hello
A WORD TO HAND
Essential Spanish words and phrases for beginners
Hear the words from your first six lessons, check their English meaning and see a useful phrase. This free reference follows the opening unit, so it connects with what you are learning.
Open the searchable dictionaryStart your first lessonFirst words
Learn to use first words in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
good
day
thank you
A phrase you can use
— Hi!
The h is silent. Hola is a friendly greeting in most everyday situations.
Read lesson 1: First wordsHow are you?
Learn to use how are you? in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
how
well
and
too / also
A phrase you can use
— How are you?
Use estás with someone you address as tú. The accent belongs on both cómo and estás.
Read lesson 2: How are you?Nice to meet you
Learn to use nice to meet you in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
name
I
you (informal singular)
pleasure
A phrase you can use
— What is your name?
Literally, how do you call yourself? Use this when addressing one person informally.
Read lesson 3: Nice to meet youA little politeness
Learn to use a little politeness in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
sorry / pardon
please
nothing
problem
A phrase you can use
— Excuse me.
Use perdona to get a friend’s attention or apologise. With a stranger, perdone is more formal.
Read lesson 4: A little politenessWhere are you from?
Learn to use where are you from? in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
where
from / of
England
Spain
A phrase you can use
— Where are you from?
De dónde means from where; eres is the informal you form of ser.
Read lesson 5: Where are you from?When you do not understand
Learn to use when you do not understand in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
not / no
English
slowly
again
A phrase you can use
— I do not understand.
No makes entiendo negative. This is useful as soon as a conversation gets difficult.
Read lesson 6: When you do not understandMake the sound and meaning familiar
Use a word in a whole sentence, hear it again, then try the interactive lesson. Each set of three teaching lessons leads to a short mini-test. Revision returns previously learnt phrases using spaced repetition; it does not require a streak or score target.
This reference covers the free opening unit. Full account access opens the remaining lesson content and vocabulary. The first five-minute listening recording and complete Little Town game are also free; checkout is currently closed.
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