Can I use "buenas" as greeting?

Question

I've recently been in Barcelona and I guess a guy just said "Buenas, ¿que tal?" instead of "Buenos días". Is that a common phrase in spanish or was that just mishear? And if so, can I use that in every spanish speaking country or is that a local phrase?

Answer 1

Yes, "buenas" is common at least in Spain and Mexico. I can´t speak for other countries..

Answer 2

Here's an old post from when I asked the question before. Note that in Mexico, it can be considered vulgar. Not sure why, but that is what was said.

buenas as a greeting

Good link. :) - bosquederoble, Apr 25, 2017

Answer 3

In my country you could say it too.

Answer 4

"Buenas" is used everywhere. It's the short for "buenos días" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon, good evening) y buenas noches (good evening).

If you say it cordially it would not be offensive or disrespectful. Of course if you are in a very formal situation and you want to honor that you'd better use the whole phrases.

**Note that in English the phrase "good night" is a farewell, not a greeting. But in Spanish "buenas noches" is a greeting, not a farewell.

Example: You arrive at a restaurant at 9PM, you say "good evening" as a greeting. In Spanish you say "buenas noches" or just "buenas" also as a greeting in the same situation.

Only the Spanish speakers living in an English speaking country or under the strong influence of the English language use "buenas noches" as a farewell.

I hope this helps.

Answer 5

In most of Central America, you can say "Buenas" and it is perfectly fine. It is not vulgar, but it is informal. It is very similar to saying "Morning" in The United States instead of "Good morning".

"Buenas" is certainly fine in Guatemala, my native country. The only exception that I know is Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, I have been corrected by several people when saying "Buenos días/tardes/noches". They seem to use the singular: "Buen dia", "Buena tarde", "Buena noche". Can anyone from Costa Rica verify this?

Answer 6

Yes, "Buenas" can be used as a greeting. Also as a goodbye as well. I'd never say this to anyone older than me, normally it is just for your friends.

No. Actually when you leave you say "bueno" with a special emphasis. That is an informal substitute for bye mainly in Latin America. - Raff75, Apr 26, 2017

I have never heard "buenas" or "bueno" used as "goodbye", it would sound very strange. In Mexico we answer the phone by saying "Bueno", "Diga", Sí" - 005faa61, Apr 26, 2017