10 Spanish Phrases You'll Use Every Day
Ten practical Spanish phrases for greetings, ordering, directions, clarification, and the small moments that make a first conversation possible.
A textbook may begin with complete example sentences. A small set of conversational phrases adds another kind of foothold: greeting someone, asking for help, ordering, or repairing a misunderstanding.
These ten phrases will not cover every conversation, and usage varies across regions. They will give you a practical starting set for the moments beginners meet most often.
1. "¿Cómo estás?" — How are you?
A common question after hola. The tú form (¿Cómo estás?) fits many informal relationships; ¿Cómo está usted? marks greater distance or formality in varieties that use usted. Region, age, and relationship all affect the choice.
A useful model: "Bien, gracias, ¿y tú?" (Good, thanks, and you?) is one possible brief reply. A real answer may be longer, shorter, or phrased differently.
Variations
- ¿Qué tal? — What's up? (Very casual)
- ¿Cómo te va? — How's it going?
- ¿Cómo andas? — How are you doing? (Argentina/Uruguay)
2. "Me gustaría..." — I would like...
This phrase can frame a courteous request in restaurants, shops, or hotels. Quiero is not inherently rude, but me gustaría often sounds softer.
Examples:
- Me gustaría un café, por favor. — I'd like a coffee, please.
- Me gustaría la cuenta. — I'd like the bill.
- Me gustaría una mesa para dos. — I'd like a table for two.
3. "¿Cuánto cuesta?" — How much does it cost?
Useful in markets, shops, taxis, or whenever you need to confirm a price. For plural items: ¿Cuánto cuestan?
Useful follow-ups:
- Es muy caro. — It's very expensive.
- ¿Tiene algo más barato? — Do you have something cheaper?
- ¿Acepta tarjeta? — Do you accept card?
4. "No entiendo" — I don't understand
A useful safety phrase for any learner. Saying it clearly signals that you need help, and gives the other person a chance to slow down, simplify, or try another way to communicate.
Power combo:
- No entiendo. — I don't understand.
- ¿Puede hablar más despacio? — Can you speak more slowly?
- ¿Puede repetir, por favor? — Can you repeat, please?
Together, these three phrases form a small conversation repair kit: they make it easier to ask for the help you need.
5. "¿Dónde está...?" — Where is...?
This pattern is useful when asking for a place:
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?
- ¿Dónde está la estación de metro? — Where is the metro station?
- ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? — Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Understanding the answer is the hard part. Listen for these direction words:
- a la derecha — to the right
- a la izquierda — to the left
- todo recto / derecho — straight ahead
- al lado de — next to
- en la esquina — on the corner
Learn the whole exchange
Do not stop at the question. Practise the words you are likely to hear in the answer—such as "left," "right," and "straight ahead"—so the phrase can become a real exchange.
6. "Lo siento" — I'm sorry
Two types of sorry in Spanish:
- Lo siento — I'm sorry (empathy, regret). Use when something unfortunate happened: Lo siento por tu pérdida (I'm sorry for your loss).
- Perdón / Disculpe — Excuse me / Pardon (requesting attention or apologising for a minor inconvenience). Use when bumping into someone, getting a waiter's attention, or interrupting.
As a useful starting distinction, perdón or disculpe often fits a minor interruption, while lo siento expresses regret or sympathy. Regional habits and context still matter.
7. "¿Qué me recomienda?" — What do you recommend?
Use this question when you genuinely want a recommendation. You can still mention allergies, preferences, or a budget before choosing.
Variations:
- ¿Cuál es el plato del día? — What's the dish of the day?
- ¿Qué es lo más popular? — What's the most popular?
- Soy alérgico/a a... — I'm allergic to... (Critical if applicable!)
8. "Me encanta" — I love it
Me gusta means "I like it," while me encanta communicates stronger delight.
- Me encanta esta ciudad. — I love this city.
- Me encanta la comida. — I love the food.
- ¡Me encanta! — I love it! (General enthusiasm about anything)
9. "Estoy aprendiendo español" — I'm learning Spanish
This phrase gives useful context early in a conversation:
- Explains your level. The other person knows that you are still learning.
- Invites clarity. They may choose simpler language or a slower pace.
- Opens the door to help. You can ask for repetition or correction directly.
Follow-up phrases:
- Hablo un poco de español. — I speak a little Spanish.
- Mi español no es muy bueno, pero estoy practicando. — My Spanish isn't very good, but I'm practicing.
10. "¡Salud!" — Cheers! / Bless you!
A delightful multipurpose word:
- Toast at a bar: Raise your glass and say ¡Salud! Literally means "health."
- Someone sneezes: Say ¡Salud! Same word, same spirit.
- Well-wishing: You may also hear salud in other health-related or celebratory contexts; usage varies.
Listen to its pronunciation and notice the situation before copying it; a short word still has sounds and rhythm worth learning carefully.
A Small Phrasebook, Used Well
These ten phrases will not make you fluent, but they can give your first conversations clearer entry points. What happens next depends on listening, vocabulary, grammar, feedback, and repeated use.
Practise them, then expand. Use them in suitable conversations, notice the replies, and keep the versions that fit the region and relationships in your life.
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