hey
/ey/
📝 In Action
¡Hey, mira eso!
A1Hey, look at that!
Hey, ¿cómo estás?
A1Hey, how are you?
¡Hey! ¡Cuidado con el coche!
A2Hey! Watch out for the car!
💡 Grammar Points
What's an Interjection?
An interjection is a short word or sound used to express a sudden feeling or to get attention. It stands on its own, often with exclamation marks, like '¡Hey!' or '¡Ay!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Hey' in Formal Situations
Mistake: "Using '¡Hey!' to get the attention of a police officer, a professor, or an older person you don't know."
Correction: In formal situations, use 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) or 'Perdón' (Pardon me). 'Hey' is strictly for friends and casual settings.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone of Voice is Key
The meaning of '¡Hey!' can change a lot with your tone. It can be a friendly greeting ('¡Hey, amigo!'), a warning ('¡Hey, cuidado!'), or just a way to get someone's attention from across the street.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hey
Question 1 of 1
You want to get your friend's attention from across a noisy room. Which is the MOST informal and common way to shout to them?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'hey' the same as 'oye'?
They're very similar and often used in the same way to get someone's attention. 'Oye' literally means 'listen' and is a very traditional Spanish word. 'Hey' is a more modern borrowing from English. In a casual setting, you can use either one with a friend.
Do I need to use the upside-down exclamation mark (¡) with 'hey'?
Yes, in proper writing, Spanish requires an upside-down exclamation mark at the beginning of an exclamation: ¡Hey!. In very informal texting or social media, people sometimes leave it off, but it's best to learn the correct way.