Learn the basics of Spanish

Spanish is a language that opens up a world of possibilities, connecting you with more than 500 million people in over 20 countries. It’s not just about learning words, but about creating genuine connections that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Mastering basic greetings and introductions is the first step to immersing yourself in this fascinating language that can transform both your personal and professional life.

How to start a conversation in Spanish?
The first words we exchange with someone new set the tone for the entire relationship. In Spanish, there are courteous expressions that vary depending on the time of day and the context.

Let’s look at these examples of greetings:

• “Buenas noches. Hola, buenas noches.” - “Good evening. Hello, good evening.”
• “Mucho gusto. Yo soy Jess.” - “Nice to meet you. I’m Jess.”
• “Yo soy Agustina. Es un placer.” - “I’m Agustina. It’s a pleasure.”
• “Igualmente. Bueno, gracias. Hasta luego. Adiós.” - “Likewise. Well, thank you. See you later. Goodbye.”

Another similar example:

• “Buenas tardes. Hola.” - “Good afternoon. Hello.”
• “Es un placer conocerte. Yo soy Stephanie.” - “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Stephanie.”
• “Yo soy Jess. Es un gusto conocerte.” - “I’m Jess. It’s nice to meet you.”
• “Igualmente. Hasta luego. Adiós.” - “Likewise. See you later. Goodbye.”

To introduce yourself properly, you can use phrases like: “My name is Jess, I’m from Seattle, Washington, and I live in Colombia.” This simple structure lets you clearly and concisely share your name, origin, and current location.

What’s the difference between ser and estar?
One of the most challenging aspects for Spanish learners is understanding the difference between the verbs ser and estar. Both translate to “to be” in English, but they have very different uses:

• Use ser to describe your identity or permanent characteristics: “I am a teacher” (Yo soy profesor) or “I am a man” (Yo soy hombre).
• Use estar to express temporary states or emotions: “I’m happy” (Estoy feliz) or “I’m angry” (Estoy enojado).

A trick to remember the difference:

• If someone asks “How are you?” (¿Cómo estás?), respond with the verb estar: “I’m good” (Estoy bien).
• If someone asks “Who are you?” (¿Quién eres?), respond with the verb ser: “I’m Jess” (Soy Jess).

How to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations?
Imagine this scenario: you’re enjoying a coffee in Bogotá when someone approaches and says, “Hi, what’s your name?” (Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?). Your answer might be: “Hi, my name is Jess, I’m from Seattle, Washington, it’s nice to meet you” (Hola, me llamo Jess, soy de Seattle, Washington, es un gusto conocerte).

Congratulations! You just had your first conversation in Spanish. Even though it may seem simple, you have successfully:

1. Responded to a greeting.
2. Introduced yourself with your name.
3. Shared information about your origin.
4. Expressed courtesy.

Spanish is not just a tool for professional growth in a globalized world—it’s also the key that opens doors to new cultures, traditions, and ways of seeing the world. Every word you learn brings you closer to authentic experiences and meaningful connections with millions of Spanish speakers around the globe. Are you ready to keep learning? Share in the comments what your experience learning Spanish has been like so far.