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"¡Hola!" is a form of "¡Hola!", an interjection which is often translated as "Hello!". "¿Cómo está?" is a phrase which is often translated as "How is he?". Learn more about the difference between "¡Hola!" and "¿Cómo está?" below.
¡Hola!(
oh
-
lah
)An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
1. (salutation)
b. Hi! (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¡Hola! ¿Qué hay de nuevo contigo?Hi! What's new with you?
¿Cómo está?(
koh
-
moh
ehs
-
tah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. How is he? (masculine)
Javier tuvo un accidente automovilístico. ¡Oh, no! ¿Cómo está?Javier had a car accident. - Oh, no! How is he?
b. How is she? (feminine)
Cuéntame sobre tu hija. ¿Cómo está? - Ahora se siente mejor.Tell me about your daughter. How is she? - She's feeling better now.
c. How is it?
Prueba la salsa. ¿Cómo está? - Yo le añadiría una pizca de sal.Try the sauce. How is it? - I'd add a pinch of salt.
2. (formal) (second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. How are you?
¡Hola, señor Rojas! ¡Cuánto tiempo sin verlo! ¿Cómo está?Hello, Mr. Rojas! Long time no see! How are you?
