hola, Alex
The English phrase "hi alex" is translated into Spanish as hola, Alex.
hola, Alex is a casual greeting used to say hello to a person named Alex.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The greeting hola is informal and suitable for use with friends, family or peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, a comma is used to separate the greeting from the name of the person being addressed.
Did you know?
- The Spanish greeting hola likely shares its roots with the Old High German imperative holā, which was used to hail a ferryman.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying hola is often accompanied by a 'besito', which is a light kiss on one or both cheeks.
- Speakers often use hola as part of a 'double greeting' like hola, ¿qué tal?, where the second part is treated as a formula rather than a real question.
Examples in context
- Hola, AlexHi, Alex
- ¿Qué tal, Alex?How's it going, Alex?
- ¡Hola, Alex! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, Alex! How are you?
- ¿Qué tal, Alex? Hola, Alex.How is it going, Alex? Hi, Alex.
Example conversation
María sees Alejandro in a park.
- MaríaHola, Alex.Hi, Alex.
- AlejandroHola, María. ¿Cómo estás?Hi, María. How are you?
- MaríaMuy bien, gracias.Very well, thanks.
- AlejandroMe alegro mucho.I am very glad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
