Normally, when you first start learning Spanish, your first word will be a 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.

When initially meeting either a stranger or an acquaintance, “Hola” is an appropriate greeting. (When answering the phone, however, Spanish speakers will frequently say “bueno” or “diga” in place of “Hola.”)

Whenever you meet someone, you will also have to end up saying “goodbye” them and the Spanish word for “goodbye” is “adios.”

The Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Romanian) generally have two forms of verbs for addressing people.  There are what is usually referred to as the formal form (generally used when addressing strangers, older people (who are not relatives or close friends) or people of higher status or position and the informal form normally used when addressing relatives, friends, younger people or people of lower position. 

After 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?”.

“Good morning” is “Buenos dias” in Spanish while “Good afternoon” is Buenas tardes” and “Good night” is Buenos noches.”

Should you inquire as to someone’s name you would ask, “Como te llamas?” (informal) or “Como se llama?” (formal).

These greeting words and phrases provide the very basics of Spanish greetings.  As you continue to learn Spanish, you will learn harder and more complex phrases, but these will go along way in starting your ability to speak Spanish.

Simple every day expressions such as these greetings are some of the most frequently used in Spanish and frequent use will help build your comfort with the language.

Original Post: Learn Languages Now

Spanish Greetings: The Basics

1) There are many websites that offer free online lessons for beginnners. Look for one that has a lot of audio. Use the forums to ask questions, and make friends with other students at your level.

2) Listen to Spanish MP3s or Audio-CD courses in your car. Do you spend 30 minutes commuting to work twice a day? That’s over 5 hours a week that you spend in your car! So start learning Spanish in the car, instead of listening to the radio.

3) There’s no excuse for getting upset about waiting in lines. Always carry Spanish flashcards with you, and pull them out and do a quick review any time you find yourself waiting. You can easily make your own with 3×5 notecards based on whatever course you are currently taking.

4) Don’t forget about using a good book (with a dictionary in the back). While some people learn best from audios, you might be the type of person that has to see it in writing to learn it. Books typically have short story and reading lessons that will help enforce what you are learning on audios.

5) Use language software on your computer. Most people enjoy the multimedia aspect and the immediate feedback. The computer is typically a patient trainer; it will allow you to click the same word dozens of times without tiring.

6) Join a Spanish club or class. Maybe your local high-schools or colleges have continuing or “fun” educations classes like languages. The classes are often $25 or less, and you have the benefit of learning with others, and getting feedback from a teacher.

7) Travel to a Spanish-speaking country. It will immerse you in the language and culture, plus you may enjoy the site-seeing and museums. You will see and read signs everyday, and overhear people speaking Spanish.

Original Post: Learn Languages Now

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