How do you answer the telephone in Spanish? I don't think it is "hello"

Question

Answering the telephone in Spanish

my parents always answered hola residencia and the last name( gonzales) hopes this helps - iedwards, Oct 21, 2010

Answer 1

Hi, William. Welcome to the forum.

I have mostly heard "¿hola?," "¿buenos?," and "¿sí?" when people answer the phone.

In Cuba I think the translation is "tell me" but I am not sure. - WilliamE, Oct 21, 2010

"Dime" would be "tell me." - --Mariana--, Oct 21, 2010

My Cuban friend's father always answered the phone "Digame!!" Like he was angry! LOL - RubyHeartedOne, Nov 28, 2015

Answer 2

you use 'alo' when answering the telephone in spanish.

hope that helps

Answer 3

The most common is Alo

That is how everyone here answers the phone. - lorenzo9, Oct 21, 2010

Answer 4

¿Diga? and ¿Sí? are the most common answers.

In Spain, and sometimes "¿quién es? or "¿quién llama?" - kawalero, Oct 21, 2010

Answer 5

In Mexico, the most common is "Bueno," "Diga," and occasionally "Sí."

"Hola" seems a bit personal, especially if you don´t know who the caller is.

Answer 6

Bueno. I have always heard the phone answered with bueno.

Answer 7

The most common in latin america is "alo" and "hola",sometimes you can hear a "sí?" too,but it's like to say "yes?" or "ready", meaning that you are waiting for the reply.Well,like I said it's in latin america,I'm not sure it's the same in spain or other countries,so I'd use the "Hola",everyone understand that like a cumpliment even in a phone call.Have a good day.

...everyone understands that like a compliment.... - Echoline, Oct 21, 2010

Answer 8

My Mexican coworkers all use "bueno."

Answer 9

The most common to me in Spain was ¿Diga? or ¿Digame?. Quite abrupt to an untutored English ear but perfectly acceptable in Spain.