hola hermosa
/ola eɾmosa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hey gorgeous" can be translated into Spanish as hola hermosa.
This phrase is an informal and affectionate greeting used to address a woman the speaker finds beautiful. Depending on the context, it can carry a flirtatious or highly affectionate tone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hola (hello) and hermosa (beautiful/gorgeous).
Which one should you use?
While hola hermosa is a common way to express this, using hola guapa is a more common and slightly more casual alternative in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase hola hermosa is informal and carries a flirtatious or highly affectionate tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a man, the adjective must change to the masculine form hermoso.
Did you know?
- The word hola might have originated as a command to stop or hail someone, much like the Old High German imperative used to call out to a ferryman.
- In Spain, guapa is often used as a generic term of friendliness by shopkeepers or waitresses toward any woman, regardless of whether they are flirting.
- In some cultures, calling a woman hermosa or guapa is common among female friends as a way of showing solidarity and affection.
Examples in context
- Hola hermosa, ¿cómo estás?Hello gorgeous, how are you?
- Buenos días, preciosa. ¿Cómo amaneciste hoy?Good morning, gorgeous. How did you wake up today?
- ¡Hola guapa! ¿Cómo te ha ido hoy?Hey gorgeous! How has your day been?
- Ey, bonita, ¿vamos a tomar algo esta noche?Hey beautiful, want to grab something tonight?
- ¡Hola hermosa! Te ves muy bien.Hey gorgeous! You look very good.
- Hola hermosa, qué alegría verte.Hey gorgeous, it's a pleasure to see you.
Example conversation
Daniel greets Lucía at a party.
- Daniel¡Hola hermosa! Qué alegría verte.Hey gorgeous! What a joy to see you.
- LucíaHola Daniel, gracias por el cumplido.Hi Daniel, thanks for the compliment.
- DanielEs la verdad, estás muy guapa.It's the truth, you are very beautiful.
- LucíaEres muy dulce, gracias.You are very sweet, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
