Greetings

1. Hola

   Hello / Hi

   Usage

   The most universal Spanish greeting, appropriate at any time of day

   Grammar Note

   "Hola" works any time. Also learn: Buenos días (morning), Buenas tardes (afternoon), Buenas noches (evening)

2. Gracias

   Thank you

   Usage

   Basic expression of gratitude. "Muchas gracias" (many thanks) is more emphatic

   Grammar Note

   "Gracias" is plural. From Latin "gratia" (grace). Pair with "De nada" (you're welcome)

3. Por favor

   Please

   Usage

   Used when making polite requests, placed at the beginning or end of a sentence

   Grammar Note

   Literally "as a favor". Commonly placed at the end or beginning of requests

4. Adiós

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Standard farewell. Slightly more final than "Hasta luego" (see you later)

   Grammar Note

   From "a Dios" (to God) — originally a parting blessing. Now simply a farewell

5. Perdón

   Excuse me / Sorry

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention or to apologize for minor inconveniences

   Grammar Note

   "Disculpe" is a formal alternative. "Perdón" is more casual and widely used

6. Mucho gusto

   Nice to meet you

   Usage

   Used when meeting someone for the first time, often with a handshake

   Grammar Note

   Literally "much pleasure". "Encantado/a" (enchanted) is another equivalent greeting

7. ¿Cómo está usted?

   How are you? (formal)

   Usage

   Formal way to ask how someone is doing. Use with strangers or elders

   Grammar Note

   "Usted" (Ud.) is the formal second person. With friends, use "tú": ¿Cómo estás?

8. Lo siento mucho

   I'm very sorry

   Usage

   A sincere apology or expression of sympathy, stronger than Perdón

   Grammar Note

   "Sentir" means to feel. "Lo siento" literally means "I feel it" — an idiomatic apology

9. Buenas noches

   Good evening / Good night

   Usage

   Used as a greeting in the evening and as a farewell before bedtime

   Grammar Note

   "Noche" is feminine, so "buenas". Time greetings: Buenas tardes (afternoon), Buenos días (morning)

10. ¡Bienvenido/a a España!

    Welcome to Spain!

    Usage

    Welcoming visitors or travelers to Spain

    Grammar Note

    "Bienvenido" is masculine, "bienvenida" feminine. "A + country" means "to" or "in"

11. ¿Dónde está el baño?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    One of the most practically useful travel phrases — usable anywhere

    Grammar Note

    Location questions use "estar" not "ser". "Los servicios" or "el aseo" are also common

12. No hablo español.

    I can't speak Spanish

    Usage

    Letting someone know you cannot speak Spanish

    Grammar Note

    Spanish allows subject pronoun omission. "No puedo hablar español" (I can't speak Spanish) also works

13. Volveré.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Lo pasé muy bien.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Gracias, ¡hasta luego!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. Que descanses.

    Good night

    Usage

    An informal (tú) bedtime alternative to "Buenas noches", said just before sleep

17. Ya me voy.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. He vuelto.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging

19. Con su permiso, me retiro.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. De nada.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    A reply when someone thanks you

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