Hola

Hola (pronounced OH-lah) is a Spanish greeting, translating to 'Hello' or 'Hi' in English. It is a versatile salutation used in both formal and informal settings to initiate a conversation. The simplicity of 'Hola' makes it suitable for a wide range of interactions, from casual encounters with friends to professional communications. Its widespread usage reflects the significant influence of the Spanish language and culture globally. This greeting is generally seen as polite and welcoming and can be followed by any number of additional pleasantries.

Hola meaning with examples

• During my trip to Barcelona, I learned that 'Hola' is the first phrase you need to know. I walked up to the waiter at the Tapas bar, I smiled and said 'Hola'. He greeted me back and proceeded to give me a table. It was such a relief that I was able to communicate. He then said 'Como esta?' which I understood and replied 'Bien, gracias'.
• As the online Spanish tutor began our lesson, she opened with a cheerful 'Hola, ¿cómo estás?' which immediately put me at ease. We started with 'Hola', before moving on to the pronunciation and vocabulary I needed. I was already learning so much. My confidence was growing and growing. I could not wait to start the next lesson and put all the new vocabulary to practice.
• At the vibrant street market in Mexico City, vendors greeted passersby with a friendly 'Hola!', hoping to attract customers. I was very happy to be there as this was the first time I visited Mexico. The locals were very welcoming. I walked down the stalls, all vendors were very happy. I finally settled on some tacos and said 'Gracias' and gave a thumbs up.
• When my friend called from Madrid, the phone rang, and on answering I was greeted with a cheerful 'Hola! ¿Qué tal?' setting a relaxed and friendly tone. We began by catching up on recent events and sharing stories from our respective lives. We planned on going out. After a catch up. We were ready to enjoy our night.