The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) clarifies the correct way to greet someone each morning.
At the start of the day and when we meet someone, Spanish speakers use a phrase that expresses the wish for well-being to start the conversation.
Both “buen día” and “buenos días” are correct ways to greet someone in Spanish. They share the same meaning—a wish for a good morning—but carry slightly different nuances.
“Buenos días” uses an expressive plural, a grammatical form that adds warmth and courtesy rather than quantity. Similar to “thanks” or “congratulations,” it sounds more formal and affectionate, and it’s the most common version across the Spanish-speaking world.
“Buen día,” on the other hand, feels more direct and immediate. It’s especially popular in southern regions like Argentina and Peru, often used in everyday or informal contexts. Its form may have been influenced by Italian (“buon giorno”).
For the afternoon and evening, Spanish speakers almost always use the plural forms “buenas tardes” and “buenas noches,” which remain consistent across regions.
Other expressive plurals include “muchas gracias,” “felices fiestas,” and “saludos cordiales,” all of which use the plural to express extra warmth and kindness.
In the end, both “buen día” and “buenos días” celebrate the richness and diversity of the Spanish language, shaped by culture, geography, and everyday interaction.
Source: Infobae (Perú), July 2025