Ways to Say "What's Up" in Spanish

In Spanish, the everyday casual “What’s up?” is usually ¿Qué pasa?; for a softer, more neutral greeting, use ¿Qué tal?.

The most common way

¿ ?

A casual “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?” used as a greeting.

How to say it: Stress the second word: keh PAH-sah; keep the s soft and short, not a long English “ss.”

neutral / friendly
¿ ?
A relaxed “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” that is softer and more neutral than ¿Qué pasa?.
When to use it: Use it with acquaintances, colleagues, or people you have just met when you want a friendly but safe greeting.
casual
¿ ?
A casual “What’s up?” or “What’s new?” often used among friends.
When to use it: Use it with friends or peers in a relaxed setting when you want a short, informal greeting.
slang (Mexico, informal)
¿ ?
A very informal “What’s up?” or “What’s good?” common in Mexican Spanish.
When to use it: Use it only with friends or close peers in Mexico and parts of Latin America; it is too casual for formal situations.
casual (Spain)
¿ ?
A friendly “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” common in Spain.
When to use it: Use it with friends, coworkers, or people you already know in a relaxed conversation.
regional casual
¿ ?
A casual “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” common in Colombia and parts of Latin America.
When to use it: Use it with friends or peers in Colombia and nearby regions; it sounds regional and informal.

~~¿Qué está arriba?~~ → ¿Qué pasa?
A literal translation of “what is up” is not used as a greeting in Spanish.