A Friendly Hello
Like many other peoples, the Mexicans really appreciate when you try to speak their language — no matter how much you butcher it. Everyone will greet you with a smile even when you say a simple “
To help you receive those Mexican smiles, I've prepared a short list of some basic greetings, preceded by a simple explanation of Spanish pronunciation. While many people who work in tourism can speak English, it's ever so nice to say just a little in their language. You'll be glad you did.
Basic Spanish Pronunciation
Pronounce Spanish vowels as follows:
Pronounce Spanish consonants as you do in English. But keep these differences in mind:
Everyday Phrases
Good morning |
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Good afternoon |
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Good night |
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How are you? |
¿Kohmoh ehstah |
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Hello |
Ola |
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Hello (on phone only) |
Bway- |
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So long |
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Goodbye |
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Please |
Pohr fah- |
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Thank you |
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Thank you very much |
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You're welcome |
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Pleased to meet you |
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With pleasure |
Kohn |
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How do you say _______________ |
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Yes |
See |
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No |
Noh |
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Okay |
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All right |
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What time is it? |
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Excuse me |
Pehr- |
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Excuse me (when walking in front of someone) |
Kohn per- |
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Excuse me (interrupting speech) |
Dees- |
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I'm sorry |
Loh see- |
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I am well |
Ehstoy |
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What's happening? |
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I don't understand |
Noh ehntee- |
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Where is _______________? |
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When? |
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What? |
¿Kay? |
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What do you wish? |
Keh dehss-ehah |
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I want |
Yoh kee- |
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I would like |
Keyh-see- |
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Do you have _______________? |
¿Tyah-nay oos- |
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The check, please |
Lah |
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It's good |
Ahseh |
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It's bad |
Ahseh mahl |
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Weather |
tee- |
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How much is it? |
¿ |
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It's too expensive |
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Please take it |
Meh loh lee- |
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Where is the restroom? |
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I feel sick |
Meh see |
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I need a doctor |
Neh-seh- |
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Bring me |
Tra- |
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Speak slowly |
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Do you speak English? |
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Is there someone here who speaks English? |
¿Ahy ahl-gee- |
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To the right |
ah lah day- |
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To the left |
ah lah ees-ky- |
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More |
Mahs |
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Less |
May-noss |
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Small |
Peh- |
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Quick |
Rápido |
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More slowly |
Mahs des- |
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Hot water |
Ahgwa kah-lee |
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Cold water |
Ahgwa |
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Here, please |
Aqui, por favor |
Ah-key pohr fah- |

