Common Spanish Phrases & Words

For Everyday Life in Spain

Quick answer (the ones you’ll hear constantly):
hola, gracias, por favor, sí/no, perdón, ¿dónde?, baño, cuánto, derecha/izquierda, estación, metro, tarjeta, cuenta.

Also, save or screenshot this list, then grab the full 1-page cheat sheet below.

Download: Common Spanish Words & Phrases — 1-page cheat sheet (PDF – last updated September 2025).

Who this guide is for (and why it’s different)

If you’re moving to Spain to teach English—or landing for a semester—this guide keeps things real and useful. We built this list around words you’ll actually hear on signs, in transit, and in classrooms. In addition, we corrected accents/orthography and added Spain-specific notes where it matters.

For next steps, explore how RVF supports you end to end: Learn how RVF helps at every step and Apply. New to the role? Read What is a Language Assistant? and A Day in the Life of an Auxiliar de Conversación.

Greeting & intros

First, let’s cover greetings you’ll use everyday. We all need friends – and that’s doubly true if you’re a foreigner in a strange land. Here are some words and phrases you can use to meet new people and build personal relationships:

For instance, you’ll say Buenos días and ¿Cómo estás? to teachers and staff every morning. As a reminder, screenshot this section for quick access.

The ‘W’ questions

Next, here are the question words you’ll hear constantly. Note the use of the upside-down question mark, one of the most delightful peculiarities of the Spanish language:

As a reminder, interrogatives take a tilde in the questions/exclamations (e.g., ¿Qué?, ¿Dónde?, ¿Cuándo?). In short, learn these first; everything else builds on them.

Getting around

When you venture abroad – whether you find yourself in Barcelona or Shanghai – you will inevitably lose your way. Even with Google Maps, you might have to rely on the guidance of good-willed locals to get where you’re going.

Here are some handy phrases you can use to that end:

Because metro signs are short, estación, parada, billete, abono, salida and entrada appear everywhere. Consequently, these phrases reduce arrival stress on day one. Consequently, these phrases reduce arrival stress on day one.

*Spanish is a gendered language. With adjectives like “lost,” use perdido (masc.) or perdida (fem.). Some native English speakers struggle with this issue when they first begin learning Spanish, but after a while adjusting word endings based on gender becomes second nature.

Prepositions you’ll hear daily

In addition, these tiny words make directions click.

Common mistake: Entre is standalone (not entre de). As a result, your directions sound natural.

Directional (cardinal points)

Similarly, these compass words appear in addresses, weather, and bus routes.

Consequently, you’ll follow signs and read maps faster. Finally, pair these with prepositions to give precise directions.

Must-know verbs (+ ser vs estar)

Moving around Madrid or Santiago, here are a few verbs that you’ll find handy and carry you through most errands:

That’s why mastering these early pays off in every conversation.

tú vs tu: tú = you (with accent). tu = your (no accent).

Ser vs. estar (mini guide you’ll actually use)

• SER = identity/essence. Soy profesor. Es español.
• ESTAR = temporary states/location. Estoy cansado. Estamos en Madrid.
• Rule of thumb: Location is estar → ¿Dónde está el baño?
• Heads-up: Adjectives can flip meaning: Es listo (smart) vs. Está listo (ready).

Longer Explanation

“Ser” describes permanent traits or identity (e.g., origin). You soy de los Estados Unidos.
“Estar” describes temporary states or location. You estoy en el parque. You’ll pick up more nuance as you progress.

Classroom phrases for teachers

For the sake of fostering an immersive learning environment, most schools in Spain prefer that native English speakers only use their mother tongue in the classroom with students.

However, certain circumstances might require the use of the students’ native tongue. When you’re teaching, Spain classrooms use vosotros forms (-ad/-ed/-id endings). By contrast, most of Latin America uses ustedes. Here are a few terms associated with the school and classroom that are convenient for teachers to know:

Additionally, in Spain you’ll often hear “copiad” (copy this), “subrayad” (underline), and “escuchad” (listen). As a reminder, keep your instructions short and consistent.

(If you teach with LatAm materials, mirror these as ustedes commands: Abran, Trabajen, Repitan, Siéntense/Levántense…)

Romance & friends

Outside class, these phrases pop up in everyday chats and texts.

For instance, Te quiero sounds more casual than Te amo in many contexts. In short, pick what fits the relationship.

Interview & work words

Lastly, if you’re on the prowl for an ESL position in Spain or Latin America, job interviews will be conducted almost exclusively in English. Spanish proficiency generally is not a job requirement, nor it is customarily expected in a candidate.

Nonetheless, it can’t hurt to impress your prospective new employer by slipping in a few off-the-cuff Spanish phrases. Here are a some terms to help with paperwork, HR forms, and interviews:

Pro tip: Save these for emails and admin days. Finally, reuse them when you update your LinkedIn in Spanish.

Learn faster: quick tips

• Shadowing > memorizing: Play a sentence; repeat it out loud immediately.
• Micro-goals: 10 new words/day beats 70 on Sunday.
• Make it Spain-real: Switch your phone to Español (España); read metro signs out loud.
• Flashcards: Keep verbs + prepositions together (e.g., entrar en, pensar en, soñar con).
• Friends first: Say hola to baristas, cashiers, neighbors—micro-reps build confidence.

As a result, you’ll speak more naturally within weeks. Above all, keep it fun.

Convenient online apps to improve your Spanish repertoire

Try Duolingo to get started for free. If you enjoy it, upgrade or sample Rosetta Stone later. However, nothing beats quick daily chats with locals.

Ready to use your Spanish in Spain?

• See how RVF helps you teach English in Spain
• Apply today

Ben Bartee (started this original blog before updates) is a Bangkok-based American journalist, grant writer, political essayist, researcher, travel blogger, and amateur philosopher. Contact him on Linkedin and check out his Portfolio.