Polite phrases in Spanish are essential for showing respect and courtesy in everyday interactions. These phrases help you navigate social situations smoothly, whether you’re meeting someone new, asking for help, or expressing gratitude. Spanish polite phrases often use formal pronouns like Usted and include words like por favor (please), gracias (thank you), and disculpe (excuse me). Learning these expressions will make your conversations more respectful and pleasant.
Common Polite Phrases
Common polite phrases in Spanish include greetings, ways to say please and thank you, and expressions to apologize or get someone’s attention. These are the building blocks of courteous conversation.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Phrase | English Translation | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | Hola | Hello | Hola, ¿cómo está? | Hello, how are you? |
| --- | Buenos días | Good morning | Buenos días, señor Pérez. | Good morning, Mr. Pérez. |
| --- | Buenas tardes | Good afternoon | Buenas tardes, ¿en qué puedo ayudarle? | Good afternoon, how can I help you? |
| --- | Por favor | Please | ¿Me pasa la sal, por favor? | Could you pass me the salt, please? |
| --- | Gracias | Thank you | Gracias por su ayuda. | Thank you for your help. |
| --- | Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | Muchas gracias por todo. | Thank you very much for everything. |
| --- | De nada | You’re welcome | —Gracias por venir. —De nada. | —Thanks for coming. —You’re welcome. |
| --- | Perdón | Sorry / Excuse me | Perdón, no quise molestar. | Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. |
| --- | Disculpe | Excuse me (formal) | Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño? | Excuse me, where is the bathroom? |
| --- | Con permiso | May I? / Excuse me | Con permiso, voy a pasar. | Excuse me, I’m going to pass by. |
Polite Question Phrases
Polite question phrases in Spanish help you ask for information or favors without sounding rude. They often include por favor and use the formal Usted form for respect.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Phrase | English Translation | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usted | ¿Podría ayudarme, por favor? | Could you help me, please? | ¿Podría ayudarme, por favor? | Could you help me, please? |
| Usted | ¿Me podría decir...? | Could you tell me...? | ¿Me podría decir dónde queda la estación? | Could you tell me where the station is? |
| Usted | ¿Sería tan amable de...? | Would you be so kind as to...? | ¿Sería tan amable de enviarme el reporte? | Would you be so kind as to send me the report? |
| Usted | ¿Le importaría...? | Would you mind...? | ¿Le importaría cerrar la ventana? | Would you mind closing the window? |
| Usted | ¿Podría repetir, por favor? | Could you repeat, please? | ¿Podría repetir, por favor? | Could you repeat, please? |
| --- | ¿Me permite... ? | May I ...? | ¿Me permite usar su teléfono? | May I use your phone? |
| Usted | ¿Puedo hacerle una pregunta? | May I ask you a question? | ¿Puedo hacerle una pregunta? | May I ask you a question? |
| Usted | ¿Podría indicarme... ? | Could you show me ...? | ¿Podría indicarme cómo llegar al hotel? | Could you show me how to get to the hotel? |
| --- | ¿Dónde están los baños, por favor? | Where are the bathrooms, please? | ¿Dónde están los baños, por favor? | Where are the bathrooms, please? |
| Usted | ¿Cuánto cuesta esto, por favor? | How much does this cost, please? | ¿Cuánto cuesta esto, por favor? | How much does this cost, please? |
Polite Response Phrases
Polite response phrases in Spanish help you answer questions, accept or decline offers, and continue conversations with courtesy.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Phrase | English Translation | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | Sí, por supuesto. | Yes, of course. | —¿Puede venir mañana? —Sí, por supuesto. | —Can you come tomorrow? —Yes, of course. |
| --- | Con mucho gusto. | With pleasure. | —¿Me ayuda con esto? —Con mucho gusto. | —Can you help me with this? —With pleasure. |
| --- | Lo siento, no puedo. | I’m sorry, I can’t. | —¿Vienes a la reunión? —Lo siento, no puedo. | —Are you coming to the meeting? —I’m sorry, I can’t. |
| --- | Gracias por preguntar. | Thank you for asking. | —¿Todo bien? —Gracias por preguntar. | —All good? —Thank you for asking. |
| --- | No hay de qué. | You’re welcome. | —Gracias por la información. —No hay de qué. | —Thanks for the information. —You’re welcome. |
| --- | Con permiso. | Excuse me (when leaving) | Con permiso, me voy. | Excuse me, I’m leaving. |
| --- | Cuando quiera. | Whenever you like. | —¿Nos reunimos mañana? —Cuando quiera. | —Shall we meet tomorrow? —Whenever you like. |
| --- | Estaré encantado/a. | I will be delighted. | Estaré encantado de ayudarle. | I will be delighted to help you. |
| Usted | Quedo a su disposición. | I remain at your disposal. | Quedo a su disposición para cualquier duda. | I remain at your disposal for any questions. |
| --- | Es un placer. | It’s a pleasure. | —Gracias por su visita. —Es un placer. | —Thank you for your visit. —It’s a pleasure. |
—Can you come tomorrow? —____.
—¿Puede venir mañana? —Sí, por supuesto.
'Sí, por supuesto.' is a polite and positive response meaning 'Yes, of course.'
Closing and Farewell Phrases
Closing and farewell phrases in Spanish allow you to end conversations politely and leave a positive impression.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Phrase | English Translation | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | Hasta luego. | See you later. | Bueno, hasta luego. | Well, see you later. |
| --- | Hasta mañana. | See you tomorrow. | Nos vemos. Hasta mañana. | See you. See you tomorrow. |
| --- | Que tenga un buen día. | Have a good day. | Que tenga un buen día, señor. | Have a good day, sir. |
| --- | Que descanse. | Rest well. (formal) | Que descanse y hasta mañana. | Rest well and see you tomorrow. |
| --- | Cuídese. | Take care. (formal) | Cuídese mucho. | Take good care of yourself. |
| --- | Nos vemos pronto. | See you soon. | Nos vemos pronto en la oficina. | See you soon at the office. |
| --- | Fue un placer. | It was a pleasure. | Fue un placer conocerle. | It was a pleasure meeting you. |
| --- | Adiós. | Goodbye. | Adiós, que le vaya bien. | Goodbye, take care. |
| --- | Gracias por su tiempo. | Thank you for your time. | Gracias por su tiempo y atención. | Thank you for your time and attention. |
| --- | Hasta la próxima. | Until next time. | Bueno, hasta la próxima. | Well, until next time. |
Have a good day, sir.
Que tenga un buen día, señor.
'Que tenga un buen día, señor.' is a formal and polite way to wish someone a good day.
Extras: Polite Titles and Formalities
In Spanish, using polite titles and formal pronouns is a key part of showing respect in conversation. These are especially important in professional or unfamiliar settings.
| Spanish Title | Usage | English Equivalent | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Señor | Used for adult men | Mr. / Sir | Buenos días, señor García. | Good morning, Mr. García. |
| Señora | Used for adult women (married or older) | Mrs. / Ma’am | Buenas tardes, señora López. | Good afternoon, Mrs. López. |
| Señorita | Used for young or unmarried women | Miss | Disculpe, señorita, ¿dónde está...? | Excuse me, miss, where is...? |
| Doctor / Doctora | Used for doctors or PhDs | Doctor | Hola, doctora Martínez. | Hello, Dr. Martínez. |
| Profesor / Profesora | Used for teachers | Professor / Teacher | Gracias, profesora Gómez. | Thank you, Professor Gómez. |
| Licenciado / Licenciada | Used for university graduates | Bachelor / Licensed Professional | Buenas tardes, licenciada Ruiz. | Good afternoon, Lic. Ruiz. |
| Don / Doña | Honorifics for respect | Sir / Madam | Don Juan está aquí. | Don Juan is here. |
| Usted | Formal you (singular) | You (formal) | ¿Cómo está usted? | How are you? |
| Ustedes | Formal you (plural) | You all (formal) | ¿Ustedes necesitan ayuda? | Do you all need help? |
Summary
Polite phrases in Spanish cover a wide range of situations, from simple greetings to formal requests and farewells. Key points to remember:
- Use por favor, gracias, and disculpe to show politeness.
- Use the formal pronouns Usted and Ustedes in professional or respectful settings.
- Polite questions often include ¿Podría...?, ¿Sería tan amable...?, or ¿Le importaría...?.
- Respond kindly and close conversations with phrases like Con mucho gusto, No hay de qué, and Que tenga un buen día.
- Using correct titles (Señor, Señora, Doctor, Profesor) is an important part of Spanish etiquette.
With these polite phrases, you’ll be able to navigate Spanish conversations with confidence and respect.
Flashcards (1 of 49)
- English Translation: Hello
- Example in English: Hello, how are you?
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
