oye
/OY-eh/
Just like this person is focusing on a sound, 'oye' comes from the verb 'oír', which means 'to hear'.
oye (Verb)
📝 In Action
Ella oye un pájaro cantar fuera de su ventana.
A1She hears a bird singing outside her window.
Disculpe, ¿usted oye esa alarma?
A2Excuse me, do you (formal) hear that alarm?
Oye, necesito tu ayuda.
A1Listen, I need your help.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Jobs in One Word
Oye comes from the verb oír (to hear). It can mean 'he/she/you (formal) hears' in a regular sentence. It's also the command form for 'tú' (you, informal), meaning 'Listen!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Hearing vs. Listening
Mistake: "Using `oír` (to hear) when you mean `escuchar` (to listen actively)."
Correction: `Oír` is passive, like a sound reaching your ears. `Escuchar` is active, like paying attention to music. Use `oye` to get attention, but you might follow it with `escucha` to ask someone to pay attention to what you're saying.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Commands
The command oye is for 'tú' (informal 'you'). If you're talking to someone you'd call 'usted' (formal 'you'), use oiga instead to be more polite.
Used like 'Hey!' in English, 'oye' is a common way to get someone's attention before you start talking.
oye (Interjection)
📝 In Action
Oye, ¿qué hora es?
A1Hey, what time is it?
Oye, ¿viste eso?
A2Hey, did you see that?
Oye, ten cuidado.
A2Hey, be careful.
⭐ Usage Tips
It's All in the Tone
The meaning of oye can change with your voice. Said gently, it's a friendly 'hey'. Said sharply, it can mean 'Hey, you!' and sound a bit demanding.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oye
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'oye' to mean 'he hears'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to say 'oye' to a stranger?
It can be, yes. 'Oye' is informal and best used with friends, family, or people your age. To be polite with strangers, older people, or in formal situations, it's much better to say 'disculpe' (excuse me) or 'perdone'.
What's the difference between 'oye' and 'escucha'?
Think of it like 'hear' vs. 'listen'. 'Oye' comes from 'oír' (to hear), the physical act of sound reaching your ears. 'Escucha' comes from 'escuchar' (to listen), the act of paying attention. You use 'Oye' to get someone's attention, and then you might say 'escucha esto' (listen to this) to ask them to pay attention.