How to Say "wave" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “wave” is “ola” — use 'ola' for the physical movement of water in the sea, a surge of something like heat or crime, or general physical phenomena like seismic waves..
ola
OH-lah/ˈo.la/
Examples
Me gusta nadar en el mar cuando las olas son pequeñas.
I like to swim in the sea when the waves are small.
Me encanta ver cómo rompen las olas en la playa.
I love watching how the waves break on the beach.
Ten cuidado, hoy hay olas muy grandes.
Be careful, there are very big waves today.
El surfista esperó la ola perfecta durante horas.
The surfer waited for the perfect wave for hours.
Feminine Noun
Remember that 'ola' is a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la ola' (the wave), 'unas olas' (some waves).
Figurative Use
In this context, 'ola' describes a large, powerful, and often sudden increase or movement, just like a water wave, but applied to non-physical things.
Technical Usage
While 'ola' is used for large, physical waves (like seismic or tidal), the word 'onda' is far more common for abstract or technical waves like sound waves ('ondas sonoras') or radio waves ('ondas de radio').
onda
OHN-dah/ˈon.da/
Examples
La piedra que tiré al estanque creó una onda circular.
The stone I threw into the pond created a circular wave.
El barco creó una onda en el agua al pasar.
The boat created a wave in the water as it passed.
Las ondas sonoras viajan más rápido en el agua que en el aire.
Sound waves travel faster in water than in air.
Gender Check
Even though 'onda' ends in '-a,' it always uses the feminine article 'la' and feminine adjectives: 'la onda grande' (the big wave).
saludo
/sah-LOO-doh//saˈluðo/
Examples
Le hice un saludo rápido al pasar en el coche.
I gave him a quick wave as I passed in the car.
Su saludo fue muy cordial y amable.
His greeting was very warm and friendly.
Al final del correo, puse un saludo afectuoso.
At the end of the email, I put an affectionate salutation.
Recibimos muchos saludos de cumpleaños por mensaje.
We received many birthday greetings via message.
Masculine Noun Rule
Since 'saludo' ends in '-o', it is a masculine noun and uses masculine articles (el saludo, un saludo).
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Using 'saludo' (the noun) when you mean the verb 'saludar'.”
Correction: Remember 'saludo' (noun) is the act itself, while 'saludar' is the action (to greet).
marea
mah-REH-ah/maˈɾea/
Examples
Tras el concierto, una marea de fans salió del recinto.
After the concert, a wave of fans left the venue.
Una marea de aficionados se dirigió al estadio después de la victoria.
A wave/flood of fans headed to the stadium after the victory.
Sintió una marea de tristeza al recordar su infancia.
She felt a surge of sadness remembering her childhood.
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'marea' emphasizes the overwhelming, often unstoppable nature of the group or emotion, much like a real tide.
Confusing 'ola' and 'onda'
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