Learning to speak Spanish can be both beneficial as well as enjoyable if approached with the right attitude.

Normally, when you commence learning Spanish, your first word will be some sort of greeting. After all, if you do not even understand how to say “hello” what will you do when you meet someone?

The single word “Hola” (the “H” is not pronounced) in Spanish is the same as the English word “Hello” and is uncluttered by any complex syntax.

“Hola” is used when addressing someone, in person, either an acquaintance or a stranger. However,if you are answering the phone, you commonly will say “bueno” or “diga”.

“Adios” is the equivalent of “goodbye” in Spanish.

The family of languages known as the “Romance languages” that include Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian usually have two forms of verbs when addressing people.  The two forms are generally referred to as formal and informal forms.  The formal form is commonly used in formal settings or when speaking to a stranger, older person (not a friend or relative), or to someone of higher position.  The informal form is commonly used for friends, relatives, younger people or when speaking to persons of lower position. 

Following the initial greeting, one usually says something such as “How are you?”  A Spanish speaker would say, “Como esta?” (formal) or “Como estas?” (informal), or perhaps “Que passa?” (What’s happening?”), “Como se va?” (formal) or “Como te vas?” (informal) for “How is it going with you?”.

When saying “Good afternoon” “Buenas tardes” is the Spanish phrase. If you want to say “Good morning, Good day, etc” “Buenos dias” is the same thing in Spanish.
“Good night” is “Buenos noches.”

When meeting someone new you might ask their name by saying “Como te llamas?” (informal) or the more formal form, “Como se llama?” which literally translates as “How do you call yourself?”

While these simple words and phrases form the basics of Spanish greetings, you will learn more complex forms as you further develop your Spanish speaking skills.  Nevertheless, these phrases will be important in getting started.

The phrases used daily are the ones that help you to master Spanish more quickly because you will be using them on a regular basis. “Hello” and “Good Night” are two of the most used phrases so saying these words will give you plenty of practice in your comfort zone.

Related posts:

1. Most People Start Their Spanish Lessons With Beginner Spanish
2. Learning Beginner Spanish Should Teach You The Rules Of The Language
3. Can Learning Spanish Improve My Life?
4. The Benefits of Learning Spanish
5. A Simple 5-Step Formula in Learning Spanish Language

Tags: Basic Spanish, Basic Spanish Greetings, learn spanish, Learning Spanish, Spanish Greetings

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