Silent h in Spanish: hola starts with the vowel

The letter that does nothing

In Spanish, h is silent. *hola* starts with the vowel. *hablar* is closer to *ablar*. *ahora* is *aora*.

English speakers often keep a breathy h, so *hola* sounds like “whole-ah” or a soft English *h* before the vowel. That puff is one of the fastest accent tells.

Quick check

Say *ola* (as in waves) then *hola*. Same start. If the tissue in front of your mouth jumps, you are still adding English air.

Practise *hola*, *hasta luego*, *hay*, *ahora* in the trainer. Pair with pure vowels so you do not replace the *h* puff with a diphthong.