hala
/ˈala/
The English phrase "whoa" can be translated into Spanish as hala. It is also spelled ala or alá. Wiktionary also lists anda.
Meaning: expression of surprise (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hala | /ˈala/ | |
| ala | /ˈala/ | alternative form |
| alá | /aˈla/ | alternative form |
| anda | /ˈanda/ |
Other informal options to convey a sense of "wow" include ¡Guau! or ¡Caray!, the latter of which can also mean "gosh".
Which one should you use?
While hala is used to express surprise or encouragement, anda is more commonly used to express disbelief or to urge someone to move or go.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, the expression asu (often followed by madre, mare or macho) is a common way to express surprise or say "holy cow".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈala/
Did you know?
- The Peruvian expression asu is actually a shortened version of a su madre, which literally translates to 'to his mother'.
- In Spain, hala is famously used in the chant ¡Hala Madrid!, where it functions as a cheer for the football team rather than an expression of surprise.
- The word anda is used to express disbelief, making it a linguistic opposite to its literal meaning as a form of the verb 'to walk'.
Examples in context
- ¡Hala!Whoa!This sentence is useful for practicing the exclamation hala.Tatoeba #4554177 by swyter, translation #3384686 by Ricardo14
- ¡Alto! No atraviese la calle ahora.Whoa! Don't cross the street right now.
- ¡Guau! ¡Qué bonito está el parque!Whoa! The park looks so beautiful!
- ¡Caray! ¡Qué fiesta más increíble!Whoa! What an amazing party!
- ¡Hala! Qué coche más bonito.Whoa! What a beautiful car.
- ¡Hala! No me lo puedo creer.Whoa! I can't believe it.
Example conversation
Lucía shows Javier a very expensive trophy she won.
- Javier¡Hala! ¿Es ese tu trofeo, Lucía?Whoa! Is that your trophy, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, lo gané ayer en la competencia.Yes, I won it yesterday in the competition.
- Javier¡Hala! Eres increíble.Whoa! You are incredible.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. Me esforcé mucho.Thanks, Javier. I worked very hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “whoa” translations and entries hala, ala, alá, anda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ala, asu, hala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
