hola
/ˈola/
The Spanish word for hello is hola. If unsure, use hola. Wiktionary also lists holi and holis.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hola | /ˈola/ | |
| holi | /ˈoli/ | familiar |
| holis | /ˈolis/ |
hola is the most common and versatile way to say hello in Spanish and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It serves as a standard, neutral greeting suitable for almost any situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hola is the standard, neutral greeting. For a very informal, often playful or "cute" way to say hello, especially among close friends or in texting, you can use holi or holis.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈola/
Did you know?
- In its ancient Germanic roots, the ancestor of hola was an emphatic command used specifically to hail a ferryman. It was less about saying 'hi' and more about getting a boatman's attention.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a verbal hola is often accompanied by a physical gesture, such as a single cheek kiss or a handshake, depending on the gender and setting. A mere word is often just the starting point for a physical social ritual.
- In some regions, hola can be used ironically or as a way to get someone's attention when they are ignoring you, similar to 'hello?' in English.
Examples in context
- Dile hola a Jimmy.Say hello to Jimmy.This sentence is useful for learning how to tell someone to say hola to Jimmy.Tatoeba #1240331 by Shishir, translation #53376 by CP
- Tom nunca dice hola.Tom never says hello.This sentence is useful for showing how the word hola is used to describe what Tom says.Tatoeba #5939755 by arh, translation #5939656 by CK
- Di hola a tus amigos.Say hello to your friends.This sentence is useful for practicing saying hola to friends.Tatoeba #741281 by Shishir, translation #70346 by CK
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel meet at a coffee shop.
- María¡Hola, Daniel!Hello, Daniel!
- DanielHola, María. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, María. How are you?
- MaríaEstoy muy bien, gracias.I am very well, thank you.
- DanielQué bueno verte hoy.It is good to see you today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries hola, holi, holis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, holis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
