Using 'Gozar' instead of 'Disfrutar'
Mistake: “Que goce su estancia.”
Correction: Que disfrute su estancia.
How to say
Enjoy your stay
in SpanishQue disfrute su estancia
keh dees-FROO-teh soo ehs-TAHN-see-ah
This is the most standard, polite, and universally understood way to wish someone to enjoy their stay. It's perfect for hotel staff, hosts, or anyone in a service role addressing a guest formally ('usted').
A warm 'Que disfrute su estancia' is a cornerstone of hospitality in the Spanish-speaking world, making guests feel truly welcome.
🎬Watch & Learn
Enjoy your stay — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
Que disfrutes tu estancia
★★★★☆
keh dees-FROO-tess too ehs-TAHN-see-ah
informal🌍
This is the informal version, used when talking to someone you're familiar with, like a friend, family member, or a peer staying with you. It uses 'tú' (you, informal).
When to use: When hosting a friend, a younger person, or in a casual setting like an Airbnb where you've established a friendly rapport.
Disfrute su estancia
★★★★★
dees-FROO-teh soo ehs-TAHN-see-ah
formal🌍
A slightly more direct but equally polite version of the primary translation. It drops the 'Que', making it a direct (but still formal) command. It's extremely common.
When to use: Virtually interchangeable with 'Que disfrute su estancia'. Often used by hotel staff at the end of check-in.
Espero que disfrute su estancia
★★★☆☆
ehs-PEH-roh keh dees-FROO-teh soo ehs-TAHN-see-ah
formal🌍
This translates to 'I hope you enjoy your stay'. It adds a personal touch and sounds very warm and considerate.
When to use: A great choice when you want to sound particularly thoughtful and sincere, like a host of a bed and breakfast.
Que la pase bien / Que lo pase bien
★★★★★
keh lah PAH-seh bee-EHN / keh loh PAH-seh bee-EHN
neutral🌎
A very common and versatile alternative meaning 'Have a good time'. While not specific to a 'stay', it's frequently used in the same context. 'La' is more common in many regions, but 'lo' is also used.
When to use: In almost any situation where you want to wish someone well, including as they check into a hotel or begin their vacation.
¡Pásala bien!
★★★★★
PAH-sah-lah bee-EHN
informal🇲🇽 🌎
The very common, informal equivalent of 'Que la pase bien'. It's a friendly and casual way to say 'Have a good time!'.
When to use: With friends, peers, or in very relaxed hospitality settings. Perfect for wishing a friend a good time on their vacation.
Que disfruten su estancia
★★★★☆
keh dees-FROO-ten soo ehs-TAHN-see-ah
formal🌍
The plural version, used when addressing a group of people (a family, a couple, a tour group) formally.
When to use: When checking in a family at a hotel or welcoming a group of guests to an event.
🔑Key Words
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common ways to say 'Enjoy your stay' to help you choose the right one.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Que disfrute su estancia | Formal | Standard hospitality settings like hotels, restaurants, or addressing someone you don't know well. | Talking to close friends or children, where it would sound too stiff. |
| Disfrute su estancia | Formal | A slightly more direct but equally polite alternative to the above; very common at check-in desks. | You want to sound extra warm and less like you're reciting a script. |
| Que disfrutes tu estancia | Informal | Hosting friends, peers, or in very casual Airbnb situations. | Addressing hotel staff, older people, or anyone in a formal service context. |
| Que la pase bien | Neutral | A versatile, friendly alternative that works in almost any context, formal or informal. | You specifically want to refer to the 'stay' itself. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:Practice for several days
Pronunciation2/5
The sounds are mostly straightforward for English speakers. The 'r' in 'disfrute' is a simple tap, not a strong roll. 'Estancia' (ehs-TAHN-see-ah) is easy once you break it down.
Grammar3/5
This phrase uses the present subjunctive ('disfrute'/'disfrutes'), which is an intermediate concept. Learners also need to correctly match the formal/informal verb with the right possessive ('su'/'tu').
Cultural Nuance2/5
The main cultural point is understanding and applying the correct level of formality, which is a key skill in Spanish but not overly complex for this specific phrase.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to use the subjunctive form (e.g., 'disfrute' not 'disfruta' in formal contexts).
- Choosing correctly between formal 'su' and informal 'tu'.
💡Examples in Action
Hotel receptionist checking in a guest.A2
Aquí tiene su llave. Habitación 305. Que disfrute su estancia con nosotros.
Here is your key. Room 305. Enjoy your stay with us.
An Airbnb host speaking to a guest informally.B1
Bueno, me voy a trabajar. ¡Siéntete como en tu casa y disfruta tu estancia!
Well, I'm off to work. Make yourself at home and enjoy your stay!
A welcome message from a resort manager to a family.B1
Gracias por elegir nuestro resort. Esperamos que disfruten su estancia y todas las actividades.
Thank you for choosing our resort. We hope you enjoy your stay and all the activities.
A tour guide speaking to a group.A2
El tour termina aquí en el museo. ¡Que la pasen muy bien el resto del día!
The tour ends here at the museum. Have a great time for the rest of the day!
🌍Cultural Context
A Pillar of Hospitality
Wishing someone a pleasant stay is a fundamental part of the culture of hospitality in the Spanish-speaking world. It's not just a formality; it reflects a genuine desire for the visitor to feel welcome, comfortable, and happy. Expect to hear it often from staff in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The Magic of 'Que'
Starting the phrase with 'Que' (like in 'Que disfrute...') softens the expression. Instead of a direct command ('Enjoy!'), it turns it into a wish ('May you enjoy...'). This is a common way in Spanish to make commands and wishes sound more polite and less demanding.
Formality Matters
The distinction between formal ('su estancia') and informal ('tu estancia') is crucial. In any service or professional context, the formal 'usted' form is the default. Using the informal 'tú' with a hotel manager or an older host could be seen as disrespectful, so when in doubt, always go formal.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Translating 'Stay' Literally
Mistake: “Disfruta tu quedar.”
Correction: Disfruta tu estancia.
Mixing Formal and Informal
Mistake: “Que disfrute tu estancia.”
Correction: Que disfrute su estancia (formal) OR Que disfrutes tu estancia (informal).
💡Pro Tips
When in Doubt, Be Formal
If you're ever unsure whether to use the formal 'usted' or informal 'tú' version, always choose the formal ('Que disfrute su estancia'). It's always safer to be overly polite than accidentally too familiar.
How to Respond
If someone wishes you an enjoyable stay, a simple and warm response is all that's needed. 'Gracias', 'Muchas gracias', or 'Muy amable, gracias' (Very kind, thank you) are all perfect replies.
Use 'Que la pase bien' as a Go-To
If you find 'estancia' hard to remember or aren't sure if it fits, 'Que la pase bien' (Have a good time) is an excellent, all-purpose substitute. It works for a stay, a meal, an evening out, or a whole vacation.
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:Que disfrute de su estancia.
Pronunciation:The 'c' in 'estancia' is pronounced with a 'th' sound (ehs-TAHN-thee-ah) in most of the country. The 's' sounds are also slightly softer.
Alternatives:
Que lo pases bien.A disfrutar.
It's common to add the preposition 'de' after 'disfrutar', making it 'disfrutar de algo'. While not required, it's very frequent in Spain. The use of 'vosotros' for informal plural is also standard ('Que disfrutéis de vuestra estancia').
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:Que disfrute su estancia.
Pronunciation:Pronunciation is very clear, with the 'c' in 'estancia' sounding like an 's' (ehs-TAHN-see-ah).
Alternatives:
Que la pase muy bien.¡Pásela chido! (very informal slang)
'Que la pase bien' is an extremely common and friendly alternative you'll hear everywhere, from taxi drivers to hotel staff. It feels very natural and warm.
🇦🇷
Argentina
Preferred:Que disfrutes de tu estadía.
Pronunciation:The 'll' and 'y' sounds are pronounced with a 'sh' sound. 'Estancia' is used, but 'estadía' is also very common for 'stay'.
Alternatives:
¡Que la pases lindo!Espero que disfrutes tu estadía.
The key difference is the use of 'vos' for the informal 'you'. This means you'll hear 'Que la pases lindo' instead of 'Que la pases bien'. The verb form 'disfrutes' is the same for both 'tú' and 'vos' in this case.
💬What Comes Next?
After you wish a guest an enjoyable stay
They say:
Muchas gracias. Muy amable.
Thank you very much. Very kind.
→
You respond:
De nada. Si necesita cualquier cosa, aquí estamos para servirle.
You're welcome. If you need anything, we're here to help you.
Someone says 'Que disfrute su estancia' to you at a hotel
They say:
Que disfrute su estancia.
Enjoy your stay.
→
You respond:
Gracias. ¿A qué hora es el desayuno?
Thank you. What time is breakfast?
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of a fancy 'estate' for your 'estancia'. You're wishing them an enjoyable time at the 'estate' they are staying at.
The Spanish word 'estancia' sounds like the English 'estate', helping you link the word to a place where someone would stay.
To remember 'disfrute', think 'This fruit, eh? Enjoy it!'
The sounds in 'dis-frut-e' can be loosely connected to an English phrase to make the verb 'disfrutar' (to enjoy) more memorable.
🔄How It Differs from English
English uses a simple, direct command: 'Enjoy your stay'. Spanish often prefers a slightly more indirect wish structure using 'Que' + a verb in the subjunctive mood ('Que disfrute'). This can feel more formal or softer to an English speaker. The concept of switching between formal ('su') and informal ('tu') versions based on the relationship is also much more critical in Spanish.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
"Enjoy!"
Why it''s different: While you can say '¡Disfruta!' or '¡Disfrute!', it's much more common to enjoy *something*. The Spanish phrase usually specifies what to enjoy, like 'Disfrute la comida' (Enjoy the meal) or 'Disfrute su estancia'. Just saying '¡Disfrute!' by itself is less common than 'Enjoy!' in English.
Use instead: It's better to be specific, e.g., 'Que disfrute su estancia' or 'Que aproveche' (for a meal).
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'welcome'
This is often the first thing you'll say or hear when someone arrives, before you wish them an enjoyable stay.
How to say 'if you need anything'
It's the perfect follow-up after 'Enjoy your stay' to show extra hospitality.
How to say 'have a good trip'
This is what you say when someone is leaving, completing the hospitality cycle.
How to say 'thank you for your hospitality'
This is what a guest would say, making it the other side of the conversation.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: Enjoy your stay
Question 1 of 4
You are a hotel receptionist checking in an older couple. What is the most appropriate way to wish them a good stay?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'Disfrute su estancia' and 'Que disfrute su estancia'?
They mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably. 'Que disfrute su estancia' is technically a wish ('May you enjoy your stay'), while 'Disfrute su estancia' is a polite command ('Enjoy your stay'). The version with 'Que' can sound slightly softer and more formal, but both are perfectly polite and correct.
Can I use these phrases when a friend is staying at my house?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use the informal version. You would say 'Que disfrutes tu estancia' or more casually, '¡Espero que la pases muy bien aquí!' (I hope you have a great time here!).
Is 'Que lo pase bien' the same as 'Enjoy your stay'?
It's a very close equivalent that means 'Have a good time'. While not specific to a 'stay', it's used constantly in the same situations. It's a great, versatile phrase to know and can often be used instead of 'Que disfrute su estancia'.
How do I say 'Enjoy your stay' to a group of people?
You need to use the plural form. For a group you're addressing formally, say 'Que disfruten su estancia'. For a group of friends, you'd say 'Que disfruten su estancia' in Latin America, or 'Que disfrutéis vuestra estancia' in Spain.
What's the best way to respond if a hotel clerk says this to me?
A simple, warm thank you is the perfect response. You can say 'Gracias', 'Muchas gracias', or 'Gracias, muy amable' (Thank you, very kind).
Is 'estancia' or 'estadía' better for 'stay'?
Both are correct, but usage varies by region. 'Estancia' is universally understood and very common everywhere. 'Estadía' is also widely used, particularly in some parts of Latin America like Argentina, and often refers specifically to a temporary stay in a place. You can't go wrong with 'estancia'.
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