Learning Spanish opens up so many doors—whether you’re trying to make new friends, connect with family, handle business, move somewhere new, travel more confidently, or just want to pick up a new hobby. And that’s why we put together this blog post: to give you a super useful list of common words and go-to Spanish phrases you’ll actually use in real life.
We broke everything down into simple sections so it’s easy to follow—and easy to come back to whenever you want a quick refresher or a little extra practice. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Greetings & Introductions
The easiest way to start learning Spanish is with simple greetings and introductions. These are the little phrases you’ll use all the time—whether you’re meeting someone new, saying goodbye, or just being polite. And trust me, being polite goes a long way, especially when you’re traveling or visiting somewhere new. It shows you care, that you’re making an effort to improve your Spanish language skills and are trying to connect with others. Once you get comfortable with these basics, you can move on to other phrases and you’ll start to feel more confident, little by little. Here they are:
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Hola Hello
Example: Hola, ¿cómo estás? — Hello, how are you? -
AdiĂłs Goodbye
Example: Adiós, nos vemos mañana. — Goodbye, see you tomorrow. -
Por favor Please
Example: Una taza de café, por favor. — A cup of coffee, please. -
Gracias Thank you
Example: Gracias por tu ayuda. — Thank you for your help. -
De nada You’re welcome
Example: De nada, no hay problema. — You’re welcome, no problem. -
SĂ Yes
Example: SĂ, me encantarĂa ir. — Yes, I’d love to come. -
No No
Example: No tengo tiempo. — I don’t have time. -
¿Cómo estás? How are you?
Example: Hola, ¿cómo estás? — Hi, how are you? -
Bien Good / Well
Example: Estoy bien, gracias. — I’m good, thank you. -
Mal Bad
Example: Me siento mal. — I feel bad. -
Más o menos So-so / More or less
Example: Estoy más o menos. — I’m so-so. -
¿Qué tal? What’s up? / How’s it going?
Example: ¿Qué tal, amigo? — What’s up, friend? -
¿Qué pasa? What’s happening?
Example: ¿Qué pasa, Juan? — What’s happening, Juan? -
Me llamo My name is…
Example: Me llamo Ana. — My name is Ana. -
¿Cómo te llamas? What’s your name?
Example: ¡Hola! ¿Cómo te llamas? — Hi! What’s your name?
Bonus tip: Did you know there are different ways to say hello depending on the time of day? Here are a few to keep in your back pocket:
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Buenos dĂas — Good morning (used until around midday)
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Buenas tardes — Good afternoon (used after midday until evening)
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Buenas noches — Good night / Good evening (used at night or when saying goodbye late)
Getting to Know Someone
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s really fun to start learning more, not just about the language, but about the people you meet. These phrases are perfect for breaking the ice and keeping conversations flowing, whether you’re asking where someone’s from, what they do, or swapping contact info. Using these in your language learning journey makes chatting feel more natural and way less awkward.
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Mucho gusto Nice to meet you
Example: Buenos dĂas, mucho gusto. — Good morning, nice to meet you. -
Igualmente Likewise / Same here
Example: Mucho gusto. —Igualmente. — Nice to meet you. —Likewise. -
ÂżDe dĂłnde eres? Where are you from?
Example: ¿De dónde eres? Soy de México. — Where are you from? I’m from Mexico. -
Soy de… I’m from…
Example: Soy de Colombia. — I’m from Colombia. -
¿Hablas inglés? Do you speak English?
Example: ¿Hablas inglés? Un poco. — Do you speak English? A little. -
No entiendo I don’t understand
Example: Perdón, no entiendo. — Sorry, I don’t understand. -
ÂżPuedes repetir? Can you repeat?
Example: ¿Puedes repetir, por favor? — Can you repeat, please? -
¿Cuántos años tienes? How old are you?
Example: ¿Cuántos años tienes? — How old are you? -
Tengo… años I am… years old
Example: Tengo veinte años. — I am twenty years old. -
¿Qué haces? What do you do? (for work)
Example: ¿Qué haces? — What do you do? -
Soy estudiante I’m a student
Example: Soy estudiante de español. — I’m a Spanish student. -
ÂżTienes hermanos? Do you have siblings?
Example: ¿Tienes hermanos? — Do you have siblings? -
SĂ, tengo ___ hermanos Yes, I have ___ siblings
Example: SĂ, tengo dos hermanos. — Yes, I have two siblings. -
¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono? What is your phone number?
Example: ¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono? — What is your phone number? -
Mi número es… My number is…
Example: Mi número es 555-1234. — My number is 555-1234.
Bonus tip: When you’re getting to know someone and using your basic Spanish skills, adding a little follow-up makes things feel more natural. After asking “¿De dónde eres?” you might say something like, “¡Qué interesante!” or share where you’re from too. It’s a simple way to keep the conversation flowing and make a real connection.
Common Questions & Responses
As you start using Spanish in everyday situations, having a few key questions and answers ready makes things a lot easier. You’re less likely to freeze. Whether you’re asking for directions, checking prices, or just trying to follow what’s happening around you, building your Spanish vocabulary with these practical phrases will help you get through the day with less stress. Save this list to your phone so you can pull it up anytime—you’ll find yourself using these words and phrases over and over.
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¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the bathroom?
Example: Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño? — Excuse me, where is the bathroom? -
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much does it cost?
Example: ¿Cuánto cuesta este libro? — How much does this book cost? -
¿A qué hora? At what time?
Example: ¿A qué hora es la reunión? — What time is the meeting? -
ÂżDĂłnde? Where?
Example: ¿Dónde vives? — Where do you live? -
¿Por qué? Why?
Example: ¿Por qué estás triste? — Why are you sad? -
Porque Because
Example: Estoy triste porque llueve. — I’m sad because it’s raining. -
¿Qué? What?
Example: ¿Qué quieres comer? — What do you want to eat? -
¿Quién? Who?
Example: ¿Quién es él? — Who is he? -
ÂżCĂłmo? How?
Example: ¿Cómo estás? — How are you? -
¿Cuándo? When?
Example: ¿Cuándo es la fiesta? — When is the party? -
AquĂ Here
Example: Estoy aquĂ. — I’m here. -
AllĂ / AhĂ There
Example: El libro está allĂ. — The book is there. -
Ahora Now
Example: Voy ahora. — I’m going now. -
Hoy Today
Example: Hoy es lunes. — Today is Monday. -
Mañana Tomorrow
Example: Mañana vamos al parque. — Tomorrow we’re going to the park. -
Ayer Yesterday
Example: Ayer llovió mucho. — Yesterday it rained a lot. -
Bienvenido/a Welcome
Example: ¡Bienvenido a nuestra casa! — Welcome to our house! -
Perdón / Lo siento Sorry / I’m sorry
Example: Perdón por llegar tarde. — Sorry for being late. -
Salud Bless you / Cheers
Example: —Estornudó. —Salud. — —He sneezed. —Bless you. -
ÂżPuedes ayudarme? Can you help me?
Example: ¿Puedes ayudarme con esto? — Can you help me with this?
Travel & Directions
Getting around a new place can feel overwhelming at first, but knowing some basic Spanish words and phrases makes it much easier. Whether you’re asking for directions, buying tickets, or checking into your hotel, this list covers key expressions to help you navigate common travel situations—whether you’re visiting Latin America, Spain, or anywhere in between. Buen viaje (have a good trip)!
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ÂżDĂłnde está…? Where is…?
Example: ¿Dónde está el hotel? — Where is the hotel? -
A la derecha To the right
Example: Gira a la derecha. — Turn to the right. -
A la izquierda To the left
Example: Gira a la izquierda. — Turn to the left. -
Derecho / Recto Straight ahead
Example: Sigue derecho. — Go straight ahead. -
Cerca Near
Example: La tienda está cerca. — The store is near. -
Lejos Far
Example: El aeropuerto está lejos. — The airport is far. -
Estoy perdido/a I’m lost
Example: Estoy perdido. ¿Me ayudas? — I’m lost. Can you help me? -
La parada de autobĂşs Bus stop
Example: La parada de autobĂşs está aquĂ. — The bus stop is here. -
El aeropuerto Airport
Example: El aeropuerto está cerrado. — The airport is closed. -
La estaciĂłn de tren Train station
Example: La estación de tren está lejos. — The train station is far. -
¿Cuándo sale el próximo tren? When does the next train leave?
Example: ¿Cuándo sale el próximo tren? — When does the next train leave? -
Un boleto, por favor A ticket, please
Example: Un boleto para Madrid, por favor. — A ticket to Madrid, please. -
ÂżDĂłnde puedo comprar un boleto? Where can I buy a ticket?
Example: ¿Dónde puedo comprar un boleto? — Where can I buy a ticket? -
La maleta Suitcase
Example: Mi maleta es pesada. — My suitcase is heavy. -
El pasaporte Passport
Example: No encuentro mi pasaporte. — I can’t find my passport. -
El hotel Hotel
Example: Reservé una habitación en el hotel. — I booked a room at the hotel. -
La habitaciĂłn Room
Example: La habitación es cómoda. — The room is comfortable. -
La llave
Key Example: Aquà está la llave. — Here is the key. -
El baño Bathroom
Example: ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? -
El restaurante Restaurant
Example: El restaurante está cerrado. — The restaurant is closed.
Food & Shopping
Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, sitting down for a meal, or on the hunt for that perfect souvenir, knowing some basic Spanish questions makes everything so much easier—and way more fun. Imagine confidently ordering your favorite drink, asking about prices, checking out fresh produce, or paying the bill without any stress. This section is your little go-to guide for all those everyday moments when you’re out and about exploring.
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La comida Food
Example: La comida está deliciosa. — The food is delicious. -
El agua Water
Example: Quiero un vaso de agua. — I want a glass of water. -
El café Coffee
Example: Un café, por favor. — A coffee, please. -
La cuenta The bill / check
Example: La cuenta, por favor. — The bill, please. -
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much does it cost?
Example: ¿Cuánto cuesta la camisa? — How much does the shirt cost? -
Quiero comprar… I want to buy…
Example: Quiero comprar una chaqueta. — I want to buy a jacket. -
¿Aceptan tarjeta de crédito? Do you accept credit cards?
Example: Se me olvidó, ¿aceptan tarjeta de crédito? — I forgot, do you accept credit cards? -
Barato/a Cheap
Example: Este vestido es barato. — This dress is cheap. -
Caro/a Expensive
Example: Ese reloj es caro. — That watch is expensive. -
El mercado Market
Example: Vamos al mercado. — Let’s go to the market. -
El supermercado Supermarket
Example: El supermercado está cerrado. — The supermarket is closed. -
La fruta Fruit
Example: Me gusta la fruta. — I like fruit. -
La verdura Vegetable
Example: Quiero comprar verduras. — I want to buy vegetables. -
El pan Bread
Example: El pan está fresco. — The bread is fresh. -
La carne Meat
Example: La carne está cocida. — The meat is cooked.
A quick heads-up about meals: As in English, Spanish-speaking countries have their own names for the main meals of the day. There’s desayuno for breakfast, almuerzo or comida for lunch (which is usually the biggest meal and often served between 2 and 4 p.m.), and cena for dinner, which tends to be lighter and later in the evening.
Bonus travel tip: Many restaurants offer a menĂş del dĂa—a special lunch set meal at a great price. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, filling meal without spending too much, and a great way to experience local flavors while you’re out exploring.
Helpful Phrases for Emergencies & Everyday Moments
Whether it’s a tricky situation or just one of those everyday moments when you need a little help, having a few key Spanish words and phrases ready can really take the stress down a notch. This section gives you the essential questions and basic words and expressions you’ll want to know when it counts, so you can ask for help, explain yourself, or just feel a little more at ease connecting with others.
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¡Ayuda! Help!
Example: ¡Ayuda! Estoy perdido. — Help! I’m lost. -
Llama a la policĂa Call the police
Example: Por favor, llama a la policĂa. — Please, call the police. -
Necesito un médico I need a doctor
Example: Necesito un médico urgentemente. — I need a doctor urgently. -
Estoy enfermo/a I’m sick
Example: Estoy enfermo y necesito ayuda. — I’m sick and need help. -
¿Dónde está el hospital? Where is the hospital?
Example: ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? — Where is the nearest hospital? -
Estoy perdido/a I’m lost
Example: Estoy perdido. ¿Me ayudas? — I’m lost. Can you help me? -
No puedo encontrar… I can’t find…
Example: No puedo encontrar mi pasaporte. — I can’t find my passport. -
Tengo hambre I’m hungry
Example: Tengo hambre. ¿Dónde puedo comer? — I’m hungry. Where can I eat? -
Tengo sed I’m thirsty
Example: Tengo sed. Necesito agua. — I’m thirsty. I need water. -
¿Habla usted inglés? Do you speak English? (formal)
Example: —¿Habla usted inglés? — No mucho. — Do you speak English? —Not much. -
ÂżMe puede ayudar? Can you help me? (formal)
Example: ¿Me puede ayudar con esto? — Can you help me with this? -
No sé I don’t know
Example: No sé la respuesta. — I don’t know the answer. -
Está bien It’s okay
Example: Está bien, no te preocupes. — It’s okay, don’t worry. -
ÂżDĂłnde puedo encontrar…? Where can I find…?
Example: ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi? — Where can I find a taxi? -
Está abierto/a It’s open
Example: ¿Está abierta la farmacia? — Is the pharmacy open?
Why These Words & Phrases Matter So Much
These aren’t just random words—they’re the building blocks that help you connect with people. While it might feel a little challenging at first, learning and using these phrases will gradually boost your confidence.
With regular practice, you’ll start understanding more and speaking more naturally—sooner than you think.
If you’re finding this helpful, be sure to check out our guide on how to count to 100 in Spanish. It’s a fun, easy next step to keep your progress going!
Ready to Take Your Spanish Further? Connect with Us!
Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to sharpen your skills, Bridge the Gap Spanish is here for you. From mastering basic verbs to tackling more complex conversations, our immersive program lets you practice anytime, anywhere, fitting seamlessly into your life while helping you speak more naturally and confidently.
Each week, you’ll practice essential words and phrases—and so much more—with native Spanish speakers. That means real conversations, helpful feedback, and steady progress all in a friendly, supportive space. No boring drills—just useful, fun practice that helps you build your skills step by step.
Ready to keep growing your Spanish? Let’s get started!Â
