Colombian Greetings

What's up / How are you

¿Qué más? is the most Colombian way to greet someone. While it literally translates to "what else?", Colombians use it exactly like "what's up?" or "how are you?". You'll hear it dozens of times a day in Colombia.

What's happening / What's up

¿Qué hubo? (often shortened to ¿Quiubo? or ¿Quiubas?) is another very Colombian greeting. It's slightly more informal than ¿Qué más? and carries a warm, friendly tone.

Hi / Hey (quick greeting)

"Buenas" is the ultra-casual shortening of buenos días/tardes/noches. Colombians use it at any time of day as a quick, friendly hello. It's one of the most distinctly Colombian greetings.

Bye / Goodbye

Colombians say "chao" (borrowed from Italian "ciao") instead of "adiós". It's by far the most common way to say goodbye in Colombia at all levels of formality.

See you later / Catch you later

"Nos vemos" is the standard Colombian farewell meaning "see you later". It's warmer and more common than "adiós" and works in any setting from casual to professional.

With pleasure / You're welcome

"Con mucho gusto" is one of the most distinctly Colombian expressions. It means "with pleasure" and is used as a warm "you're welcome" or to enthusiastically agree to help someone. It signals Colombian warmth and hospitality.

Good morning / Have a good day

Colombians are big on morning greetings. "Buenos días" is warm and universal. In offices and shops, Colombians greet everyone they pass with "buenos días" — even strangers. It's a sign of respect and warmth that immediately signals good manners.

See you later / Goodbye

"Hasta luego" is a warm goodbye meaning "until later". It's slightly more formal than "chao" but still very common. In Colombian service culture, you'll hear "hasta luego" constantly from shopkeepers and staff as you leave.