What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hola (hello), a (to) and todos (everyone/all).
Which one should you use?
While hola a todos is the standard for a mixed-gender group or an all-male group, hola a todas is used specifically for an all-female group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hola a todos is an informal greeting suitable for friends, family or casual social settings. In contrast, for formal settings, you might use phrases like Buenos días, señoras y señores (Good morning, ladies and gentlemen) or Muy buenas tardes a todos (Good afternoon, everyone). In very casual settings, you might also hear ¡Hola, gente! (Hello, folks!).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group being addressed consists entirely of women, you should use the feminine form hola a todas. When addressing a mixed-gender group informally, you may also use Qué tal, chicos y chicas (What's up, guys and girls).
Did you know?
- The word hola may have originated from the French word 'holà', which was used as a command to tell someone to stop.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a greeting like hola a todos is often accompanied by a single kiss on the cheek or a hug, depending on the region and relationship.
- While hola a todos is standard, some modern speakers use hola a tod@s in writing to include all genders without choosing the masculine or feminine form.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, chicos! ¿Cómo están hoy?Hey, guys! How are you all doing today?
- Hola a todos, ¿cómo están?Hey everyone, how are you?
- Solo quería decir hola a todos.I just wanted to say hello to everyone.
Example conversation
María enters a room where Daniel and some friends are waiting.
- María¡Hola a todos!Hey everyone!
- Daniel¡Hola, María! Qué bueno verte.Hi, María! It's good to see you.
- María¿Están listos para la fiesta?Are you all ready for the party?
- DanielSí, estamos listos.Yes, we are ready.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
