Oye Siri
/oʝe siɾi/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "hello siri" is expressed as Oye Siri.
Oye Siri is the official wake word used to activate the Apple virtual assistant on devices set to Spanish. While Hola Siri is a literal translation of "hello Siri" and is a common and universal way to address the assistant, Oye Siri is the specific command the software recognizes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Oye is the imperative form of the verb oír (to hear). In this context, it is used to get someone's attention, functioning similarly to the English "Hey".
Which one should you use?
While Oye Siri is the functional command for the device, users may also use Hola Siri as a universal way to say hello to the assistant. For time-specific greetings, one might use Buenos días Siri or Buenas tardes Siri.
How do you pronounce it?
/oʝe siɾi/
Did you know?
- The imperative form Oye is the informal 'tú' command, meaning the software treats the user as a peer or friend rather than using the formal 'usted' form.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, using Oye can sound quite blunt or even slightly rude if used with a person. In a social setting, calling out Oye to a stranger is much more informal and assertive than saying 'hello'.
- The word Oye can function as a conversational filler in many Spanish-speaking regions. People often use it to transition between topics or to signal they are starting a new sentence, even if the listener is already paying attention.
Examples in context
- Hola Siri, ¿qué tiempo hará hoy?Hello Siri, what will the weather be like today?
- Buenos días Siri, ¿cuál es la noticia del día?Good morning Siri, what's the news of the day?
- Hola Siri, ¿dónde está el mejor restaurante de la ciudad?Hello Siri, where is the best restaurant in town?
- ¿Qué tal Siri? Dame un chiste.How are you, Siri? Tell me a joke.
- Oye Siri, ¿qué hora es?Oye Siri, what time is it?
- Oye Siri, pon una alarma.Oye Siri, set an alarm.
- Dile a tu teléfono: "Oye Siri, pon música".Tell your phone: "Oye Siri, play music".
Example conversation
Daniel is showing Elena his new phone.
- DanielMira, solo digo Oye Siri y me responde.Look, I just say Hey Siri and it answers me.
- ElenaEs muy útil, Daniel.It is very useful, Daniel.
- DanielOye Siri, busca una receta de pasta.Hey Siri, look for a pasta recipe.
- Elena¡Funciona muy rápido!It works very fast!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
