When you step into Peru, you’ll quickly notice that greetings aren’t just about saying “hello” – they’re a gateway to local culture and social connection. From the bustling streets of Lima to the heights of Cusco, each region adds its own flavor to Spanish greetings.
Essential Everyday Greetings
The versatile “¿Qué tal?” serves as your go-to greeting throughout Peru. It’s casual yet respectful, perfect for most situations you’ll encounter. In Lima, you’ll often hear “¿Cómo estás, pe?” where “pe” adds that distinctly Peruvian touch – it’s similar to saying “right?” or “you know?” in English.
Regional Variations
- Coast (Costa)
- “¿Qué cuentas?” – Literally “what do you count?” but means “what’s new?”
- “¿Qué fue?” – A very informal “what’s up?”
- “¿Qué hay?” – Similar to “what’s up?”
- Mountains (Sierra)
- “¿Qué dice?” – Literally “what do you say?” but means “how are you?”
- “¿Qué novedad?” – “What’s new?”
- “Buenos días, pues” – Adding “pues” is typical in highland speech
- Jungle (Selva)
- “¿Qué es lo que hay?” – An extended form of “what’s up?”
- “¿Todo bien?” – “All good?”
Time-Specific Greetings
- Morning: “Buenos días”
- Afternoon: “Buenas tardes”
- Evening/Night: “Buenas noches”
Saying Goodbye
- “Chau” – The most common informal goodbye
- “Nos vemos” – “See you later”
- “Hasta luego” – “Until later”
- “Me voy yendo” – Literally “I’m going going,” used when beginning to leave
Social Context and Formality
- Formal Situations
- “Buenos días, señor/señora” – For business or with elders
- “¿Cómo está usted?” – Formal “how are you?”
- Informal Situations
- “¡Hola, pe!” – Very casual greeting with friends
- “¿Qué tal, hermano?” – Between male friends
- “¿Qué tal, chica?” – Between female friends
Regional Expressions to Know
Your greeting might be followed by these common Peruvian expressions:
- “¿Qué novedades?” – “What’s new?”
- “¿Qué me cuentas?” – “What do you have to tell me?”
- “¿Todo tranquilo?” – “Everything peaceful?”
Digital Greetings
Even in text messages and social media, Peruvians maintain their distinctive style:
- “Hola pe”
- “Qtal?” (abbreviated form)
- “Wenas” (informal spelling of “buenas”)
Understanding Local Greetings in Peruvian Spanish isn’t just about memorizing phrases – it’s about connecting with the warm, expressive nature of Peruvian culture. Each greeting carries the personality of its region and the friendliness that Peru is known for.