saludar
/sah-loo-dar/
to greet
When you want to say hello to someone, you use 'saludar' to greet them.
📝 In Action
Siempre me gusta saludar a mis vecinos por la mañana.
A1I always like to greet my neighbors in the morning.
Ella me saludó con un beso en la mejilla.
A2She greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.
¿Vas a saludar a la señora de la caja?
A1Are you going to say hello to the lady at the register?
💡 Grammar Points
The Personal 'a'
When the person you are greeting is specific, you must put the word 'a' right before their name or title: 'Saludé a mi jefe' (I greeted my boss).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'a'
Mistake: "Voy a saludar mi amigo."
Correction: Voy a saludar *a* mi amigo. (Spanish needs the 'a' when the action is done directly to a person.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Saludar vs. Decir Hola
'Saludar' is the action of greeting (the verb). If you just want to say the word 'Hello,' use 'decir hola' or simply 'Hola!'
In a formal or military context, 'saludar' means to salute as a sign of respect or acknowledgment.
📝 In Action
El soldado saludó a su superior antes de recibir la orden.
B1The soldier saluted his superior before receiving the order.
La banda de música saludó a la bandera nacional.
B2The marching band saluted the national flag.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This meaning is almost always used when discussing official protocols, military actions, or formal ceremonies where a structured sign of respect is required.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: saludar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'saludar' when talking about a specific person?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'saludar' different from 'despedirse'?
'Saludar' means to initiate an interaction or say hello. 'Despedirse' (which is reflexive, meaning the action reflects back on the subject) means to end an interaction or say goodbye/farewell. They are opposites!
Is 'saludar' only used for people?
Usually, yes, for the common meaning of greeting. However, in formal or ceremonial language (like the military use), you can 'saludar' a flag, a monument, or an institution to show respect.