hola, reina
/ˈola ˈreina/word by word
The Spanish phrase for "hey queen" is hola, reina.
The phrase is an informal greeting used to address a friend or a person in a supportive, affectionate way. While reina literally means queen, in this context it functions as a term of endearment similar to how a person might use "girl" or "queen" in English slang.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hola (hello) and reina (queen).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal and is used primarily among friends in a supportive or playful manner.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈola ˈreina/
Did you know?
- The word hola has roots that may trace back to an Old High German imperative used to hail a ferryman, a far cry from a friendly modern greeting.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word reina is also used as a common, almost reflexive, way for shopkeepers or service workers to address female customers.
- While reina is used affectionately in this slang, calling a stranger reina in some Spanish-speaking cultures can be perceived as overly familiar or even patronizing depending on the social setting.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, reina! ¿Cómo estás?Hey queen! How are you?
- ¡Hola, reina! Te ves genial.Hey queen! You look great.
- ¡Hola, reina! ¿Qué tal tu día?Hey queen! How is your day going?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro meet at a cafe.
- María¡Hola, reina! ¿Cuánto tiempo!Hey queen! Long time no see!
- Alejandro¡Hola, María! Todo bien por aquí.Hi, María! Everything is good over here.
- MaríaTe ves increíble hoy.You look incredible today.
- AlejandroGracias, eres muy amable.Thanks, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hola, reina) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, reina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
