In this post, you’ll learn the most important survival phrases in English, explained clearly for Spanish speakers. These phrases will help you feel more confident and independent in English-speaking environments.
1. Basic Polite Phrases (Frases básicas de cortesía)
Politeness is very important in English. These simple words can make a big difference.
● Hello / Hi – Hola
● Good morning – Buenos días
● Good afternoon – Buenas tardes
● Good evening – Buenas noches
● Please – Por favor
● Thank you – Gracias
● You’re welcome – De nada
● Excuse me – Disculpe / Perdón
● Sorry – Lo siento / Perdón
✅ Tip: In English, people say “please” and “thank you” very often—even in small situations.
2. Introducing Yourself (Presentarte)
These phrases help you start a conversation.
● My name is… – Mi nombre es…
● I am from… – Soy de…
● Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto
● How are you? – ¿Cómo estás?
● I’m fine, thank you – Estoy bien, gracias
✅ Common response:
● How are you?
→ I’m good, thanks. And you?
3. Asking for Help (Pedir ayuda)
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. These phrases are very useful.
● Can you help me? – ¿Puede ayudarme?
● I need help – Necesito ayuda
● I don’t understand – No entiendo
● Can you repeat, please? – ¿Puede repetir, por favor?
● Can you speak more slowly? – ¿Puede hablar más despacio?
✅ Tip: English speakers usually appreciate when you ask them to speak slowly.
4. English for Emergencies (Frases para emergencias)
These phrases are extremely important for safety.
● Help! – ¡Ayuda!
● I need a doctor – Necesito un doctor
● Call the police – Llame a la policía
● It’s an emergency – Es una emergencia
● I am lost – Estoy perdido/a
✅ Tip: You can say these phrases loudly and clearly. Short sentences are okay.
5. Getting Around (Moverte por la ciudad)
Perfect for travel, work, or daily life.
● Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?
● How much is this? – ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
● Where is…? – ¿Dónde está…?
● I need a taxi – Necesito un taxi
● What time is it? – ¿Qué hora es?
6. At Stores and Restaurants (En tiendas y restaurantes)
Very useful for shopping and eating out.
● I would like… – Me gustaría…
● How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta?
● I’m just looking – Solo estoy mirando
● The check, please – La cuenta, por favor
● Water, please – Agua, por favor
✅ Tip: “I would like” is polite and commonly used.
7. When You Don’t Know the Word (Cuando no sabes una palabra)
You don’t need to know every word in English.
● How do you say this in English? – ¿Cómo se dice esto en inglés?
● What does this mean? – ¿Qué significa esto?
● I don’t know the word – No sé la palabra