Useful Spanish Phrases for Beginning Speakers: Greetings, Goodbyes, and Polite Exchanges
This week we’re going to provide some phrases that are useful for entry-level Spanish language learners. These are common expressions that can you use frequently and in a wide variety of situations. For convenience, we’ve grouped the phrases by the situations in which they are used.
If you’re struggling with common phrases any other facet of the Spanish language, you can contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our highly-qualified teachers offer classes that are custom-tailored to your individual needs.
Greetings and Goodbyes | |
Spanish | English |
Buenos días | Good morning |
Buenos tardes | Good afternoon |
Buenos noches | Good evening, good night |
Bienvenido(s) | Welcome |
¡Hola! | Hello! |
¿Qué tal? (informal) | How’s it going? |
¿Cómo está usted? (formal) | How are you? |
Bien gracias, ¿y usted? (formal) | Good, thank you. And you? |
Bien gracias, ¿y tú? (informal) | Good, thanks? You? |
¿Qué hay de nuevo? | What’s new? |
¿Qué pasa? | What’s going on? |
¡Mucho gusto! | It’s a pleasure to meet you! |
¿Es usted de…? | Are you from…? |
¿De dónde es usted? (formal) | Where are you from? |
Soy de… | I am from… |
¿Cómo se llama usted? (formal) | What is your name? |
¿Cómo te llamas? (informal) | What’s your name? |
Mi nombre es… | My name is… |
Adiós | Goodbye |
Hasta luego | See you later |
Hasta mañana | See you tomorrow |
Polite Exchanges | |
Spanish | English |
Permiso, con permiso | Excuse me, pardon me (to attract attention or ask permission) |
Perdón, perdóneme
Disculpe, dispense |
Excuse me; I’m sorry (when you have caused offense or harm) |
Por favor | Please |
Gracias | Thank you |
De nada | You’re welcome |
Muchas gracias | Thank you very much |
¿En qué puedo servirle? | How can I help you? |
¿Dónde está…? | Where is…? |
Repita, por favor. | Please repeat that. |
¿Cómo se dice […] en español? | How do you say […] in Spanish? |
Necesito información | I need information |