10 essential Spanish phrases for small talk with neighbours
Break the ice and build connections with your neighbours using these common Spanish phrases for friendly chats.
Living in a Spanish-speaking community offers a wonderful opportunity to practice the language daily. Simple greetings and pleasantries can go a long way in fostering a friendly atmosphere. These phrases are perfect for casual encounters, whether you're taking out the trash, watering your plants, or bumping into someone at the local shop. They'll help you initiate conversations and show your neighbours you're making an effort.
What this lesson covers
Core Spanish words for everyday conversation.
English meanings, pronunciation hints, and tap-to-hear audio.
A quick flashcard flow and quiz to make the words stick.
Start with these key words
Learn the first set, listen out loud, then move into the full list below.
Flashcards
Practice quiz
Full vocabulary list
Words 1–10
- Hola, ¿qué tal?OH-la keh TAHLHi, how's it going?
- ¿Cómo estás?KOH-mo es-TAHSHow are you? (informal)
- Bien, ¿y tú?bee-EN ee TOOGood, and you?
- ¡Qué buen día!keh BWEhn DEE-ahWhat a nice day!
- ¿Todo bien?TOH-doh bee-EHNEverything good?
- Sí, todo bien, gracias.SEE, TOH-doh bee-EHN GRAH-thee-ahs (or GRAH-see-ahs in Latin America)Yes, all good, thank you.
- ¿Mucho trabajo?MOO-cho trah-BAH-hoLots of work?
- Más o menos.MAHS oh MEH-nohsMore or less.
- Hasta luego.AHS-tah loo-EH-goSee you later.
- ¡Buenas noches!BWEH-nahs NO-chehsGood evening/night!
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