Hola y gracias
/ola i ɡɾaθjas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, Hola y gracias is used to say hello and thank you.
This phrase is a polite way to combine a greeting with an expression of gratitude.
Did you know?
- The word hola may have originated as a shout used to hail a ferryman or to command someone to stop.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to accompany a greeting like hola with a single kiss on the cheek, known as un beso.
- Spanish has no single word for 'thank you', so it uses the plural gracias, which literally translates to 'graces'.
Examples in context
- Hola y gracias por la ayuda.Hello and thank you for the help.
- Hola y gracias por venir.Hello and thank you for coming.
- Hola y gracias por el regalo.Hello and thank you for the gift.
Example conversation
Javier greets Lucía after she arrives at his house with a small gift.
- JavierHola y gracias por el detalle, Lucía.Hello and thank you for the gesture, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, espero que te guste.You're welcome, I hope you like it.
- JavierEs muy bonito, de verdad.It is very beautiful, really.
- LucíaMe alegra mucho que te agrade.I am very glad that you like it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracias, hola, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
