hacer cola
/aθeɾ kola/from spelling rules
To line up in Spanish is to say hacer cola. Wiktionary also lists hacer fila and ahilar.
Meaning: get into a line (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hacer cola | /aθeɾ kola/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aseɾ kola/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| hacer fila | /aθeɾ fila/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aseɾ fila/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| ahilar | /aiˈlaɾ/ |
The phrase refers to the action of getting into a line or queuing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hacer cola literally translates to to make tail.
Which one should you use?
Hacer cola is the most common way to say 'to line up' or 'to queue' in many Spanish-speaking countries. Hacer fila is a common alternative that is often used interchangeably with hacer cola depending on the region.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Hacer cola is more prevalent in Spain. Hacer fila is particularly common in many Latin American countries. In Mexico, Central America and some parts of South America, the expression hacer fila india is used to convey the idea of people lining up one behind another.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ kola/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, saying hacer cola can be ambiguous because cola is also a common colloquial term for the buttocks in several Latin American countries.
- The word cola in hacer cola can refer to a 'tail', but it can also mean 'glue' depending on its etymological origin from the Greek κόλλα.
- The phrase hacer fila india implies a specific way of lining up, but it is a culturally sensitive expression that some may find offensive.
Examples in context
- Por favor, alinéense para abordar el autobús de manera ordenada.Please line up for the bus in an orderly manner.
- Requerimos que todos se pongan en fila en la entrada.We need everyone to form a line at the entrance.
- Vamos a hacer cola y esperar pacientemente nuestro turno.Let's line up and wait patiently for our turn.
- Tenemos que hacer cola para entrar.We have to line up to enter.
- La gente suele hacer cola muy temprano.People usually line up very early.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are waiting to buy concert tickets.
- Mateo¿Hay que hacer cola para la taquilla?Do we have to line up for the ticket window?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, ya hay mucha gente.Yes, Mateo, there are already many people.
- MateoEntonces, vamos a hacer cola ahora mismo.Then, let's line up right now.
- SofíaEstá bien, yo me pongo al principio.Okay, I will go to the front.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “line up” translations and entries hacer cola, ahilar, 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 ahilar, cola, fila, hacer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
