If you’re planning to meet Argentinian people, understanding Argentine Spanish greetings is essential. In Buenos Aires and across the country, warmth shows up in how we say hello, how close we stand, and yes… the cheek-kiss. Below you’ll find the exact phrases to use, how the cheek-kiss works, and when to keep it casual.
Argentine Greetings
- In Buenos Aires, a single cheek-kiss is the default greeting among friends, family, and acquaintances.
- With new acquaintances or formal settings, a handshake is fine—read the room first.
- Common greetings in Argentine Spanish: ¿Cómo andás?, ¿Todo bien?, ¿Qué onda?, Hola, ¿cómo estás?, Buenas.
- Most casual goodbyes: Chau and Nos vemos.
- Use vos (not tú) when speaking in Argentinian Spanish.
The cheek-kiss (“beso en la mejilla”): what to expect
In Argentina, a greeting often includes a light touch of cheeks—it’s more of a soft brush than a real kiss.
- Who? Friends, family, classmates, coworkers you know, and acquaintances.
- Gender? Doesn’t matter: man–man, woman–woman, or mixed—totally normal.
- How many? In Buenos Aires, usually one. In some provinces, you may find two.
- When to skip it? If the other person clearly offers a handshake or the situation is formal (doctor’s office, first business meeting), follow their lead.
Cultural tip: When meeting your partner’s parents in Argentina, a cheek-kiss shows warmth and respect. Sticking to a distant handshake can feel overly formal.
5 natural ways to say hello (with translations)
All examples use vos, the standard in Argentine Spanish.
- ¿Cómo andás? — “How’s it going?”
- Andar literally means “to walk,” but here it’s “to be/feel.”
- Pronunciation tip: andás (stress on the last syllable).
- Hola, ¿cómo estás? — “Hi, how are you?”
- Works in almost any context. Friendly and safe.
- ¿Todo bien? — “All good?” / “Everything okay?”
- Very common, quick, and casual.
- ¿Qué onda? — “What’s up?”
- Informal Argentine slang. Use with friends or people your age.
- Buenas — “Hi/Hello” (neutral, anytime of day)
- A short, friendly alternative to hola when entering a shop or office.
Mini-practice
- ES: Che, ¿todo bien? — EN: “Hey, all good?”
- ES: ¿Vos querés sentarte acá? — EN: “Do you want to sit here?”
- ES: ¿Cómo andás hoy? — EN: “How are you doing today?”
How to say goodbye naturally
- Chau / Chao — “Bye.” (Most common, friendly)
- Nos vemos — “See you.”
- Hasta luego — “See you later.” (Neutral/polite)
- Adiós — “Goodbye.” (Can sound formal in everyday casual contexts)
Greeting + goodbye with the kiss
- Arrival: “¡Hola! ¿Todo bien?” → cheek-kiss
- Leaving: “Nos vemos, ¡chau!” → cheek-kiss again
A real-life story (read this before you land!)
One of my first students—she was from Germany—didn’t know about the cheek-kiss. When I greeted her the Argentine way, she froze for a second, surprised. We laughed, and I explained the custom. The lesson: don’t panic—it’s a friendly, everyday gesture here.
Dos and don’ts (etiquette checklist)
Do
- Follow the other person’s lead (handshake offered? handshake it is).
- Use vos: ¿Cómo andás?, ¿Tenés tiempo?, ¿Querés un mate?
- Keep it light: it’s a soft cheek touch, not a big kiss.
Don’t
- Force a kiss if the situation feels strictly formal.
- Say ¿Qué onda? to your doctor or in a serious business meeting—save Argentine slang for casual contexts.
- Over-apologize: if you go for a handshake and they go for a kiss (or vice-versa), laugh it off and switch.
FAQ: Argentine (Argentinian) Spanish greetings
Is a cheek-kiss required with everyone?
No. It’s common among people who know each other. With strangers or formal settings, a handshake is fine.
How many kisses?
Buenos Aires: one. Other regions: sometimes two.
Can men greet men with a kiss?
Yes—very normal in Argentina.
What’s the safest greeting if I’m unsure?
Say “Hola, ¿cómo estás?” and offer a light handshake; if they lean in, follow with a cheek-kiss.
Watch this video and learn more!
How I Can Help You Speak Argentinian Spanish
If you’re serious about traveling, moving to Argentina, or just finally learning the language that you’ve always wanted to speak — I’m here to help.
I’m Nicolas Gonzalez Miño, Spanish teacher, owner of the YouTube Channel “Spanish with Nico”, the founder of Spanish Mindset Academy – Learn Argentinian Spanish and the author of Mini Stories to Learn Spanish for Beginners, available on Amazon. Also, I have 2 podcast Argento Podcast, & Argentine Spanish from Scratch where I teach real Argentinian Spanish and slang.
In my YouTube Channel “Spanish with Nico”, with +1000 subscribers, I teach Spanish language and our dialect -Argentinian Spanish- and I explain everything about Argentinian history and culture.
In my 1:1 programs, you can learn Argentinian Spanish from scratch, for traveling / living / business & finally REACH FLUENCY in Argentine Spanish.
Start learning Argentinian Spanish right now and be free in ARGENTINA!
👉 Ready to start?
Check the links below to join the Spanish Mindset Program, get the book, or contact me directly on here.
Click here for more details for: 1:1 PROGRAM.
Click here for more details for: GROUP LESSONS.
📌 Ready to Learn More?
👉 Spanish Mindset Program: https://spanish-mindset.com/services/
📘 Grab the book: Mini Stories to Learn Spanish (on Amazon)
💬 Join my free Telegram group, ARGENTINA TRAVELERS.
📩 My YouTube Channel, Spanish with Nico.
Learn Argentinian Spanish: Slang & Culture | Spanish Mindset 