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