How to Communicate Effectively in Spanish: Essential Phrases for Beginners

TLDRLearn key phrases for grabbing someone's attention, asking for repetition, and expressing confusion in Spanish.

Key insights

🤚To grab someone's attention, say 'oyga' in informal settings and 'disculpe' in formal settings.

🔁To ask for repetition, say '¿Puede repetir, por favor?' or '¿Puede decirlo una vez más?'

🌡️To ask someone to speak slower, say '¿Puede hablar más despacio?' or '¿Puede hablar más lento?'

👂Instead of saying 'Qué?', use 'Cómo?', 'Mande?', or 'No entendí' to express confusion.

🙏Using polite phrases like 'Gracias' and 'Por favor' can make your communication more effective and respectful.

Q&A

How do I grab someone's attention in Spanish?

In informal settings, say 'oyga'. In formal settings, say 'disculpe'.

What should I say if I didn't understand?

You can say '¿Puede repetir, por favor?' or '¿Puede decirlo una vez más?'

How do I ask someone to speak slower?

You can say '¿Puede hablar más despacio?' or '¿Puede hablar más lento?'

What should I say instead of 'Qué?'?

You can say 'Cómo?', 'Mande?', or 'No entendí' to express confusion.

Are there any other phrases I should use to be polite?

Yes, using phrases like 'Gracias' and 'Por favor' can make your communication more effective and respectful.

Timestamped Summary

04:18To grab someone's attention, say 'oyga' in informal settings and 'disculpe' in formal settings.

08:20To ask for repetition, say '¿Puede repetir, por favor?' or '¿Puede decirlo una vez más?'

11:36To ask someone to speak slower, say '¿Puede hablar más despacio?' or '¿Puede hablar más lento?'

16:17Instead of saying 'Qué?', use 'Cómo?', 'Mande?', or 'No entendí' to express confusion.

18:48Using polite phrases like 'Gracias' and 'Por favor' can make your communication more effective and respectful.