Expression · A1 · Spanish glossary
Hola: hello, hi
hola
Pronunciation: OH-lah (stress the capital letters)
Hola means “hello, hi” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: hello, hi
- How to say it: OH-lah
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “hola” means and how to use it
Hola is the standard Spanish greeting. It works at any time of day and with anyone, from friends to strangers.
Examples with audio
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- Hola a todos.Hello, everyone.
- Hola, buenas tardes.Hello, good afternoon.
Usage tip
The h is silent, so hola sounds like “OH-lah.” For a more formal greeting, use buenos días, buenas tardes, or buenas noches.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “hello, hi” in Spanish?
“hello, hi” in Spanish is “hola.” It is pronounced OH-lah, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “hola”?
Say OH-lah. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
Practice “hola” for free
Reading helps, but practice makes it stick. Try short exercises with instant feedback.
Practice Spanish for free with Leo Read the lesson: Spanish Greetings: Common Phrases for Beginners