A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "What's up" in Spanish
A casual Spanish greeting meaning 'What's up?' or 'What's happening?'
¿Qué pasa?
keh PAH-sahcasual
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you see a friend or someone you know well. It's a quick and informal way to ask what's going on.
Alternatives
- ¿Qué tal?Slightly more versatile, can be used in more situations than '¿Qué pasa?'
- ¿Cómo estás?A more direct 'How are you?' and slightly more formal.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't use with strangers.
This phrase is too informal for people you don't know.
Literal translation trap.
While 'pasa' means 'happens,' don't translate it word-for-word in your head; it's a set greeting.
A small cultural note
In some places, '¿Qué pasa?' can sometimes imply you're asking if there's a problem, but in most casual greetings, it's understood as 'What's up?'
Frequently asked
Is ¿Qué pasa? the same as what's up?
Yes, it's a very common and direct translation for the casual English greeting 'What's up?' It asks what is happening.
Can I use ¿Qué pasa? with my teacher?
Generally no, unless you have a very friendly and informal relationship with your teacher. It's best reserved for friends and peers.
What's a safer greeting if I'm unsure?
If you're unsure about formality, '¿Qué tal?' or 'Hola, ¿cómo estás?' are safer bets. They are widely understood and less likely to be too casual.
What is Spanish slang for what's up?
Common slang for 'what's up' includes ¿Qué pasa?, ¿Qué onda?, and ¿Qué hubo? These are informal greetings used among friends.
Does 'que pasa' mean 'what's up'?
Yes, '¿Qué pasa?' is a very common way to say 'what's up?' in Spanish. It's a casual greeting used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
How do you say 'hey what's up' in Spanish?
You can say 'Oye, ¿qué pasa?' or 'Hola, ¿qué onda?' to greet someone informally with 'hey what's up'.
How do Mexicans say wassup?
Mexicans often use '¿Qué onda?' or '¿Qué pedo?' (very informal) to say 'what's up?'.
