Being Polite

Being Polite

Greetings and Goodbyes

• Hola (Hi): A common way to greet people at any time of day.
• Buenos días (Good morning): Used in the morning until about 12pm.
• Buenas tardes (Good afternoon): From around 12pm until sunset.
• Buenas noches (Good evening / goodnight): From sunset onwards, or before going to bed.
• Adiós (Goodbye): The most common, general way to say goodbye.
• Hasta luego (See you later): More casual way to say goodbye.

Terms of Politeness

• Por favor (Please): An essential term to show politeness in requests.
• Gracias (Thank you): A must in your vocabulary to demonstrate gratitude.
• De nada (You’re welcome): The common response when someone thanks you.

Expressions to Show Respect

• Disculpe/Perdón (Excuse me): Use to get attention or apologise for a minor error.
• Lo siento (I’m sorry): If you want to express more serious apologies.
• No comprendo (I don’t understand): Demonstrates respect by acknowledging when you have not understood something, rather than ignoring it.
• ¿Puede repetir, por favor? (Could you repeat, please?): Respectfully ask for repetition if you did not understand something.

Polite Questions

• ¿Cómo está(s)? (How are you?): A polite way to show interest in the other person’s wellbeing.
• ¿Puede ayudarme? (Can you help me?): Shows respect by asking for help in a polite way.
• ¿Cómo se dice…en español? (How do you say…in Spanish?): Demonstrates humility and eagerness to learn, making an effort to ask in Spanish.

Politeness in Conversations

• Use Usted instead of Tú when addressing someone you don’t know very well, someone older, or in formal situations.
• Be familiar with the subjunctive mood for expressing desires, doubts and advice, which often comes across as more respectful than simple direct statements.
• Remember the importance of non-verbal cues, like maintaining eye contact and a smiling demeanor, which contribute to politeness beyond language.