órale
/ˈoɾale/
The phrase órale in Spanish translates to "odelay".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoɾale/
Did you know?
- The word órale is an apheresis of 'ahora le', meaning 'now' followed by a particle, rather than being related to the verb meaning 'to pray'.
- The phrase órale is a distinct marker of Mexican Spanish and is rarely used or understood in the same way in Spain or South America.
- A speaker can change the entire meaning of órale from agreement to a challenge or a dare simply by using a rising intonation.
Examples in context
- ¡Órale, qué buena idea!Wow, what a great idea!
- ¡Órale, me sorprendiste!Wow, you surprised me!
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are deciding where to eat lunch.
- Javier¿Quieres ir a los tacos nuevos?Do you want to go to the new taco place?
- Sofía¡Órale, me encanta la idea!Alright, I love that idea!
- JavierPerfecto, yo invito.Perfect, it's my treat.
- Sofía¡Muchas gracias, Javier!Thank you so much, Javier!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry órale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries órale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
