hola
neutral, Cuba
Hello in Cuba is hola. Among friends Cubans often say ¿Qué bolá?, a typical Cuban way to ask what is up. It is also called ¿Cómo andas?
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| hola | neutral, Cuba |
| ¿Cómo andas? | casual |
| ¿Qué bolá? | slang, Cuba |
Hola is right for everyone. ¿Qué bolá? is informal and best with friends or people your age.
Which one should you use?
You might hear ¿Qué volá? for the same greeting. The question works as hello and "how are things" together.
How do you pronounce it?
Hola has a silent h, so it sounds like "OH-la".
Did you know?
- ¿Qué bolá? is one of the best known Cuban greetings.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- ¿Qué bolá, asere?What is up, buddy?
- Hola, buenas tardes.Hello, good afternoon.
Example conversation
Jorge meets his friend Dennis on the street in Havana.
- Jorge¿Qué bolá, Dennis?What is up, Dennis?
- DennisAquí, ¿y tú?Here, and you?
- JorgeTodo bien, gracias.All good, thanks.
