oiga
“oiga” means “Excuse me” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Excuse me, Listen!
Also: Hey!
📝 In Action
¡Oiga! ¿Me puede decir dónde está la estación de metro?
A1Excuse me! Could you tell me where the subway station is?
Oiga, eso no es cierto. Yo lo vi con mis propios ojos.
A2Listen, that's not true. I saw it with my own eyes.
Hear (formal command)
Also: that I/you/he/she may hear
📝 In Action
No sé si el jefe lo oiga, pero la idea es buena.
B1I don't know if the boss hears it, but the idea is good. (Subjunctive)
Señor, no hable tan bajo, ¡oiga bien lo que digo!
A2Sir, don't speak so quietly, hear well what I am saying! (Formal command)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: oiga
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'oiga' as an attention-grabbing interjection?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'oír' comes directly from the Latin word *audire*, which meant 'to hear.' The Spanish form 'oiga' evolved as the formal command derived from this irregular verb stem.
First recorded: Pre-12th century (as a form of the root verb oír)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between '¡Oiga!' and '¡Oye!'?
'¡Oiga!' is the formal way to get someone's attention (used with usted). '¡Oye!' is the informal way (used with tú) and is best used with friends, family, or people you know well. Both mean 'Hey!' or 'Listen!'
Is 'oiga' the same as 'escuchar'?
No. 'Oír' (which 'oiga' comes from) means 'to hear'—the physical act of sound entering your ears. 'Escuchar' means 'to actively listen' or pay attention. However, when used as an interjection, '¡Oiga!' often means 'listen up' in context.