20 Easy Spanish Phrases for Striking Up a Conversation

Knowing how to carry a conversation in Spanish can be helpful in many ways. Maybe you want to make friends with the Spanish speakers in your community, or perhaps you want to strike up conversations with locals when visiting a Spanish-speaking country. Wherever you are, you should start with some of the most common Spanish phrases, which can help you introduce yourself, ask questions, and keep the conversation going. 

Casual conversations with Spanish speakers are a fun and easy way to practice your language skills! When you’re learning Spanish, having a few topics and simple, go-to Spanish phrases up your sleeve will impress your new friends. Here you’ll find four easy greetings and 20 common Spanish sentences to know when practicing your conversational Spanish skills with another Spanish speaker. 

4 Easy Spanish Phrases to Know

You don’t have to be fluent in the language to experiment with these easy basic Spanish phrases. Begin by getting comfortable using some of these common Spanish words as greetings. Just remember, you will want to consider the time of the day when using some of these common Spanish phrases, just as you would in English. For example, you will use “buenos dias” when greeting someone in the morning and “buenos tardes” if you’re saying hello in the evening. But if you’re ever unsure what phrase to use, you can’t go wrong with using a friendly, “hola.”

1. ¡Hola! (Hello!)

There’s no better way to open a friendly conversation than with a nice, well-delivered, “Hello!” It is easily one of the most common Spanish words you’ll hear. 

2. ¡Buenos días! (Good morning!)

When you want to learn easy Spanish phrases, it’s not a bad idea to start with this one. This common greeting is a go-to conversation-starter over a hearty breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. 

3. ¡Buenas tardes! (Good evening!)

This phrase may be just as common a phrase as the one above and probably is used just as much. Whether you use it at the beginning of your night, at the end, or both, it’s a must-know phrase. Just like you would use “good evening” in English, use this phrase when greeting someone later in the day or night. 

4. ¡Bienvenido! (Welcome!)

If you’re in a Spanish-speaking country, you’ll find this greeting on nearly every sign in nearly every new town you explore. This is one of those easy Spanish phrases that feels just as good to hear as it is to say.

20 Phrases and Questions for Conversation in Spanish to Practice

When it comes to the Spanish translation, these common phrases include both the informal (tu) and formal (usted) versions. You will use the tu form when addressing someone you already know, like a friend or acquaintance, and the usted form when speaking with a stranger or someone of a higher status. When in doubt, use the usted form as it can be a sign of respect. 

1. ¿Cómo te llamas?/¿Cómo se llama usted? (What’s your name?)

These common Spanish words are important to know. This simple phrase is a must-have for when you’re meeting someone new. It can be used in virtually any situation, from a party to a job interview!

2. ¿De dónde eres?/¿De dónde es usted? (Where are you from?)

There are many Spanish questions you can use to strike up a conversation, but asking about someone’s birthplace can provide a lot of insight into their country and culture. You never know where it will lead! If someone asks you this question, you can reply by saying, “Soy de los Estados Unidos,” (or wherever else you are from). 

3. ¿Tienes hermanos?/¿Tiene hermanos? (Do you have brothers and sisters?)

Expressing an interest in someone’s family can get them talking, and before you know it, you’ll be conversing like old friends.

4. ¿Qué te gusta hacer?/¿Qué le gusta hacer? (What do you like to do?)

This is one of the best Spanish phrases to learn and know because you might discover you have a lot in common, or you might learn about a new and interesting activity you’ve never done before. Asking a question like this may even provide you with an opportunity to learn more about Spanish culture, such as local activities, events, or holidays. 

5. ¿Qué deportes te gusta ver?/¿Qué deportes le gusta ver? (What sports do you like to watch?)

If you have a favorite sport or sports team in common, you’re sure to start a lively conversation about the next match, your favorite players, and more. This is a great way to break the ice when meeting someone new. 

6. ¿Cuál es tu restaurante favorito?/¿Cuál es su restaurante favorito? (What’s your favorite restaurant?)

People love talking about their favorite foods, whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And if your basic Spanish conversation goes well, you might just be invited to your next chat at the restaurant of your new friend’s choice! What’s more, you might receive a long list of new restaurants to try where you can put your Spanish dining vocabulary and etiquette to good use. 

7. ¿Qué libro acabas de leer ?/¿Qué libro acaba de leer? (What book did you just finish reading?)

Literary interests can start a fascinating conversation. You may also get some suggestions for authors in Spanish literature to look out for.

8. ¿Qué película viste recientemente?/¿Qué película vio recientemente? (What’s the most recent film you’ve seen?)

Spanish-language films reveal a lot about the culture. Take this chance to learn about new films that are popular in the Spanish-speaking world.

9. ¿Cuándo empezaste a aprender español?/¿Cuándo empezó a aprender español? (When did you start to learn Spanish?)

This is a great way to get some basic Spanish conversation practice with another Spanish learner. Ask for any insights or tips they might be willing to offer.

SEE ALSO: 46 Spanish Adjectives to Describe All Your Friends