hola
“hola” means “hello” in Spanish (General greeting).
hello
Also: hi
📝 In Action
¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
A1Hello! How are you?
Hola, me llamo Carlos.
A1Hi, my name is Carlos.
Cuando llegué a la fiesta, dije «hola» a todos.
A2When I got to the party, I said 'hello' to everyone.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "hola" in Spanish:
hi→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: hola
Question 1 of 2
What is the most important thing to remember when you say 'hola'?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The exact origin is debated, but it's likely related to the English 'hello' and German 'hallo'. It first appeared in writing in the 16th century as a way to get someone's attention or call out to them.
First recorded: c. 1552
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'hola' in a formal situation, like with a boss?
Yes, 'hola' is very versatile. You can use it with friends, family, and in most daily situations. To be more polite or formal, you can combine it with a time-specific greeting, like 'Hola, buenos días' (Hello, good morning) or 'Hola, buenas tardes' (Hello, good afternoon).
Is there a difference between 'hola' and 'buenos días'?
Yes. 'Hola' is a general 'hello' you can use any time of day. 'Buenos días' specifically means 'good morning' and is generally used until noon. You can even use them together for a warm greeting: '¡Hola, buenos días!'