Common Spanish Phrases Every Beginner Needs

Key takeaways:

• Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can make your travels smoother, friendlier, and more authentic — even if you’re not fluent.
• Formal Spanish is used for strangers, elders, and authority figures; informal for friends and casual chats.
• Mastering common greetings, polite expressions, and practical questions will help you order food, ask for directions, and connect with locals.
• Pronunciation tips like remembering that v often sounds like b and h is silent can help you sound more natural.
• The Promova app offers bite-sized lessons, AI role-play, and instant pronunciation feedback to boost your Spanish confidence.

If you’re planning a vacation to Spain, you’ll need some basic Spanish to get by. You may not have time to become fluent, but these common Spanish phrases will help you navigate the country with ease. 

While many Spanish people speak some English, attempting to learn the language can add authenticity to your Spanish travels and open you up to new experiences. 

Being able to speak some Spanish and feeling confident in your pronunciation can help you relax and enjoy your holiday. You’ll be able to ask for help when necessary, engage in occasional small talk, and become friendly with the local shopkeepers if you can master a few simple phrases. 

Basic Spanish Phrases for Beginners

Whether you’re sunning yourself on the beach on the Costa Brava, exploring the city streets of Madrid, or enjoying the nightlife in Ibiza, these basic Spanish phrases will come in useful. 

Basic Spanish greetings, good manners, and practical questions are necessary phrases to learn when traveling abroad. The following Spanish words for beginners are worth learning before you travel:

Formal vs. Informal Spanish Phrases

It’s important to use formal Spanish in certain circumstances as a sign of respect. While informal Spanish is ideal for friends and family, it can seem disrespectful if used with people you don’t know well. 

If you are uncertain of which one to use, always opt for the formal speech to be polite. Pay attention to how the person responds; if they use the informal Spanish in return, then you can adopt this style going forward. 

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Formal phrases 

Formal phrases are must-haves when you travel to Spain. When conversing with strangers and those in authority, it is essential to use formal language to be polite. 

Don’t get too hung up on whether to use formal or informal phrases when speaking to different people. Being a non-native speaker will mean people give you some leeway when speaking Spanish. 

The following phrases are sure to come in useful during your trip:

Informal phrases 

In addition to mastering formal phrases, it’s also worth learning informal Spanish to use while traveling. 

If you become friendly with Spanish speakers during your stay, you’ll need some informal phrases to show friendliness. You may also find that younger people use informal Spanish in everyday situations. 

How to Use Basic Spanish Phrases Effectively

Now that you know the basic Spanish sentences, it’s essential to use them correctly. Here are some things to consider when speaking Spanish:

Formal vs. informal 

Some Spanish phrases have different options for formal and informal settings, and you must use the right one to avoid sounding rude. Generally, you would use formal Spanish with people you don’t know, those older than you, and people in a position of authority. 

Informal Spanish is usually reserved for friends and family members. It is usually best to mirror back how people speak to you, so if a shopkeeper adopts informal Spanish when talking to you, feel free to adopt a casual approach. 

Mispronunciation 

The best way to avoid mispronunciation is to put in plenty of practice. Here are a couple of tips to help your Spanish pronunciation:

• V is usually pronounced as b. 
• H is generally silent. 

Mistakes are unavoidable, however, so embrace them and see them as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. 

The Promova app utilizes AI technology, allowing you to perfect your pronunciation and receive instant feedback from the AI chatbot. Role-play real-world scenarios, hone your communication skills, and prepare for your vacation with Promova. 

How Promova Helps You Speak Spanish Confidently

Promova is a language learning app built to help you succeed. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn Spanish from scratch or hoping to improve your existing skills, Promova’s Spanish learning app will help you achieve your goals. With Promova, you can:

• Dive into over 200 online Spanish lessons covering real-life scenarios and cultural insights. 
• Use a diverse mix of learning tools to stay motivated and accelerate your learning. 
• Enjoy bite-sized lessons with fun Spanish quizzes and quick exercises to fit into your busy life. 
• Build confidence by role-playing real-life scenarios with our AI chatbot.

For more useful Spanish phrases, check out this awesome video from Promova. 

Conclusion

It is challenging to determine the exact phrases that will be useful on your holiday in Spain without seeing an itinerary. However, the general phrases included in this article should help you communicate the basics with Spanish speakers.

Knowing how to ask for help, how to be polite, and how to answer questions should see you through a short vacation in this beautiful country.