hey
/ˈei/
The English phrase 'hey' can be translated into Spanish as hey. If unsure, use hey. Wiktionary also lists ey and eh.
Meaning: informal greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hey | /ˈei/ /ˈxei/ (English, imitating) |
| ey | /ˈei/ |
| eh | /ˈe/ |
| hola | /ˈola/ |
In Spanish, the term can be used as an informal greeting. The form ¡Eh! is frequently used as an interjection to grab someone's attention or to express surprise, similar to 'Hey!' in English. ¡Hola! is a common and versatile way to say 'hey' or 'hello' in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
While hey and ey are used to grab attention, hola is the standard greeting used when arriving to meet someone.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈei/
When do people say it?
In formal or professional situations, a handshake is more appropriate than a kiss or hug.
Did you know?
- The standard greeting hola actually traces its roots back to a command used to stop a ferryman or a traveler, originating from the Old High German word holōn.
- While English speakers use 'hey' to grab attention, using the Spanish interjection ¡Eh! can sometimes sound like you are calling someone's attention in an aggressive or confrontational manner.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, even when saying 'hey' to a friend, you might be expected to follow it immediately with a physical gesture like a kiss on the cheek or a hug.
Examples in context
- ¡Eh!, no eres Tom.Hey, you're not Tom.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use eh to identify someone.Tatoeba #4181329 by Leono, translation #3364626 by CK
- ¡Eh, yo te conozco!Hey. I know you.This sentence shows how to use eh to express recognition.Tatoeba #2351532 by Shishir, translation #1898375 by CK
- Hey, espera por mí.Hey, wait for me.This sentence demonstrates the use of hey as an interjection.Tatoeba #6003346 by albrusgher, translation #3444580 by CK
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía sees Alejandro walking toward her on the street.
- Sofía¡Hey, Alejandro!Hey, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¡Hola, Sofía! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Sofía! How are you?
- SofíaMuy bien, ¿y tú?Very well, and you?
- AlejandroTodo bien, gracias.Everything is good, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hey” translations and entries hey, ey, eh, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ey, hey, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
