This short guide gathers useful polite expressions for everyday interactions so you can sound respectful and natural in Spanish.
Please
Use por favor to make requests polite. You can say it at the start or end of a sentence.
Thank You
Gracias is the basic way to thank someone. Use muchas gracias for extra thanks and gracias de followed by a noun or verb more formally.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| gracias | thank you | |
| muchas gracias | thank you very much | |
| gracias de todo | thank you for everything | |
| gracias por ayudar | thank you for helping |
You're Welcome
Respond to thanks with de nada, no hay de qué, or un placer depending on formality and tone.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| de nada | you're welcome | |
| no hay de qué | you're welcome / don't mention it | |
| un placer | my pleasure |
Excuse Me
Use disculpa or disculpe to get someone's attention or to apologize briefly. Perdón works for minor interruptions.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| disculpa | excuse me (informal) | |
| disculpe | excuse me (formal) | |
| perdón | sorry / excuse me |
Sorry
Say lo siento for sincere apologies. Use perdona / perdone to ask forgiveness in a more casual or formal way.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| lo siento | I'm sorry | |
| perdona | forgive me / sorry (informal) | |
| perdone | forgive me / sorry (formal) |
Nice to Meet You
Mucho gusto and encantado / encantada are polite ways to greet someone when introduced. Add de conocerte or de conocerle for formality.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| mucho gusto | nice to meet you | |
| encantado | delighted to meet you (m.) | |
| encantada | delighted to meet you (f.) | |
| de conocerte | to meet you (informal) | |
| de conocerle | to meet you (formal) |
Summary
Polite phrases like por favor, gracias, disculpa and mucho gusto smooth interactions and show respect. Practice them in context to sound natural.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025