Spanish Small Talk Phrases
Master 37 essential Spanish phrases for small-talk with translations, context, and usage examples
Understanding Spanish small-talk Phrases
Master the art of casual conversation in Spanish with small talk phrases for weather, weekend plans, work, hobbies, and light topics. Learn culturally appropriate conversation starters.
When to Use These Phrases
Small talk is important in Spanish culture before business/serious topics. Common topics: weather, family, weekend plans, sports (soccer especially), food. Avoid: politics, religion, salary, personal questions until closer relationship.
Learning Tips for small-talk Phrases
- Weather: "¿Qué tal el clima?" (How's the weather?), "Hace calor/frío" (It's hot/cold)
- Weekend: "¿Qué hiciste el fin de semana?" (What did you do this weekend?)
- Work: "¿Cómo va el trabajo?" (How's work going?), "¿A qué te dedicas?" (What do you do?)
- Keep it light and positive - building rapport is the goal
Essential small-talk Phrases
Start with these commonly used expressions for small-talk situations
Complete List of small-talk Phrases
After you
Pase usted
Bless you
Salud
Feel at home
sentirse como en casa
Good afternoon
Buenas tardes
Good evening
Buenas tardes
Good luck
¡Buena suerte!
Good morning
Buenos días
Have a good trip
¡Buen viaje!
Have a good weekend
¡Buen fin de semana!
Have a great day
Que tengas un buen día
Have a nice day
Que tengas un buen día
How are you?
¿Cómo estás?
How have you been?
¿Cómo has estado?
How old are you?
¿Cuántos años tienes?
I am a student
Soy estudiante
I am from
Soy de...
I am X years old
Tengo X años
I'm fine, thanks
Estoy bien, gracias.
Long time no see
¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte!
Make yourself at home
Siéntete como en tu casa
My name is
Me llamo [Nombre]
My pleasure
Con gusto
Nice to meet you
Mucho gusto
No problem
De nada
not bad
No está mal
See you later
Hasta luego
See you tomorrow
Nos vemos mañana
Take care
Cuídate
Thank you very much
Muchas gracias
Until next time
Hasta la próxima
What do you do for work?
¿A qué te dedicas?
what have you been up to
¿Qué has hecho?
What is your name?
¿Cómo te llamas?
What's up?
¿Qué tal?
Where are you from?
¿De dónde eres?
With pleasure
Con mucho gusto
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You're welcome
De nada
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish small-talk Phrases
What are good Spanish small talk topics?
Safe topics: weather (clima), weekend plans (planes), sports (especially fútbol), food (comida), travel (viajes), hobbies (pasatiempos), family (familia - general), local events. Opening: "¿Qué tal tu día?" (How's your day?), "¿Qué has hecho hoy?" (What have you done today?).
How do you start a casual conversation in Spanish?
Greet first, then: "¿Qué tal?" (How's it going?), "¿Cómo estás?" (How are you?), "¿Qué has hecho?" (What have you been up to?), "¿Cómo va todo?" (How's everything going?). Weather: "Hace buen día, ¿no?" (Nice day, right?). Weekend: "¿Qué planes tienes?" (What plans do you have?).
What phrases keep a conversation going in Spanish?
Show interest: "¿En serio?" (Really?), "¡Qué interesante!" (How interesting!), "Cuéntame más" (Tell me more). Follow-up: "¿Y tú?" (And you?), "¿Qué opinas?" (What do you think?). Relate: "A mí también" (Me too), "Yo también" (I too). Keep positive and engaged.
Have more questions about learning Spanish phrases? Browse our complete phrase guide or explore our learning resources.
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