Hello
Hola
Say it: OH-lah
Local tip: Universal, works any time of day.
Greetings & Basics in Spanish
Hello, thank you, please and the phrases you will use in every conversation.
Good morning
Buenos dias
Say it: BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs
Local tip: Use until about 1pm.
Good afternoon
Buenas tardes
Say it: BWEH-nahs TAR-days
Local tip: From about 1pm until dark.
Good evening
Buenas noches
Say it: BWEH-nahs NOH-chays
Local tip: After dark; also means good night.
How are you?
Como estas?
Say it: KOH-moh es-TAHS
Local tip: Informal. Use como esta usted for formal.
Very well, thank you
Muy bien, gracias
Say it: mwee bee-EN, GRAH-see-ahs
Local tip: Standard polite reply.
What is your name?
Como te llamas?
Say it: KOH-moh tay YAH-mahs
Local tip: Informal. Cual es su nombre is formal.
My name is...
Me llamo...
Say it: may YAH-moh
Local tip: Literally: I call myself.
Nice to meet you
Mucho gusto
Say it: MOO-choh GOOS-toh
Local tip: Reply with igualmente (same to you).
Please
Por favor
Say it: por fah-VOR
Local tip: Add to any request.
Thank you
Gracias
Say it: GRAH-see-ahs
Local tip: Reply: de nada (you are welcome).
You are welcome
De nada
Say it: day NAH-dah
Local tip: Literally: of nothing.
Excuse me
Disculpe
Say it: dees-KOOL-pay
Local tip: To get attention. Perdon for apology.
I am sorry
Lo siento
Say it: loh see-EN-toh
Local tip: Sincere apology.
Yes
Si
Say it: see
No
No
Say it: noh
Goodbye
Adios
Say it: ah-dee-OHS
Local tip: Formal. Hasta luego (see you later) is more casual.
See you later
Hasta luego
Say it: AHS-tah LWAY-goh
Local tip: Very common.
I do not speak Spanish
No hablo espanol
Say it: noh AH-bloh es-pahn-YOL
Local tip: Locals appreciate the effort anyway.
Do you speak English?
Habla ingles?
Say it: AH-blah een-GLAYS
Local tip: In tourist zones, usually yes.
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