YOUR FIRST SPANISH PHRASES
10 Spanish phrases for beginners
Start with a greeting, a thank-you, and a way to ask someone to slow down. These words and phrases are taught in Parli’s first group, Greetings 1.
Each entry has an English meaning and a situation where you can use it. Choose a few at a time, practise saying them aloud, and return to the list when you need another phrase.
Say hello and goodbye
- 1. Hola
- Hello
A greeting you can use at any time of day. You can answer someone’s “Hola” with “Hola.” The h is silent.
- 2. Buenos días
- Good morning
Use this to greet someone in the morning. Learn the two words together as a complete greeting.
- 3. Buenas tardes
- Good afternoon
A greeting for the afternoon. Notice the change from “buenos” in “buenos días” to “buenas” here.
- 4. Buenas noches
- Good evening / Good night
You can use this when greeting someone in the evening and when saying good night.
- 5. Adiós
- Goodbye
Use this when leaving or ending an exchange. It is a farewell; use “hola” when you arrive.
Say please, thank you, and sorry
- 6. Por favor
- Please
Add this to a request. You will hear it in “Más despacio, por favor,” which means “More slowly, please.”
- 7. Gracias
- Thank you
Use this to thank someone. Keep the meaning in mind when you hear it in a song, then try saying it in a situation where someone has helped you.
- 8. Perdón
- Sorry / Excuse me
A short apology for a small mistake, such as accidentally bumping into someone. The meaning depends on the situation.
Ask for help understanding
- 9. No entiendo
- I don’t understand
Say this when you need help following what someone has said. Practise it as one phrase so you can use it when you need it.
- 10. Más despacio, por favor
- More slowly, please
Ask a speaker to slow down. You can say “No entiendo” first to explain why you are asking.
You can hear both phrases in the 30-second preview of “Más despacio” by Nico Reyes. The player shows Spanish lyrics with English meanings. Listen for the request, read its meaning, then pause and say it aloud.
Practise short exchanges
Try each phrase as part of a situation. Read the Spanish aloud, check the English, then cover the translation and try again.
For your next practice session, choose one greeting and one request. Say them without looking at the page, then check the meaning. The Spanish listening routine explains how to practise a phrase with a song and then use it in speech.