Casual conversations with Spanish-speakers are a fun (and easy!) way to practice your language skills! Here, Spanish tutor Joan B. shares 20 Spanish phrases that will come in handy…
When you’re learning Spanish, it’s useful to have a few topics of conversation in mind so that you can practice your conversational Spanish skills with another Spanish speaker. Read the following Spanish phrases to learn a few sentences to keep in your front pocket.
1. ¿Cómo te llamas?/¿Cómo se llama usted? (What’s your name?)
Keep it simple, and you’ll be talking in no time!
2. ¿De dónde eres?/¿De dónde es usted? (Where are you from?)
Asking about someone’s birthplace can start an interesting conversation about their country and city. You never know where it will lead!
3. ¿Tienes hermanos?/¿Tiene hermanos? (Do you have brothers and sisters?)
Expressing an interest in someone’s family can get them talking, and before you know it, you’ll be conversing like old friends.
4. ¿Qué te gusta hacer?/¿Qué le gusta hacer? (What do you like to do?)
This is one of the best Spanish phrases to know, because you might discover you have a lot in common, or you might learn about a new and interesting activity you’ve never done before. Either way, there will be lots to discuss!
5. ¿Qué deportes te gusta ver?/¿Qué deportes le gusta ver? (What sports do you like to watch?)
If you have a favorite sport or sports team in common (or in opposition!), you’re sure to start a lively conversation about the next match, your favorite players, and more.
6. ¿Cuál es tu restaurante favorito?/¿Cuál es su restaurante favorito? (What’s your favorite restaurant?)
Who knows, if you end up hitting it off, you might end up dining together at the restaurant as friends.
7. ¿Qué libro acabas de leer ?/¿Qué libro acaba de leer? (What book did you just finish reading?)
Literary interests can start a fascinating conversation, and you may get some suggestions for authors in Spanish literature to look out for.
8. ¿Qué película viste recientemente?/¿Qué película vio recientemente? (What’s the most recent film you’ve seen?)
Spanish-language films can be captivating, and reveal a lot about the culture. Take this chance to learn about new films that are popular in the Spanish-speaking world.
9. ¿Cuándo empezaste a aprender español?/¿Cuándo empezó a aprender español? (When did you start to learn Spanish?)
If you’re striking up a conversation with a fellow second-language Spanish speaker, you might be interested to learn when he/she started studying the language, and any insights or tips he/she might be willing to offer.
10. ¿Qué otros idiomas hablas?/¿Qué otros idiomas habla? (What other languages do you speak?)
While this conversation is all about Spanish, you might find another language in common, as well!
11. ¿Te gusta bailar?/¿Le gusta bailar? (Do you like to dance?)
Dancing is a wonderful social activity, and going out to dance with Spanish-speaking friends is a great way to practice your Spanish at the same time.
12. ¿Adónde has viajado recientemente?/¿Adónde ha viajado recientemente? (Where have you traveled recently?)
Travel is a passion that knows no borders, and by asking about your conversant’s latest trip, you’ll be igniting a common interest to discuss in detail.
13. ¿En qué trabajas?/¿En qué trabaja? (What is your profession?)
While a job isn’t everything, it can start an interesting conversation about that person’s interests, field, and work.
14. ¿Qué música prefieres?/¿Qué música prefiere? (What is your favorite music?)
If you both like music with Spanish-language lyrics, you’ve just found an excellent way to practice your Spanish, as you listen, discuss, and decode the music.
15. ¿Qué pasa en las noticias de hoy? (What’s in the news today?)
The daily events of the world always offer something to get into a deep conversation about.
16. ¿Qué hiciste este fin de semana?/¿Qué hizo este fin de semana? (What did you do this weekend?)
As you explore your conversation partner’s interests and hobbies, you’ll learn something about him or her and get the conversation started at the same time.
17. En tu opinión/su opinión, ¿cuál es la solución a los problemas del medio ambiente? (What do you think is the solution to environmental problems?)
Sharing ideas about the most vexing problems of today is a way to connect, learn, and discuss.
18. ¿Trabajas como voluntario -a?/¿Trabaja como voluntario -a? (Do you volunteer?)
Volunteering is a window into what matters most to someone, and it’s sure to start a meaningful conversation.
19. ¿Vas/va al gimnasio o participas/participa en otras actividades para hacer ejercicio? (Do you go to the gym or do other activities as exercise?)
Exercise routines can be a fun way to get to know someone, and you can segue into talking about outdoor activities, the best gym in town, or wherever the conversation leads you.
20. ¿Tienes mascota/tiene mascota? (Do you have a pet?)
Our most beloved companions, Fido and Fifi, are guaranteed to start a long and fun conversation, as you learn about their most endearing habits.
With these Spanish phrases, you’ll be overflowing with ways to strike up a conversation with another Spanish speaker. Don’t be shy — most people love it when you express an interest in them, and these conversation starters are great openers to get to know someone, en español!
Photo by Eddy Van 3000
Post Author: Joan B.Joan B. lives in Carmichael, CA and has been teaching high school Spanish for more than 18 years. A lover of language, she’s studied French, Arabic, and Italian, and spent time living in Spain. Joan aims to help students improve on tests and increase their conversational ability when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. Learn more about Joan here!
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