More Useful Spanish Phrases for Beginning Speakers: Greetings, Goodbyes, Polite Exchanges, and Special Occasions.
This week we’re going to provide some additional 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. In addition to another round of greetings, goodbyes, and polite exchanges, we’ve included several expressions for celebrating special occasions.
If you’re struggling with common phrases or any other facet of the Spanish language, contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our highly-qualified teachers offer classes that are custom-tailored to your individual needs.
Greetings, Goodbyes, and Polite Exchanges | |
Spanish | English |
¡Diga! / Dígame! / ¿Sí? / ¿Bueno? / ¡Hola! / ¿Aló? | Telephone greetings |
¡Tanto tiempo sin verte! | Long time no see! |
¡Buena suerte! | Good luck! |
¡Buen viaje! | Have a good trip! |
¡Buen provecho! | Enjoy your meal! |
Los mejores deseos para… | Best wishes to… |
¡Que tenga usted un buen día! | Have a nice day! (formal) |
¡Que tengas un buen día! | Have a nice day! (informal) |
¡Cuídese! | Take care! (formal) |
¡Cuídate! | Take care! (informal) |
¿Qué hora es? | What time is it?* |
Es la una. | It’s one o’clock. |
Son las dos. | It’s two o’clock. |
¿Dónde está…? | Where is…? |
¿Entiende? | Do you understand? |
Entiendo. | I understand. |
Comprendo. | I understand. |
No entiendo. | I don’t understand. |
No comprendo. | I don’t understand. |
¿Habla usted Inglés? | Do you speak English? (formal) |
¿Hablas inglés? | Do you speak English? (informal) |
¿Habla usted español? | Do you speak Spanish? (formal) |
¿Hablas español? | Do you speak Spanish? (informal) |
Sí, un poco. | Yes, a little bit. |
Special Occasions | |
Spanish | English |
¡Salud! | Cheers! (for a toast) |
¡Felicitaciones! | Congratulations! |
¡Feliz Cumpleaños! | Happy Birthday! |
¡Feliz Navidad! | Merry Christmas! |
¡Feliz Año Nuevo! | Happy New Year! |
¡Felices Pascuas! | Happy Easter! |
¡Feliz Jánuca! | Happy Hanukkah! |
* See our lesson on telling time in Spanish for the full range of Spanish time expressions.*