When Learning Spanish, Start With The Basics

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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Learning how to speak Spanish can be both enjoyable and exciting.

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

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

“Hola” is an appropriate greeting for both acquaintances or strangers when addressing them in person. However, Spanish speakers commonly use “bueno” or “diga” when answering the telephone, unlike English that uses “hello” for both situations.

After first greeting someone, you will subsequently separate and the Spanish equivalent of “goodbye” is “adios.”

The family of languages known as the “Romance languages” that include Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian, and French usually have two forms of verbs when addressing people. The two forms are commonly 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 usually used for friends, relatives, younger people or when speaking to persons of lower position.

When inquiring as to how someone is, such as “How are you?”, “Como estas?” (informal) or “Como esta?” (formal) is the Spanish version of the same thing. Or you can use “que tal” or ”Que passa?” (What’s happening?) or “Como se va?” (formal) or “Como te vas?” (informal) for “How is it going?” or literally “How’s it going with you?”

“Good morning” is “Buenos dias” in Spanish while “Good afternoon” is Buenas tardes” and “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 useful getting started.

Regular use of these commonly used Spanish expressions will help increase your comfort zone as you develop your language skills further.

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