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.
📝 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)
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ 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)
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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.