Hola
neutral
To say hello to a woman, Hola works for anyone. For a polite greeting add the time of day and señora, such as Buenas tardes, señora. It is also called Hola, señorita.
Meaning: greeting a woman (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola | neutral |
| Buenas tardes, señora | polite |
| Hola, señorita | polite |
Use señorita for a young woman or a girl, and señora for an adult woman. With friends, her first name is enough.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
After señora the conversation normally continues in the usted form. With friends use tú or, in places like Argentina, vos.
How does it change in a sentence?
The greeting does not change. The title shows you are speaking to a woman.
Did you know?
- The pronoun used for "her", la, appears in ayudarla, showing that the helper is speaking to a woman.
Examples in context
- Hola, Ana. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Ana. How are you?
- Hola, señorita, ¿puedo ayudarla?Hello, miss, may I help you?
Example conversation
A shop assistant greets a customer who walks in.
- VendedorHola, buenas tardes, señora.Hello, good afternoon, madam.
- ClientaBuenas tardes. Busco un regalo.Good afternoon. I am looking for a gift.
- VendedorCon gusto la ayudo.I will gladly help you.
