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A stylized illustration of a small person standing on a grassy hill at twilight, releasing a single glowing dandelion seed puff into the air toward a distant star.

ojalá

oh-hah-LAH

InterjectionA2
Hopefully?Used to express a simple hope for the future,I wish?Used to express a strong personal desire
Also:If only?Used to express regret or a wish contrary to present reality,God willing?Literal translation based on the word's Arabic origin (less common usage)

📝 In Action

¡Ojalá ganemos el partido hoy!

A2

Hopefully we win the game today!

Ojalá que no llueva este fin de semana.

B1

I wish it doesn't rain this weekend.

Ojalá hubieras venido con nosotros anoche.

C1

If only you had come with us last night.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • esperemos (Let's hope)
  • si Dios quiere (If God wills)

Common Collocations

  • Ojalá que sí – I hope so
  • Ojalá que no – I hope not

💡 Grammar Points

Always Requires the Subjunctive

'Ojalá' is one of the most reliable triggers for the 'wish verb form' (the Subjunctive mood). Since it expresses a hope or desire rather than a fact, the verb following it must change form.

Optional 'Que'

You can use 'Ojalá' by itself, or followed by 'que' (Ojalá que...). Both versions are perfectly correct and common, but 'ojalá' alone is sometimes seen as slightly more direct.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Subjunctive

Mistake: "Ojalá viene mi hermano."

Correction: Ojalá venga mi hermano. ('Venga' is the correct wish form for 'venir').

⭐ Usage Tips

Use for Impossible Wishes

To express something that is impossible or contrary to reality (like 'if only...'), you use 'ojalá' with a past tense of the subjunctive verb: 'Ojalá tuviera más tiempo' (If only I had more time).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ojalá

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'ojalá'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'ojalá' have any negative connotations?

No. 'Ojalá' is purely positive or neutral, expressing hope or a strong desire. It is similar to saying 'hopefully' or 'I wish' in English.

Can I use 'ojalá' without a verb?

Yes, you can use '¡Ojalá!' on its own, like saying 'Hopefully!' or 'I hope so!' in response to a statement. However, usually, a whole thought follows it.