✨ Spanish 101: Essential Phrases
Master these fundamental phrases - the building blocks of every Spanish conversation!
⏰ Greetings by Time of Day
Spanish greetings change depending on the time of day!
🌅 Morning Greetings
🎭 Real-Life Situations
Practice greetings in different contexts!
🤝 Meeting Someone New
👔 Formal vs. Informal
Learn when to use formal (usted) vs informal (tú) forms
When to use each:
👔 Use Formal (Usted) with:
- Strangers and elderly people
- Professional settings
- Customer service situations
- People in authority
😊 Use Informal (Tú) with:
- Friends and family
- People your age or younger
- Casual social settings
- Once invited to do so
🌍 Cultural Insights
🕐 Timing Matters
"Buenos días" is used until about noon, "Buenas tardes" from noon to sunset, and "Buenas noches" after dark. In Spain, afternoon extends later than in Latin America!
😘 Cheek Kisses
In Spain, people often greet with two kisses (right cheek first). In Latin America, it's usually one kiss. Men typically shake hands with each other.
🤝 First Impressions
Spanish speakers appreciate proper greetings. Always greet when entering a shop, and say goodbye when leaving. It's considered rude not to!
📍 Regional Differences
"Vos" replaces "tú" in Argentina and parts of Central America. In Mexico, "¿Qué onda?" is a casual "What's up?" In Spain, try "¿Qué tal?"
🎯 Quick Practice
Scenario: You enter a shop at 2 PM
What greeting do you use?
Scenario: Meeting your friend's grandmother
Formal or informal?
Scenario: Thanking someone
They say "Gracias." You respond: