Today’s Spanish word of the day is “ojalá”. It’s an interjection (a word that expresses emotion), and can be translated as “hopefully”, “I hope so”, “I wish”, “if only” or “let’s hope”.
It comes from the Arabic phrase “inshallah”, meaning “God willing”.
The word “ojalá” can be traced back to the period of Muslim rule in Spain. Different Muslim states ruled large areas of the Iberian Peninsular between 711 and 1492, a period during which many Arabic words entered what is now the Spanish language.
“Ojalá” is a very versatile and useful word for expressing hopes and desires.
Example sentences
Ojalá llueva mañana.
I hope it rains tomorrow.
Ojalá tenga suerte en el examen.
I hope I have luck on the exam.
Ojalá encuentres trabajo pronto.
I hope you find work soon.
Ojalá hubiera estudiado más para el examen.
I wish I had studied more for the exam.
Ojalá haya una solución pacífica al conflicto.
I hope there is a peaceful solution to the conflict.
