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"Hola" is a form of "hola", an interjection which is often translated as "hello". "Qué pasa" is a form of "qué pasa", a phrase which is often translated as "what's going on". Learn more about the difference between "hola" and "qué pasa" below.
hola
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
1. (general)
b. hi (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¡Hola! ¿Qué hay de nuevo?Hi! What's new?
qué pasa(
keh
pah
-
sah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
b. what's happening
¿Qué pasa, cariño? Oí un ruido fuerte.What's happening, dear? I heard a loud noise.
e. what's up (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿Qué pasa, niños? ¿Están bien?What's up, kids? Are you OK?
a. what's going on
You look so sad, dear. Tell me what's going on.Te veo muy triste, amor. Dime qué pasa.
c. what the matter is
No entiendo qué pasa, Enrique. ¿Por qué actúas como si me odiaras?I don't get what the matter is, Enrique. Why do you act like you hate me?
d. what's wrong
Dime qué pasa, hija. Quisiera poder ayudarte.Tell me what's wrong, honey. I'd like to be able to help you.
e. what's up (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
No sé qué pasa, Diego, pero recuerda que puedes contar conmigo.I don't know what's up, Diego, but remember that you can count on me.
a. what happens
Sabes qué pasa cuando mi compañero de cuarto se enoja.You know what happens when my roommate gets angry.
