Where is que tal used?

“¿Qué tal?” is so very common in Mexico that it is not really thought of as slang any more where “¿Qué onda?” still is. Both are perfectly acceptable, but “¿Qué onda?” isn’t usually used by the “establishment types.” At least in Spain ¿Qué tal? is maybe the most common way for asking how are you?.

In Mexico, ¿Qué tal? Means “What’s happening?” or “What’s up?” as opposed to “How are you?” or “How are things going?” As you may have learned in your Spanish textbook or class. So, it’s much more casual than the same phrase would be in other dialects of Spanish.

¿Qué tal? is Used in both, informal and formal situations, so you can greet an elderly person with ¿qué tal?

Yes, it is a very informal greeting. It is written correctly like this: ¿Qué tal? = How are things with you /How are you doing?

Que tal – translated from Spanish To English.

7 Answers. “¿Qué tal?” is so very common in Mexico that it is not really thought of as slang any more where “¿Qué onda?” still is. Both are perfectly acceptable, but “¿Qué onda?” isn’t usually used by the “establishment types.” At least in Spain ¿Qué tal? is maybe the most common way for asking how are you?.

When greeting someone in Mexico, it is customary to make physical contact, rather than simply saying “hello.” A handshake is the most common form of greeting between strangers, though friends will usually greet each other with a single kiss on the cheek. The same physical gestures are repeated when you say goodbye.

Muy bien, gracias, is the straightforward reply and as Annie says it is polite to ask how they are. You could also say ‘genial’ or if your feeling out of sorts ‘asi, asi’ [so, so] The last two answers are to someone who is interested in how you feel ie a friend.

¿Qué tal? Could also mean What’s up? If you are asking about their health, go with ¿Cómo estás? If you are just asking “How are you doing?”, How are things going?(¿Cómo va?/¿Cómo anda?)

A Spanish phrase meaning What is happening?, often used as a greeting.

Greetings in Spanish

‘ ¿Qué tal? is also used in Spain to greet an elderly person. We’d probably use it followed by “don/doña” if we want to make it slightly more formal: “¿Qué tal Don Antonio?” But even if you don’t use don/doña, this is still used and it is not considered too informal.

This phrase is very colloquial, so It is rarely appropriate to use in formal settings. Check out the examples below to see ¿Qué pasa? in action! ¡Hola! ¿Qué pasa, amigo?

= How are You? This is more literal as it is related to the actual words. ¿Qué tal? = How are things/How are you doing? It is a colloquial phrase that cannot be literally translated to make sense in this context.

Since many Spanish words are derived from Arabic language, I am assuming that “Que tal” is coming from Arabic “كيف حال” (pronounced “Kif hal”). When you are asking someone “How are you?” in Arabic you say “كيف حالك؟”. “حال” is derived from “حالة” that means “situation/condition/state”.

In Spain This expression is used frequently and while it isn’t the most elegant expression there is nothing wrong with using it on a regular basis (in fact, most people do). We might warn you though that most people don’t ask you ¿qué tal? in a deep or profound sense.

Most of Mexico is warm. Sitting on cold porcelain is in no way comfortable to do your business and a way to avoid even going to the bathroom. However the porcelain is cool in Mexico but never cold. Sanitary factors come into play as well.

It’s up to you how much you tip, but The recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.

In Spain This expression is used frequently and while it isn’t the most elegant expression there is nothing wrong with using it on a regular basis (in fact, most people do). We might warn you though that most people don’t ask you ¿qué tal? in a deep or profound sense.