¿Has visto alguna película buena últimamente?	What’s new, Luis? Have you seen any good movie lately?	Informal, asking about movies.
¿Qué hay de nuevo con el coche? ¿Ya lo arreglaste?	What’s new with the car? Did you fix it yet?	Informal, asking about a car repair.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, amigo? ¿Has viajado a algún lugar interesante recientemente?	What’s new, friend? Have you traveled anywhere interesting recently?	Informal, asking about travels.
¿Qué hay de nuevo, profesor? ¿Algún tema nuevo que vayamos a estudiar?	What’s new, professor? Any new topic we’re going to study?	Informal, asking a professor.

Table 5: Examples Using “Dime / Dímelo”

Spanish	English	Context
Dime, ¿qué tal tu día?	Tell me, how was your day?	Informal, inviting someone to share.
Dímelo todo, no me ocultes nada.	Tell me everything, don’t hide anything from me.	Emphatic, wanting to know all details.
Dime, ¿qué piensas de esta idea?	Tell me, what do you think of this idea?	Seeking someone’s opinion.
Dime la verdad, por favor.	Tell me the truth, please.	Requesting honesty.
Dímelo, si es que te atreves.	Tell me, if you dare.	Challenging someone to speak.
Dime, ¿qué te preocupa?	Tell me, what worries you?	Informal, wanting to know what’s on someone’s mind.
Dímelo, ¿qué pasó en la fiesta?	Tell me, what happened at the party?	Informal, wanting to know about an event.
Dime, ¿cómo te fue en la entrevista?	Tell me, how did the interview go?	Informal, asking about an interview.
Dímelo, ¿qué te dijo el médico?	Tell me, what did the doctor say?	Informal, asking about a doctor’s visit.
Dime, ¿cuál es tu secreto?	Tell me, what’s your secret?	Informal, wanting to know a secret.
Dímelo, ¿qué planes tienes para el futuro?	Tell me, what plans do you have for the future?	Informal, asking about future plans.
Dime, ¿qué te gustaría hacer hoy?	Tell me, what would you like to do today?	Informal, asking about preferences.
Dímelo, ¿qué estás pensando?	Tell me, what are you thinking?	Informal, wanting to know someone’s thoughts.
Dime, ¿qué te hizo cambiar de opinión?	Tell me, what made you change your mind?	Informal, asking about a change of opinion.
Dímelo, ¿qué te gustaría pedir para cenar?	Tell me, what would you like to order for dinner?	Informal, asking about dinner preferences.
Dime, ¿qué te pareció la película?	Tell me, what did you think of the movie?	Informal, asking for an opinion about a movie.
Dímelo, ¿qué te dijo tu jefe?	Tell me, what did your boss say?	Informal, asking about a boss.
Dime, ¿qué te regalaron para tu cumpleaños?	Tell me, what did you get for your birthday?	Informal, asking about birthday gifts.
Dímelo, ¿cuál es tu color favorito?	Tell me, what’s your favorite color?	Informal, asking about a favorite color.
Dime, ¿qué te gustaría aprender a hacer?	Tell me, what would you like to learn to do?	Informal, asking about learning goals.

Usage Rules

The appropriate use of these expressions depends on several factors, including the level of formality, the region, and the context of the conversation. ¿Qué pasa? and ¿Qué tal? are generally safe choices for informal situations, while ¿Cómo estás? requires attention to the correct form (estás for informal, está for formal). ¿Qué hay de nuevo? is best used when you expect the person to have some news to share. Dime/Dímelo is more of an invitation to speak than a greeting. ¿Qué onda? is very informal and should only be used with close friends in certain regions.

It’s also important to be aware of regional variations. For example, ¿Qué onda? is primarily used in Mexico, while ¿Qué bolá? is specific to Cuba. Using a regional expression in the wrong context can sound out of place or even be misunderstood. When in doubt, stick to the more common and widely accepted expressions like ¿Qué pasa? and ¿Qué tal?. Paying attention to how native speakers use these expressions in different situations will help you develop a better understanding of their nuances and appropriate usage.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using the formal ¿Cómo está? in informal situations, which can sound overly stiff or even disrespectful. Conversely, using the informal ¿Cómo estás? in formal situations can be seen as impolite. Another mistake is using regional expressions in the wrong regions, which can lead to confusion or amusement. It’s also important to remember that these expressions are greetings, not detailed inquiries. Avoid using them in situations where a more specific question is required.

For example:

Incorrect: ¿Cómo está, Juan? (when Juan is a close friend)
Correct: ¿Cómo estás, Juan?

Incorrect: ¿Qué onda, Señor Presidente? (addressing the President)
Correct: ¿Cómo está, Señor Presidente? or simply Buenos días, Señor Presidente.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Greeting

Select the most appropriate greeting for each situation:

Situation	Options	Answer
Greeting a close friend.	a) ¿Cómo está? b) ¿Qué pasa? c) ¿Qué hay de nuevo?	b) ¿Qué pasa?
Greeting your boss.	a) ¿Qué tal? b) ¿Qué onda? c) ¿Cómo está?	c) ¿Cómo está?
Greeting a classmate you see every day.	a) ¿Qué hay de nuevo? b) ¿Cómo estás? c) ¿Qué bolá?	b) ¿Cómo estás?
Greeting a neighbor you haven’t seen in a while.	a) ¿Qué pasa? b) ¿Qué hay de nuevo? c) ¿Qué tal?	b) ¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Greeting a group of friends before a party.	a) ¿Cómo está? b) ¿Qué tal? c) ¿Qué onda?	b) ¿Qué tal?
Greeting a store clerk.	a) ¿Qué pasa? b) ¿Cómo está? c) ¿Qué onda?	b) ¿Cómo está?
Asking a friend who seems worried what’s wrong.	a) ¿Qué hay de nuevo? b) ¿Qué pasa? c) ¿Cómo estás?	b) ¿Qué pasa?
Greeting a new acquaintance in a casual setting.	a) ¿Cómo está? b) ¿Qué tal? c) ¿Qué bolá?	b) ¿Qué tal?
Greeting a family member you haven’t seen in a month.	a) ¿Qué tal? b) ¿Qué hay de nuevo? c) ¿Qué pasa?	b) ¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Greeting a group of teenagers in Mexico.	a) ¿Cómo está? b) ¿Qué onda? c) ¿Qué tal?	b) ¿Qué onda?

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following sentences into Spanish, using the most appropriate expression for “What’s up”:

1. What’s up, man? How’s it going?
2. How are you, Mr. Smith? It’s a pleasure to see you.
3. What’s new with you? Anything exciting happening?
4. Tell me, what’s on your mind?
5. What’s up, guys? Ready to go?

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring idiomatic expressions and regional slang can add depth to your understanding of Spanish greetings. Researching the specific slang used in different Spanish-speaking countries can provide valuable insights into the local culture and language.

Additionally, studying the historical context of these expressions can reveal interesting facts about their origins and evolution.

Another advanced topic is mastering the art of responding to these greetings. While “Bien, gracias” (Fine, thank you) is a common response to “¿Cómo estás?”, there are many other ways to answer depending on your mood and the context of the conversation.

Learning these alternative responses can make your conversations more natural and engaging.

FAQ

Conclusion

Learning how to say “What’s up” in Spanish is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and naturally with native speakers. By understanding the nuances of each expression, considering the context and level of formality, and being aware of regional variations, you can confidently use these greetings in a variety of situations.

Practice using these expressions in real conversations to further refine your skills and develop a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and culture. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Spanish greetings and making meaningful connections with Spanish speakers around the world.