ojalá

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hopefully, I hope, if only
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/oxaˈla/
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A heartfelt wish that something may happen or may have happened differently.

Examples

  • Ojalá hayan llegado bien.
    I hope they arrived safely.
  • Ojalá no hubiera dicho eso.
    If only I had not said that.
  • ¿Vendrá Ana? Ojalá.
    Will Ana come? I hope so.
  • Ojalá que consigas el trabajo.
    I hope you get the job.
  • Ojalá mañana haga sol.
    Hopefully it will be sunny tomorrow.

Similar words

Dios quiera
amalaya
quién pudiera
así sea
quiera Dios

Meanings

Expressing a wish

interjection
everyday
neutral
Shows a strong hope that something will happen, or regret that a past event did not happen differently.

Examples

  • Ojalá mañana haga sol.
    Hopefully it will be sunny tomorrow.
  • Ojalá que consigas el trabajo.
    I hope you get the job.
  • Ojalá hayan llegado bien.
    I hope they arrived safely.
  • Ojalá pudiera acompañarte.
    I wish I could go with you.
  • Ojalá no hubiera dicho eso.
    If only I had not said that.
  • ¿Vendrá Ana? Ojalá.
    Will Ana come? I hope so.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old Spanish oxalá, borrowed from Andalusi Arabic law šá lláh, meaning 'if God willed it'.

FAQ

What does ojalá mean?

Ojalá expresses a strong wish, much like hopefully, I hope, or if only.

Does ojalá take the subjunctive?

Yes. Ojalá normally introduces a verb in the subjunctive, with or without que.

What is the difference between ojalá and ojalá que?

There is usually no difference in meaning. Que may link ojalá to the following clause, but it can be omitted.

How does ojalá express regret?

Ojalá with the pluperfect subjunctive, as in ojalá hubiera ido, wishes that a past event had been different.

Can ojalá stand alone?

Yes. A reply such as Ojalá means I hope so.

Where does ojalá come from?

Ojalá entered Spanish through Andalusi Arabic from a phrase meaning 'if God willed it'.

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