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Conversation Number One

Tue, 03/06/2007 - 00:46 — Chris

First conversations can be a little stilted, I’ll admit. But in English, don’t we also use a lot of small talk just to be pleasant and polite? It’s the same situation with Spanish speakers. Just a few questions and responses can go a long way. Commit these to memory and you’ll be able to break the ice quite easily.

Greeting Pronunciation Meaning
Buenos Días Buhway-nose Dee-ahs Good Morning/Good Day
Buenas Tardes Buhway-nass Tard-ays Good Afternoon
Buenas noches Buhway-nass Noe-Chays Good Evening/Good Night
Response
Simply Repeat the above phrase Back to the greeter.

 

Question Pronunciation Meaning
¿Cómo está usted? Coh-Moe Eh-Stah ooh-stead How are you? (formal)
 
Response
Bien. ¿Y usted? Bee-yen. Ee ooh-stead Well. And yourself? (formal)

 

Question Pronunciation Meaning
¿Cómo se llama? Coh-mo say yamah What is your name? (what do you call yourself?)
 
Response    
Me llamo Jorge. ¿Y usted? May yahmo hore-hay. Ee ooh-stead? My name is George. And you?

 

Question Pronunciation Meaning
Mucho gusto Mooch-oe goose-toh Pleased to meet you.
Response    
Igualmente Eee-gwal-meant-tay Likewise (equally)