ojalá
/oxaˈla/
In Spanish, the phrase 'if only' can be expressed as ojalá, si, si tan solo or si tan siquiera.
Meaning: signifies a wish or desire for the present or the future (conj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ojalá | /oxaˈla/ |
| si | /si/ |
| si tan solo | /si tan solo/ (from spelling rules) |
| si tan siquiera | /si tan sikjeɾa/ (from spelling rules) |
These terms are used to signify a wish or a desire for the present or the future. Ojalá is a versatile word that can also function as an interjection on its own to mean 'I hope so' or 'God willing'.
Which one should you use?
While si can mean 'if' in a conditional sense, ojalá is the more common and direct way to express a wish or a longing for something to be different.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ojalá is almost always followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/oxaˈla/
Did you know?
- Although it is a staple of the Spanish language, the word ojalá actually has Arabic roots. It originated from the phrase 'wašāʔa llāh', which translates to 'and may God will it'.
- Because ojalá is an adaptation of an Arabic prayer, it is used by Spanish speakers today regardless of their own religious beliefs.
- The word siquiera is actually a combination of two separate words: si and quiera. Literally, it translates to 'if [one] wants'.
Examples in context
- Ojalá fuera más joven.If only I was younger.This sentence shows how to use ojalá to express a wish about one's age.Tatoeba #629004 by Shishir, translation #629000 by blay_paul
- ¡Si sólo pudiera volar!If only I could fly!This sentence demonstrates an exclamation using si to express a wish about the ability to fly.Tatoeba #1387026 by marcelostockle, translation #1387025 by carlosalberto
- Ojalá dejase de llover.If only the rain would stop!This sentence shows how to use ojalá to express a wish for the weather to change.Tatoeba #2391113 by Shishir, translation #26984 by sundown
- Ojalá pudiera cumplir mis sueños.If only I could fulfill my dreams.
- Si tan solo pudiera viajar por el mundo.If only I could travel the world.
- Ojalá pudiera viajar por el mundo entero.If only I could travel the whole world.
- Si tan solo pudiera encontrar un mejor trabajo. Desearía tener más oportunidades laborales.If only I could find a better job. I wish I had more job opportunities.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a travel brochure.
- LucíaOjalá pudiéramos ir a Japón este año.If only we could go to Japan this year.
- MateoSería un viaje increíble, Lucía.It would be an incredible trip, Lucía.
- LucíaPero no tenemos suficiente dinero ahora.But we don't have enough money right now.
- MateoEs verdad, pero podemos ahorrar un poco cada mes.That's true, but we can save a little every month.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if only” translations and entries ojalá, si, 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.
