What does it mean word for word?
The word hola means hello or hi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form di hola uses the informal imperative of the verb decir. If you are telling someone to say hi to a group of people, you can say diles hola by adding the indirect object pronoun les. When you specify the person receiving the greeting, you must use the preposition a after the word hola, such as in the construction di hola a…
When do people say it?
The way you greet someone in Spanish often depends on the level of formality. For a formal greeting meaning 'good afternoon' used from noon until around 7 PM, you might use Buenas tardes. In professional settings, Es un placer conocerle is a formal way to say 'it's a pleasure to meet you'. For informal greetings with friends, you can use ¡Qué tal!, which is equivalent to 'what's up?' or 'how's it going?' or ¿Qué pasa?, meaning 'what's happening?' or 'what's going on?'
Did you know?
- The origins of hola are linked to old Germanic words used to hail ferrymen.
- Spanish speakers often accompany a greeting like hola with one or two kisses on the cheek, depending on the country.
- While hola is universal, some regions use buenas as a shortened, versatile greeting that works at any time of day.
Examples in context
- Di hola a tus padres por mí.Say hi to your parents for me.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of di hola.Tatoeba #10024651 by manufrutos, translation #10024543 by hidemat
- Buenos días, señor. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?Good morning, sir. How can I assist you?
- Buenas noches, Señora Martínez. ¿Cómo ha sido su día?Good evening, Mrs. Martínez. How has your day been?
- Es un placer conocerle. Soy el nuevo empleado.It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm the new employee.
- Hola, ¿cómo estás? ¿Quieres salir a cenar esta noche?Hi, how are you? Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?
- ¡Qué tal! ¿Vamos al cine el sábado?What's up! Let's go to the movies on Saturday?
- ¿Cómo estás? Hace tiempo que no nos vemos.How are you? Long time no see.
- ¿Qué pasa? ¿Estás listo para el partido de fútbol?What's happening? Are you ready for the soccer match?
- Di hola a la nueva vecina.Say hi to the new neighbor.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are leaving a group of friends.
- AlejandroYa nos vamos, Elena.We are leaving now, Elena.
- ElenaEspera, di hola a todos antes de salir.Wait, say hi to everyone before leaving.
- AlejandroTienes razón. ¡Hola a todos!You're right. Hello everyone!
- ElenaAhora sí, podemos irnos.Now we can go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
