Greetings and Polite Phrases in Spanish
The everyday Spanish words for hello, goodbye, please and thank you, and the small customs that go with them.
Good manners go a long way in any language.
Hello and goodbye
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hola | hello |
| Buenos días | good morning |
| Buenas tardes | good afternoon |
| Buenas noches | good evening, good night |
| Adiós | goodbye |
| Hasta luego | see you later |
| Hasta mañana | see you tomorrow |
| Chao | bye (informal) |
How are you
- ¿Cómo estás? How are you? (informal)
- ¿Cómo está usted? How are you? (formal)
- Bien, gracias, ¿y tú? Fine, thank you, and you?
- Más o menos. So-so.
Please and thank you
- Por favor, please
- Gracias, thank you
- Muchas gracias, thank you very much
- De nada, you're welcome
- No hay de qué, don't mention it
Sorry and excuse me
- Perdón, sorry, excuse me
- Lo siento, I'm sorry
- Disculpe, excuse me (formal)
- Con permiso, may I get past
Introductions
- Me llamo Ana. My name is Ana.
- ¿Cómo te llamas? What's your name? (informal)
- Mucho gusto. Nice to meet you.
- Encantado / Encantada. Pleased to meet you (male / female speaker).
Customs
- In Spain and much of Latin America, friends often greet with one or two kisses on the cheek. In Spain, two is common, and in some countries one is usual.
- Men often shake hands, or hug if close friends.
- Greet people when entering shops or lifts, with buenos días or buenas tardes.
Tips
- Say hola and gracias often.
- Use usted when unsure.
- Use the dictionary to check phrases.
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