Lesson 12 · 7 min read
30 Essential Spanish Phrases for Beginners
If you only memorize one lesson, make it this one. These are the high-frequency phrases that keep a conversation polite and moving, even when you don't know many words yet.
1. Politeness Spanish English por favor please gracias thank you muchas gracias thank you very much de nada you're welcome perdón sorry / excuse me con permiso excuse me (to pass) lo siento I am sorry
2. When you don't understand Spanish English No entiendo. I don't understand. No hablo mucho español. I don't speak much Spanish. ¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English? Más despacio, por favor. Slower, please. ¿Cómo se escribe? How do you spell it?
3. Getting help and basics Spanish English Sí / No Yes / No ¿Me puede ayudar? Can you help me? Necesito ayuda. I need help. ¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the bathroom? No sé. I don't know. Está bien. It's fine / okay.
Good to know
Learn "perdón" and "por favor" first — a little politeness goes a long way, and native speakers are far more patient with learners who are courteous.
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