German Phrase
Hola
Meaning
Hola is the universal greeting in the Spanish language, used to say hello or hi. It is a versatile word that works at any time of day and is understood in every Spanish-speaking country. Unlike time-specific greetings, it remains constant from morning until night.
When to use
Use it whenever you encounter someone, whether it is a friend, a colleague, or a stranger in a shop. It is appropriate for almost all social situations, ranging from casual to semi-formal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hola
The Silent H
In Spanish, the letter 'h' is never pronounced. When you say 'Hola', it should sound exactly like 'ola' (the Spanish word for wave).
Punctuation
In written Spanish, greetings often use an inverted exclamation mark at the beginning (¡) and a regular one at the end (!).
🗨In Conversation
¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
Hello! How are you?
Hola, estoy muy bien, ¿y tú?
Hello, I am very well, and you?
✕Common Mistakes
Jola, ¿cómo estás?
The 'h' in Spanish is always silent. Do not pronounce it like the English 'h' or the Spanish 'j'.
↔Alternatives
Buenas
Hi (shortened, informal version of greetings)
¿Qué tal?
How's it going? / What's up?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'Hola' is often just the beginning of a greeting. It is very common to follow it with a physical gesture like a handshake or, among friends and family, one or two kisses on the cheek. It is also polite to say 'Hola' to the group when entering small spaces like elevators or small shops.