Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hola | /ˈola/ | |
| holi | /ˈoli/ | familiar |
| holis | /ˈolis/ |
The word is used as a universal greeting. In professional contexts, it is polite to identify yourself and your company by saying Habla [your name] de [your company]. When answering the phone informally, you might use ¿Bueno? to mean hello or yes. For formal greetings after sunset or during the night, use Buenas noches.
Which one should you use?
hola is the standard, neutral greeting. In contrast, holi and holis are playful, slangy and diminutive versions of the word. While hola works in most situations, holi and holis should be avoided in professional or formal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hola is appropriate for both informal and formal situations. holi and holis are highly informal and cute, often used among close friends or on social media. In formal settings, it is customary to address individuals using the title Señor followed by their last name.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈola/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying hola is often accompanied by a single or double cheek kiss, known as el beso.
- The word hola is etymologically linked to the Old High German word 'holon', which was used specifically to hail ferrymen.
- In some Latin American cultures, instead of just saying 'hola', people often use 'muy buenas' as a more elegant, shorthand greeting.
Examples in context
- Dile hola a Jimmy.Say hello to Jimmy.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use hola when addressing someone.Tatoeba #1240331 by Shishir, translation #53376 by CP
- Tom nunca dice hola.Tom never says hello.This sentence shows how to use hola in a negative context.Tatoeba #5939755 by arh, translation #5939656 by CK
- Di hola a tus amigos.Say hello to your friends.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use hola when addressing a group.Tatoeba #741281 by Shishir, translation #70346 by CK
- ¡Buenos días! ¿Hablo con la oficina de ventas?Good morning! Am I speaking with the sales department?
- ¡Buenas tardes! ¿Podría hablar con el Sr. García, por favor?Good afternoon! Could I speak with Mr. García, please?
- Buenos días, habla Laura de ABC Consulting. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?Good morning, this is Laura from ABC Consulting. How may I assist you?
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo meet at a cafe.
- Sofía¡Hola, Mateo!Hello, Mateo!
- MateoHola, Sofía. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Sofía. How are you?
- SofíaMuy bien, gracias.Very well, thank you.
- MateoQué bueno verte.It's good to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries hola, holi, holis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, holis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
