Polite Phrases
Politeness in Spanish often relies on set phrases, respectful forms, and softeners that make requests and interactions smooth and pleasant. This guide gives you key expressions and brief notes so you can sound courteous in everyday situations.
Key Expressions
Start with por favor for requests, use gracias and de nada for thanks, and learn short phrases like disculpe and perdón to get attention or apologize. These small expressions set a polite tone immediately.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| por favor | please |
| gracias | thank you |
| de nada | you're welcome |
| disculpe | excuse me |
| perdón | sorry / pardon |
| ¿me podría ayudar? | could you help me? |
| con permiso | excuse me (to pass) |
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Asking Politely
Use conditional forms like podría or querría plus por favor to soften requests. Starting with ¿sería posible... or ¿me podría... makes your ask sound considerate rather than demanding. Adding gracias de antemano shows appreciation ahead of time.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| ¿podría... por favor? | could you... please? |
| ¿querría... | would you like to / would you (polite) |
| ¿sería posible... | would it be possible... |
| ¿me podría ayudar? | could you help me? |
| gracias de antemano | thanks in advance |
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Apologizing
Use lo siento for sincere apologies, perdón for minor interruptions, and disculpe to politely get someone's attention or to preface an apology. Pairing these with a brief reason makes the apology feel genuine.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| lo siento | I'm sorry |
| perdón | pardon / sorry |
| disculpe | excuse me |
| lo siento mucho | I'm very sorry |
| disculpe la molestia | sorry for the trouble |
| perdón por llegar tarde | sorry for being late |
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Thanking
Say gracias for any favor, muchas gracias to emphasize thanks, and gracias de verdad for heartfelt gratitude. Respond to thanks with de nada, no hay de qué, or con mucho gusto to sound natural and gracious.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| gracias | thank you |
| muchas gracias | thank you very much |
| gracias de verdad | thank you truly |
| de nada | you're welcome |
| no hay de qué | don't mention it |
| con mucho gusto | with pleasure |
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Giving and Asking for Permission
Use ¿puedo...? to ask permission, con permiso to politely pass by, and se puede for more general or public rules. Responses like sí, claro or lo siento, no keep the interaction clear and courteous.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| ¿puedo...? | can I...? / may I...? |
| con permiso | excuse me (to pass) |
| se puede | is it allowed to / can one... |
| sí, claro | yes, of course |
| lo siento, no | sorry, no |
| ¿me permite...? | do you allow me to... / may I... |
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Softening Language
Add un momento, si no le importa, or por favor to requests to make them gentler. Phrases like me gustaría or quisiera use the conditional to sound less direct. These small additions show respect for the other person's time and willingness.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| un momento | one moment |
| si no le importa | if you don't mind |
| me gustaría | I would like |
| quisiera | I would like (more formal) |
| por favor | please |
| gracias | thank you |
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Summary
Politeness in Spanish hinges on using set phrases like por favor, gracias, and disculpe, employing the conditional for requests, and adding softeners that show respect. Practicing these short expressions will make your interactions smoother and more natural.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025