Spanish is one of the friendliest languages to begin speaking, because a little goes a long way. Learn these five phrases, say them out loud, and you'll be ready for a first exchange.

  • Hola / Buenos días — OH-lah / BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs — Hi / Good morning. Warm and used constantly.
  • ¿Cómo estás? — KOH-moh ehs-TAHS — How are you? Answer with Bien, gracias (Well, thanks).
  • Me llamo… — meh YAH-moh — My name is… Then ask ¿Y tú? (And you?).
  • Por favor / Gracias — por fah-VOR / GRAH-syahs — Please / Thank you.
  • No entiendo — noh ehn-TYEN-doh — I don't understand. Follow with ¿Puedes repetir? (Can you repeat?).

These five will get you talking — and the moment you use them with a real person, they stop being a list and start becoming your Spanish. Find a native speaker to practise with and you'll be surprised how quickly the rest follows.