A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Morning" in Spanish
The standard Spanish greeting for 'good morning,' used until noon.
Buenos días
boo-EH-nos DEE-ahsneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase to greet anyone you encounter in the morning, from shopkeepers to friends. It's the polite and common way to start your day's interactions.
Alternatives
- HolaA general 'hello' that works anytime, but is less specific to the morning.
- BuenasA very casual, shortened version used among friends or in informal settings.
Ways to get it wrong
Saying 'Bueno días'
The adjective 'bueno' must agree in gender with the noun 'días,' so it becomes 'buenos.'
Using 'Buenos días' all day
This greeting is specifically for the morning, typically until noon.
A small cultural note
While 'Buenos días' is standard, some regions might use 'Buen día' (singular) more frequently, though 'Buenos días' is universally understood.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Hola and Buenos Dias?
'Hola' is a general 'hello' that can be used at any time of day. 'Buenos días' is specifically a 'good morning' greeting.
How do you say good morning in Spanish?
The most common way to say "good morning" in Spanish is "buenos días." This is used from sunrise until noon.
Is mañana morning or tomorrow?
The word "mañana" can mean both "morning" and "tomorrow" depending on the context. Usually, "por la mañana" refers to the morning, while "mañana" by itself refers to tomorrow.
Is there a Spanish word for morning?
Yes, the Spanish word for morning is "mañana." It is a feminine noun, so you would say "la mañana."