📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Silent 'H'
In Spanish, the letter 'h' is almost always silent. So, 'hola' sounds exactly like 'ola' (which means 'wave'). Remember to never pronounce the 'h' sound at the beginning!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Hola' and 'Ola'
Mistake: "Writing 'ola' when you mean to greet someone."
Correction: Always write 'hola' for the greeting. Even though they sound the same, 'ola' means 'wave' (like in the ocean). The 'h' is your clue that it's a greeting.
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Follow Up
Just like in English, 'hola' is usually the start of a conversation. It's natural to follow it with a question like '¿cómo estás?' (how are you?) or '¿qué tal?' (what's up?).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hola
Question 1 of 2
What is the most important thing to remember when you say 'hola'?
📚 More Resources
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!'