How to say hello & more in Spanish: 18 phrases + audio

Hello & how are you

1. Hola.

   Say it like: OH-lah

   Hello.

   Neutral · Works almost anywhere, any time of day.
2. ¡Hola a todos!

   Say it like: OH-lah ah TOH-dohs

   Hi everyone!

   Informal · When you join a group that is already chatting.
3. Buenos días.

   Say it like: BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs

   Good morning.

   Neutral · In the morning.

Introducing yourself

1. Me llamo …

   Say it like: meh YAH-moh

   My name is …

   Neutral · Add your first name.
2. ¿Cómo se llama usted?

   Say it like: KOH-moh seh YAH-mah oos-TEHD

   What is your name? (polite)

   Formal · For hosts, older people or formal settings.
3. ¿Cómo te llamas?

   Say it like: KOH-moh teh YAH-mahs

   What's your name?

   Informal · Among peers at a relaxed event.

Small talk

1. ¿Ya habías venido antes?

   Say it like: yah ah-BEE-ahs beh-NEE-doh AHN-tehs

   Have you been here before?

   Informal · An easy way to start a chat.
2. Este sitio está muy bien.

   Say it like: EHS-teh SEE-tyoh ehs-TAH mwee byehn

   It's a really nice place.

   Neutral · A friendly comment about the venue.
3. ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas viviendo aquí?

   Say it like: KWAHN-toh TYEHM-poh YEH-bahs bee-BYEHN-doh ah-KEE

   How long have you lived here?

   Informal · Locals and expats both like this question.

Understanding each other

1. Perdona, no lo he entendido.

   Say it like: pehr-DOH-nah, noh loh eh ehn-tehn-DEE-doh

   Sorry, I didn't understand.

   Informal · Honest and polite: people will help.
2. ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?

   Say it like: PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER-loh, pohr fah-BOHR

   Could you repeat that, please?

   Formal · A polite way to hear it again.
3. ¿Puedes hablar más despacio, por favor?

   Say it like: PWEH-dehs ah-BLAHR mahs dehs-PAH-thyoh, pohr fah-BOHR

   Could you speak more slowly, please?

   Informal · Nobody minds: it's a common request.

Coffee & plans

1. ¿Quedamos un día para tomar un café?

   Say it like: keh-DAH-mohs oon DEE-ah PAH-rah toh-MAHR oon kah-FEH

   Shall we get a coffee sometime?

   Informal · A friendly, low-pressure invite after a good chat.
2. ¿Te vienes con nosotros?

   Say it like: teh BYEH-nehs kohn noh-SOH-trohs

   Would you like to join us?

   Informal · Include someone who is standing alone.
3. ¿Estás libre este fin de semana?

   Say it like: ehs-TAHS LEE-breh EHS-teh feen deh seh-MAH-nah

   Are you free this weekend?

   Informal · A relaxed way to suggest plans.

Contacts & goodbye

1. ¿Seguimos en contacto?

   Say it like: seh-GEE-mohs ehn kohn-TAHK-toh

   Shall we stay in touch?

   Neutral · Polite, with no pressure.
2. Este es mi número.

   Say it like: EHS-teh ehs mee NOO-meh-roh

   Here's my number.

   Neutral · Only share it if you feel comfortable.
3. Escríbeme cuando quieras.

   Say it like: ehs-KREE-beh-meh KWAHN-doh KYEH-rahs

   Message me anytime.

   Informal · A friendly follow-up after exchanging contacts.

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