ondas
“ondas” means “waves” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
waves
Also: ripples, radio waves
📝 In Action
Las ondas del mar rompían contra las rocas.
A2The ocean waves crashed against the rocks.
La radio capta las ondas electromagnéticas.
B2The radio catches the electromagnetic waves.
waves
Also: curls
📝 In Action
Me gusta cómo te quedan esas ondas naturales en el cabello.
B1I like how those natural waves look in your hair.
La peluquera me hizo unas ondas perfectas para la boda.
B1The hairdresser gave me perfect waves for the wedding.
vibes
Also: mood
📝 In Action
¡Qué buenas ondas tienes hoy!
B2What great vibes you have today!
Ese bar tiene malas ondas; mejor vamos a otro.
B2That bar has bad vibes; we should go to another one.
you ripple
Also: you undulate
📝 In Action
Si tiras una piedra, tú ondas la superficie del agua.
C1If you throw a stone, you ripple the surface of the water.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Imperfect
Present
Preterite
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ondas" in Spanish:
curls→radio waves→ripples→vibes→waves→you ripple→you undulate→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ondas
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'ondas' is used in the phrase: 'La gente en la fiesta tenía muy buenas ondas.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *unda*, which meant 'wave' or 'flowing water.' It is one of many Spanish words that kept the core meaning of a natural movement or flow.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ondas' and 'olas'?
'Ondas' is the general, technical term for any wave (sound, light, water, hair). 'Olas' specifically refers to large, powerful waves of water, like those used for surfing or found in a storm.
Is 'buena onda' used everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world?
No. While understood, the phrase 'buena onda' (good vibe/cool person) is extremely common and natural in Latin America, especially Mexico and Central America, but less common in Spain, where they might use different slang.