Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and warm and friendly locals. When visiting this magnificent city, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic greetings to connect with the people who call Barcelona their home. In this article, we’ll explore how people in Barcelona say hello and dive into the fascinating nuances of their greetings.
1. Hola
Hola is the most common way to say hello in Barcelona.
It’s a simple and universal greeting that you can use in any situation. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or passing by a stranger on the street, saying hola will always be appreciated. Remember to pronounce it as “o-la” with emphasis on the second syllable.
2. Bon dia / Bona tarda / Bona nit
In Barcelona, people also greet each other based on the time of day. Bon dia is used in the morning until around 1 pm, which translates to “good day” in English.
After 1 pm until around 8 pm, you can use Bona tarda, meaning “good afternoon.” Finally, after 8 pm until late at night or when parting ways with someone, saying Bona nit means “good night.” These greetings are not only polite but also show that you respect local customs.
3. Com estàs? / Com anem?
To engage in a more meaningful conversation and show genuine interest in someone’s well-being, you can ask Com estàs?, which means “How are you?”
Use this when talking to friends or acquaintances. Similarly, when addressing a group of people or asking how things are going, you can say Com anem?, which translates to “How are we doing?” These greetings demonstrate your willingness to connect on a deeper level.
4. Què tal?
If you’re looking for a casual and friendly way to greet someone in Barcelona, use Què tal?. This phrase can be used in various situations, and it’s equivalent to saying “What’s up?”
or “How’s it going?” in English. It’s a versatile greeting that works well with friends, colleagues, or even strangers you want to strike up a conversation with.
5. Salut!
When raising a glass and making a toast, the people of Barcelona say Salut!, which means “Cheers!”
This is a common phrase used during social gatherings or when enjoying traditional Catalan cuisine. It’s the perfect way to join in the celebration and show your appreciation for the local customs.
In Summary
- Hola – Hello (universal greeting)
- Bon dia – Good morning (until around 1 pm)
- Bona tarda – Good afternoon (from 1 pm until around 8 pm)
- Bona nit – Good night (after 8 pm or when parting ways)
- Com estàs? – How are you? (more meaningful greetings)
- Com anem? – How are we doing?
(group context)
- Què tal? – What’s up? (casual greeting)
- Salut! – Cheers! (toasting)
Now that you have a better understanding of how people in Barcelona say hello, you can confidently greet the locals during your visit. Remember to embrace the local customs and make an effort to connect with the warm and friendly people of this vibrant city. ¡Hola Barcelona!