Ola Vs Onda

[fglorca]

What is the exact difference between 'ola' and 'onda'... both translate into English as 'wave'. Any examples would be super helpful.

Many thanks in advance.

[poli]

Ola almost always refers to sea wave, or something that metaphorically refers to sea waves. Onda has more meanings. It may refer to hair waves, microwaves, and sometimes sea waves as in onda marina.

[aleCcowaN]

ola ---> sea wave, tsunami, or any other phenomenon that covers or sweeps a whole region (even figuratively)

ola marina
ola de calor
ola de delitos

onda ---> undulation (a wavelike curve or motion)

onda sonora
onda electromagnética
ondas (en la superficie del estanque)

buena/mala onda (old fashioned ---> good/bad vibe)

[fglorca]

Many thanks, guys.