By the way
in SpanishPor cierto
/por see-EHR-toh/
This is the most direct and widely used translation for 'by the way.' It's perfect for introducing a new, often unrelated, piece of information into a conversation.
Just like a sudden thought can change the direction of a chat, phrases like 'Por cierto' help you smoothly introduce a new topic in Spanish.
💬Other Ways to Say It
A propósito
/ah pro-POH-see-toh/
Very similar to 'Por cierto,' but often used when the new topic is somehow related or triggered by what was just said. It's like saying 'on that subject' or 'speaking of which.'
Hablando de eso
/ah-BLAHN-doh deh EH-soh/
A very literal and natural way to say 'speaking of that.' It's a clear signal that your next comment is directly inspired by the previous statement.
Cambiando de tema
/kahm-bee-AHN-doh deh TEH-mah/
This literally means 'changing the subject.' It's a very direct and transparent way to announce that you're about to talk about something completely different.
Oye
/OY-yeh/
While it literally means 'Hey' or 'Listen,' it's very commonly used as a conversational opener to change the subject, just like you would in English. It grabs the listener's attention before you introduce the new thought.
Dicho sea de paso
/DEE-cho SEH-ah deh PAH-soh/
This is a more formal and literary equivalent, translating to something like 'let it be said in passing.' It's more common in writing or formal speeches than in everyday chat.
Ya que estamos
/JAH keh ehs-TAH-mohs/
This phrase means 'since we're at it' or 'while we're on the subject.' It implies that the new piece of information is relevant to the current situation or topic.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right phrase depends on how related the new topic is and the formality of the conversation. Here’s a quick guide:
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Por cierto | Neutral | Introducing a new, unrelated topic in any situation. Your safest all-purpose option. | It's never wrong, but other options might sound more natural if the topic is related. |
| A propósito | Neutral | Pivoting to a new topic that was inspired by the current one ('speaking of which...'). | The new topic is completely random and has no connection to what was just said. |
| Hablando de eso | Informal | Casually commenting on the exact thing someone just mentioned ('speaking of that...'). | Formal settings or when your comment isn't directly linked to the last sentence. |
| Cambiando de tema | Neutral | Explicitly and openly announcing a change to a completely different subject. | You want the transition to be subtle or smooth. |
📈Difficulty Level
The 'cie' sound in 'cierto' (/see-EHR/) and the soft 'r' can be a little tricky for beginners, but are very common sounds in Spanish.
These are fixed phrases, so there's no complex grammar or conjugation to worry about. You just have to memorize them as a chunk.
The main nuance is choosing between 'Por cierto' (unrelated) and 'A propósito' (related). Using the right one shows a higher level of conversational skill.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the subtle difference between 'Por cierto' and 'A propósito'.
- Pronouncing 'cierto' and 'propósito' clearly.
💡Examples in Action
Me encantó la cena. Por cierto, ¿recibiste mi correo electrónico de ayer?
I loved the dinner. By the way, did you get my email from yesterday?
El viaje a la montaña fue increíble. A propósito de viajes, ¿ya tienes planes para el verano?
The trip to the mountains was incredible. Speaking of trips, do you have plans for the summer yet?
Bueno, cambiando de tema, tenemos que hablar sobre el presupuesto para el próximo trimestre.
Okay, changing the subject, we need to talk about the budget for the next quarter.
Oye, antes de que se me olvide, ¿me puedes devolver el libro que te presté?
Hey, before I forget, can you return the book I lent you?
🌍Cultural Context
The Art of the Smooth Transition
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, maintaining a smooth, pleasant flow of conversation is valued. Using transition phrases like 'Por cierto' or 'A propósito' is a key skill. It shows conversational grace and prevents you from sounding too abrupt or blunt when you want to change the subject.
Related vs. Unrelated: A Subtle Distinction
While English speakers use 'by the way' for almost any topic shift, Spanish speakers often make a subtle distinction. Using 'A propósito' or 'Hablando de eso' when your new topic is related shows a higher level of fluency and makes the conversation feel more connected and natural.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation Error
Mistake: "Saying 'por el camino' to mean 'by the way'."
Correction: Use 'Por cierto' instead.
Overusing 'Por cierto'
Mistake: "Using 'Por cierto' for every single topic change, even when the topics are related."
Correction: Use 'A propósito' or 'Hablando de eso' for related topics.
Confusing 'A propósito' with 'Propósito'
Mistake: "Just saying 'Propósito...' to introduce a topic."
Correction: Always say the full phrase, 'A propósito...'
💡Pro Tips
Your Go-To Phrase: Por Cierto
When in doubt, 'Por cierto' is your safest bet. It's universally understood and works for almost any situation where you'd say 'by the way' in English. Master this one first, and you'll always have a way to change the subject.
Sound More Natural with 'A Propósito'
To take your conversational skills to the next level, start listening for opportunities to use 'A propósito.' When a friend mentions their trip to Colombia and you want to talk about coffee, starting with 'A propósito de Colombia...' is the perfect, smoothest transition.
Use 'Oye' to Be Casual
In informal settings, simply starting with 'Oye...' ('Hey'/'Listen...') is a super common and natural way to grab someone's attention before changing the topic. It's friendly and signals you have a new thought to share, much like 'Oh, by the way...' in English.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The use of 'Ya que estamos' ('since we're at it') is quite common in Spain for adding a related thought to an ongoing action or plan. 'Oye' is also a very frequent and casual way to get someone's attention before changing topics.
Mexico
'Por cierto' is extremely common and is the default choice. Mexicans frequently combine 'Oye' with 'por cierto' to make the transition very friendly and clear, as in 'Oye, por cierto, ¿viste el partido?' ('Hey, by the way, did you see the game?').
Argentina
Like in Spain, 'Ya que estamos' is very common. The uniquely Argentine interjection 'Che' is often used like 'Oye' to grab attention before changing the subject, e.g., 'Che, a propósito, ¿qué onda con lo de mañana?' ('Hey, speaking of which, what's up with tomorrow?').
💬What Comes Next?
After you introduce a new topic with 'Por cierto...'
¿Ah, sí? / ¿En serio?
Oh, yeah? / Really?
Sí, es que me acordé de que...
Yes, it's just that I remembered that...
You use 'A propósito...' to ask a related question
Pues, mira...
Well, look...
Dime, te escucho.
Tell me, I'm listening.
🧠Memory Tricks
This connects the Spanish word 'cierto' (certain) to the English idea of remembering something you certainly need to say.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is nuance. English uses 'by the way' as a catch-all for both related and unrelated topic changes. Spanish offers more specific tools: 'Por cierto' for random thoughts and 'A propósito' for connected ideas. Mastering this distinction is a key step toward sounding less like a textbook and more like a native speaker.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: This is a common 'false friend.' English speakers might guess 'por el camino,' but that phrase only refers to a physical journey or path.
Use instead: For a physical journey, use 'por el camino' or 'en el camino.' For changing topics in a conversation, always use 'por cierto' or a similar expression.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
To get back to the topic
After you say 'by the way,' you'll often need to return to the original subject. 'Bueno, volviendo al tema...' (Well, getting back to the topic...) is the logical next step.
To add information
Learning other connectors like 'Además' (also/besides) and 'También' (also/too) will expand your ability to link ideas in a conversation.
To change the subject completely
Phrases like 'En fin' (anyway) or 'Bueno' (well) are also used to signal a desire to move on from a topic, which is a related conversational skill.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: By the way
Question 1 of 3
You're talking with a friend about her new job. She mentions her boss is named David. This reminds you that you need to call your friend David. Which phrase is best to introduce this?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'Por cierto' and 'A propósito'?
Think of it this way: 'Por cierto' is for a *random* new topic (like a lightbulb going off in your head). 'A propósito' is for a *related* new topic (like a stepping stone from what was just said). If you're talking about dogs, and you say 'A propósito, I saw a great cat video,' it connects. If you say 'Por cierto, I need to buy milk,' it's a total change.
Can I just use 'Por cierto' all the time?
Yes, you absolutely can! It's the safest and most versatile option. You will be understood 100% of the time. Using other variations like 'A propósito' is just a way to add more nuance and fluency to your Spanish as you become more advanced.
Is there an informal slang version of 'by the way' like 'BTW' in English?
No, there isn't a widely used, standard abbreviation for 'por cierto' like 'BTW' in Spanish texting. People usually just type out 'por cierto' or use an informal opener like 'oye' to change the subject quickly.
How would I say 'speaking of which...' in Spanish?
'A propósito' is the perfect translation for 'speaking of which...'. 'Hablando de eso' ('speaking of that') also works very well, especially in more casual conversations.
What's the most formal way to say 'by the way'?
The most formal option is 'Dicho sea de paso,' which translates to 'let it be said in passing.' It's quite literary and you'll encounter it more in formal writing or speeches than in everyday conversation.
Can 'Oye' really mean 'by the way'?
Not directly, but it serves the same function. 'Oye' means 'Hey' or 'Listen,' and it's used to get someone's attention before you say something new. In casual chat, it's extremely common to use it to interrupt the flow and introduce a new thought, just like we do with 'Oh, by the way...' in English.
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