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"Hola" is a form of "hola", an interjection which is often translated as "hello". "Paco" is a form of "paco", a noun which is often translated as "alpaca". Learn more about the difference between "hola" and "paco" below.
hola
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. hello
¡Hola, Meg! - Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, Meg! - Hello, how are you?
b. hi
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¡Hola! ¿Qué hay de nuevo?Hi! What's new?
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el paco(
pah
-
koh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. alpaca
Vimos un letrero en Chile que decía "Cruce de pacos".We saw a sign in Chile that read "Alpaca crossing."
2.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
An offensive word or phrase used to degrade a person or group of people based on race, gender, sexual preference, etc. (e.g., redneck).
(pejorative)
(police officer)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
(Central America)
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
(South America)
a. cop
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¡Corran! ¡Vienen los pacos!Run! The cops are coming!
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