ojalá
/oxaˈla/
The English phrase "I wish" can be expressed in Spanish using ojalá, si tan solo or si tan siquiera.
Meaning: I would very much like that to be so (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ojalá | /oxaˈla/ |
| si tan solo | /si tan solo/ (from spelling rules) |
| si tan siquiera | /si tan sikjeɾa/ (from spelling rules) |
What does it mean word for word?
The word ojalá is etymologically derived from the Arabic phrase 'law šá lláh', which means 'if God wills'.
Which one should you use?
While ojalá is an adverbial particle used to express a wish, si tan solo is a conjunctional phrase used to express a regretful condition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ojalá must be followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. You can use the particle ojalá with or without the conjunction que before a clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/oxaˈla/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, ojalá can be used as a sarcastic one-word reply to mean 'yeah, right' or 'in your dreams'.
- The word siquiera in the phrase si tan siquiera is a fusion of the words si and quiera, literally meaning 'if [one] wants'.
- The phrase si tan siquiera can feel much more emphatic and desperate than a simple 'I wish', often used to highlight the extreme improbability of a situation.
Examples in context
- Ojalá fuera más alto.I wish I were taller.This example shows how to use ojalá to express a wish about one's height.Tatoeba #534286 by Shishir, translation #30375 by CK
- Ojalá fuera un pájaro.I wish I were a bird.This example shows how to use ojalá to express a wish about being a bird.Tatoeba #1803662 by marcelostockle, translation #72120 by CK
- Ojalá la hubiera visto.I wish I had seen her.This example shows how to use ojalá to express a regret about not seeing someone.Tatoeba #559932 by Shishir, translation #308847 by CK
- Espero que tenga un viaje seguro.I wish you a safe trip.
- Ojalá pueda visitar pronto.I hope I can visit soon.
- Quisiera que vinieras a mi fiesta.I wish you would come to my party.
- Me gustaría que pudiéramos vernos más seguido.I wish we could see each other more often.
- Deseo sinceramente que alcances todos tus sueños.I sincerely wish that you achieve all your dreams.
- Me gustaría que todos ustedes disfrutaran de la fiesta.I wish all of you would enjoy the party.
- 254 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about the weather during a trip.
- LucíaOjalá haga buen tiempo mañana.I wish the weather would be good tomorrow.
- MateoYo también, Lucía.Me too, Lucía.
- LucíaSería perfecto para caminar.It would be perfect for walking.
- MateoOjalá así sea.I wish that were the case.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I wish” translations and entries ojalá, si tan siquiera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ojalá, si, siquiera, solo, tan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
