Being Polite

When interacting in Spanish, courtesy is fundamental. Words like “por favour” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) need to be part of your common vocabulary.
“Lo siento” (I’m sorry) is an important phrase; use it when you make a mistake or accidentally bump into someone.
You can use formal language to show respect. For instance, using “usted” (you formal) instead of “tú” (you informal) to people you don’t know well, people older than you, or in formal settings.
An expression to use when you don’t understand something is: “Perdón, no entiendo” (Sorry, I don’t understand).
When asking for something, add “¿Podría…” (Could you…) before the action to make the request more polite. For example, “¿Podría pasarme la sal?” (Could you pass me the salt?).
When you want someone’s attention, use “disculpe” (excuse me). For example, “Disculpe, ¿sabe dónde está la biblioteca?” (Excuse me, do you know where the library is?)
Finally, don’t forget to say “De nada” (You’re welcome) after someone thanks you.
Remember, body language also plays a vital role. Maintain eye contact, nod when listening, and try to mirror the other person’s expressions to indicate attentiveness and interest.
Be sure to pronounce words correctly. Pronunciation is fundamental in conveying the right message and mood. Practice your Spanish accent to master the intonation and rhythm of sentences.
Customs and societal norms are also a fundamental part of politeness in Spanish-speaking countries. Be aware of personal space, wait your turn to speak, and avoid interrupting.

Revision activities:

Write out a conversation between two people meeting for the first time, using polite phrases.
Practice speaking out loud, using the polite expressions and taking care of your pronunciation.
Role-play a scenario like ordering food at a restaurant or asking someone for directions, focusing on being polite.
Review the societal customs of one Spanish-speaking country and compare them to your own.