amalaya (vocab help!)

Question

hi everyone!

I learned the word "amalaya" means "ojala" (hopefully). But I am unsure how to use it and in what context. Could you help me?

Thanks!

In the Northwest of Mexico, Amalaya is use as " I wish!" - lucy_nc, May 4, 2012

Answer 1

"Amalaya" from the phrase: "a mal haya".

It is an expression used in some countries of Latin America as a complaint. It is used when you are not happy or content with a situation. Most commonly used among the older generations (in México).

¡Amalaya que no lo sabía! :-) - pacofinkler, Apr 26, 2011

¡Amalaya, yo tampoco lo recordaba! - Agora, Apr 26, 2011

Answer 2

I've never heard anyone use "amalaya" in any context. Apparently in Mexico there is a verb "amalayar" which means "to covet". I always translate "he covets" as "él codicia."