Which one??

Question

I've heard people say, "¿Que pasa?" asking, "What's up?"

But, I've also heard people say, ¿Que tal?".

Is there any significant difference, and when should I use them? I've tried looking it up, but I can't really get a clear answer.

Astotxua's answer is very clear for Spain. I think gringojrf is familiar with Mexican speech. There are probably other variations in other countries. - Jubilado, Mar 22, 2016

You should check for more answers later. - Jubilado, Mar 22, 2016

Okay! - lace_660, Mar 22, 2016

Answer 1

Just like in English you use a variety of greetings with your friends. there are a variety of greetings in Spanish as well. You may well hear both of these from the same person on different days along with ¿Como estás? and ¿Qué onda? and many more. They are just greetings.

Answer 2

In Spain using both as a greeting there is only a diference.

Que pasa is used by the young people with their friends and usually is followed mainly by ti@ or colega,

Que pasa (ti@/colega).

Que tal is used by everybody and is usually preced by hola.

Hola que tal.

In a formal way it is also followed by the verb estar.

Hola. ¿que tal estas?/¿que tal esta usted.

Thanks y'all!! - lace_660, Mar 22, 2016

Answer 3

Around here in Florida, you hear "que bueno" a lot. We have a mix of many different cultures from Central, South America, and the Caribbean, plus México!