hola hermosa
/ola eɾmosa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hi beautiful" is translated into Spanish as hola hermosa.
hola hermosa is an affectionate greeting used to address a woman who is considered attractive. Because it is used in romantic or highly affectionate contexts, the phrase can be seen as overly forward or flirtatious if you use it with a stranger.
Which one should you use?
hola hermosa is a standard way to express affection. You may also use hola bella as a common alternative that carries a similar level of affection and elegance. While hola hermosa is standard, ¡Hola, guapa! is a more colloquial way to say "Hi, beautiful!" and is more common in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial form ¡Hola, guapa! is frequently used for a casual "Hi, beautiful!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective hermosa is in the feminine form to agree with the woman being addressed. If you wish to address a man (meaning "hi handsome"), you must change the ending to the masculine hola hermoso.
Did you know?
- In some theories, hola is related to an Old High German term used specifically to hail ferrymen to come and fetch passengers.
- In Spain, ¡Hola, guapa! is often used by shopkeepers or waitresses to address female customers of any age, shifting the phrase from romantic flirtation to a casual social convention.
- If you were to use the masculine version, hola hermoso, it can sound slightly poetic or even old-fashioned compared to the more common way men are complimented in casual Spanish.
Examples in context
- Hola, bonita. ¿Cómo estás hoy?Hello, beautiful. How are you today?
- ¡Hola, guapa! ¿Qué tal tu día?Hi, beautiful! How's your day going?
- Hola hermosa, ¿cómo estás?Hi beautiful, how are you?
- Hola hermosa, qué alegría verte.Hi beautiful, what a joy to see you.
- ¡Hola hermosa! Te ves muy bien.Hi beautiful! You look very good.
Example conversation
Alejandro greets Elena at a dinner date.
- ElenaHola hermosa, me encanta tu vestido.Hi beautiful, I love your dress.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
- Elena¿Tienes hambre?Are you hungry?
- AlejandroSí, estoy muy hambrienta.Yes, I am very hungry.
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.
