Hola
/ola/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'hi informally' is translated into Spanish as Hola.
Hola is a versatile greeting used informally and is the most common way to say hi to friends, family or people you feel comfortable with.
Which one should you use?
While Hola is the standard way to say 'hi' or 'hello' and can be used in both informal and neutral settings, ¿Qué tal? is used more specifically to ask 'How's it going?' in an informal context.
How do you pronounce it?
/ola/
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest the word might be related to the Old High German word 'holōn', which was used specifically to hail a ferryman.
- Unlike English, where 'hello' can be used to answer the phone, Spanish speakers rarely start a phone call with hola and instead use ¿Diga? or ¿Aló?
- In Spain, it is common to hear Hola paired with a 'dos besos' (two kisses) on the cheeks when greeting female friends or acquaintances.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola María! ¿Qué tal? Hace mucho que no te veo.Hi Maria! How are you? It's been a long time since I last saw you.
- ¡Hola Juan! ¿Cómo estás? Salgamos a tomar algo más tarde.Hi Juan! How are you? Let's go out for a drink later.
- Hey Pedro, ¿qué hubo? Hay una fiesta esta noche.Hey Pedro, what's up? There's a party tonight.
- Hola Marta, ¿cómo va? ¿Tienes algún plan para el fin de semana?Hi Marta, how's it going? Do you have any plans for the weekend?
- ¡Hola hermanito! ¿Qué tal?Hi little brother! How are you?
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hi, how are you?
- Hola a todos.Hi everyone.
- ¡Hola! Qué alegría verte.Hi! It's great to see you.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía meet in a park.
- JavierHola, Lucía.Hi, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Hola, Javier! ¿Qué tal?Hi, Javier! How's it going?
- JavierTodo bien, gracias.Everything is good, thanks.
- LucíaMe alegro mucho.I'm very glad.
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.
