How to Say Hello in Uruguay: Formal & Informal Greetings

Uruguayans are warm, polite, and place value on proper greetings. Whether you're strolling Montevideo's Rambla or sharing mate in a pueblo, knowing the right saludo makes all the difference.

Formal Greetings (Time-Based)

Use these in professional settings, with elders, or anyone you don't know well.

• Buenos días — Good morning (used until ~12:00 PM)
• Buenas tardes — Good afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
• Buenas noches — Good evening/night (after 6:00 PM)

Pair with a handshake and direct eye contact. Add "¿Cómo le va?" (How are you? — formal) for extra courtesy.

Informal Greetings (Friends, Family, Peers)

• Hola — Universal, all-day, casual "hi"
• ¿Cómo estás? — "How are you?" (informal tú form)
• ¿Qué tal? — "What's up?" / "How's it going?"
• ¡Qué gusto verte! — "Great to see you!"

Among friends, a kiss on the right cheek (one kiss) is standard greeting and farewell, even between men and women. Men may shake hands or hug if close.

Uruguayan Nuances

• Vos instead of tú: Uruguay uses voseo — so you'll hear "¿Cómo andás?" instead of "¿Cómo estás?"
• Che: A friendly interjection, like "hey" or "mate": "Che, ¿cómo andás?"
• Mate culture: If offered mate, accept with "Gracias" and drink it all; return the gourd to the server (cebador).

Quick Cheat Sheet

Master these, and you'll sound less like a tourist and more like a oriental (what Montevideo locals call themselves) in no time.