onda
/OHN-dah/
wave
Onda can mean a physical movement, like a wave of water or light.
onda(noun)
wave
?physical movement (water, sound, light)
ripple
?small wave
,billow
?large movement
📝 In Action
El barco creó una onda en el agua al pasar.
A2The boat created a wave in the water as it passed.
Las ondas sonoras viajan más rápido en el agua que en el aire.
B1Sound waves travel faster in water than in air.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though 'onda' ends in '-a,' it always uses the feminine article 'la' and feminine adjectives: 'la onda grande' (the big wave).
⭐ Usage Tips
Onda vs. Ola
Use 'ola' specifically for ocean waves that crash on the shore. Use 'onda' for general waves (sound, light, ripples in a pool, or figurative uses).
When describing an atmosphere or feeling, onda translates to vibe.
onda(noun)
vibe
?atmosphere or feeling
,mood
?general attitude
coolness
?style or trend (slang)
,What's up?
?used in the fixed phrase '¿Qué onda?' (Mexico/Central America)
📝 In Action
El café tiene una onda muy relajada y acogedora.
B1The coffee shop has a very relaxed and cozy vibe.
¡Qué buena onda eres! Siempre me ayudas.
B2You're so cool/kind! You always help me.
¡Hola, amigo! ¿Qué onda?
A2Hey, friend! What's up?
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Onda' as a compliment
When you say someone 'tiene buena onda' or 'es buena onda,' you are saying they are a good, kind, or cool person. It's a very high compliment in informal settings.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Onda' formally
Mistake: "Using 'onda' in a professional email or formal speech."
Correction: Always keep 'onda' for casual, friendly conversations. For formal settings, use 'ambiente' (atmosphere) or 'actitud' (attitude).
⭐ Usage Tips
The Mexican Greeting
In Mexico, '¿Qué onda?' is the standard informal greeting among friends. It's often shortened to just '¿Qué onda?' (pronounced quickly as 'Keh-ohnda').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: onda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'onda' in its physical, non-slang meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is '¿Qué onda?' acceptable in all Spanish-speaking countries?
While understood everywhere, '¿Qué onda?' is most characteristic of Mexico and Central America. In Spain, you are more likely to hear '¿Qué tal?' or '¿Qué pasa?'
Can I use 'onda' to talk about a specific ocean wave?
Yes, but it's more common to use 'ola' (wave) when talking specifically about surfing or large, crashing ocean waves. 'Onda' is better for general waves or figurative uses.