Inklingo

How to Say "waves" in Spanish

English → Spanish

olas

OH-lahs/ˈo.las/

nounA1general
Use 'olas' specifically for the movement of water, typically in the sea or ocean.
A simple illustration of three large, foamy blue ocean waves rolling across the water surface.

Examples

Las olas del mar estaban muy grandes hoy.

The ocean waves were very big today.

Me gusta escuchar el sonido de las olas en la playa.

I like listening to the sound of the waves on the beach.

Los surfistas esperan las mejores olas.

The surfers wait for the best waves.

Feminine Plural

Since the singular word 'ola' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun. Therefore, when plural, it uses the feminine article 'las' (las olas).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El olas.”

Correction: Las olas. Remember that most words ending in -a are feminine, requiring the article 'las' in the plural.

ondas

/ON-dahs//ˈondas/

nounA2general
Use 'ondas' for physical movements in water, air, or energy (like sound or light waves), and also for waves in hair.
A close-up view of three distinct, gentle blue ocean waves rolling toward the viewer near a shore.

Examples

Las ondas del mar rompían contra las rocas.

The ocean waves crashed against the rocks.

La radio capta las ondas electromagnéticas.

The radio catches the electromagnetic waves.

Me gusta cómo te quedan esas ondas naturales en el cabello.

I like how those natural waves look in your hair.

La peluquera me hizo unas ondas perfectas para la boda.

The hairdresser gave me perfect waves for the wedding.

Always Plural, Always Feminine

Since 'ondas' is the plural of 'onda,' it is always used with feminine articles and adjectives, like 'las ondas' (the waves) or 'ondas largas' (long waves).

ondas

/ON-dahs//ˈondas/

nounB1general
Use 'ondas' when talking about a wavy hairstyle.
A close-up view of three distinct, gentle blue ocean waves rolling toward the viewer near a shore.

Examples

Me gusta cómo te quedan esas ondas naturales en el cabello.

I like how those natural waves look in your hair.

Las ondas del mar rompían contra las rocas.

The ocean waves crashed against the rocks.

La radio capta las ondas electromagnéticas.

The radio catches the electromagnetic waves.

La peluquera me hizo unas ondas perfectas para la boda.

The hairdresser gave me perfect waves for the wedding.

Always Plural, Always Feminine

Since 'ondas' is the plural of 'onda,' it is always used with feminine articles and adjectives, like 'las ondas' (the waves) or 'ondas largas' (long waves).

Waves in the Sea vs. Hair

Learners often confuse 'olas' and 'ondas' when referring to the sea. Remember that 'olas' is almost exclusively for water movement in oceans or seas. 'Ondas' can also refer to the sea, but it's more common for energy or hair waves.

Related Translations

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