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
Beginner
Here are some example sentences at beginner (A1/A2) level:
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.
Intermediate
Here are some example sentences at intermediate (B1/B2) level:
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.
¡Ojalá que el equipo nacional gane el próximo partido y se clasifique para el campeonato mundial!
I hope that the national team wins the next match and qualifies for the world championship!
Advanced
Here are some example sentences at advanced (C1/C2) level:
Ojalá que el equipo favorito de mi hijo gane el campeonato este año, eso lo haría muy feliz.
I hope my son’s favorite team wins the championship this year, that would make him very happy.
Ojalá que tu nuevo negocio funcione y puedas quitarte de encima esa deuda que tanto te agobia.
I hope that your new business works out and you can get rid of that debt that’s stressing you out so much.
