Greetings & Introductions
Use these essential phrases to say hello, introduce yourself, and make basic small talk when meeting someone new.
Key Phrases
¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?
casualHi! How's it going?
A very common everyday greeting to use in informal situations.
Buenos días.
neutralGood morning.
Use 'buenas tardes' in the afternoon and 'buenas noches' at night.
¿Cómo te llamas?
casualWhat is your name?
Uses the informal 'you' (tú) — appropriate for people your age or younger.
¿Cómo se llama usted?
politeWhat is your name?
Uses the formal 'you' (usted) — use with older adults or in professional settings.
Me llamo Carlos.
neutralMy name is Carlos.
Literally means 'I call myself Carlos'.
Mucho gusto.
neutralNice to meet you.
A standard, safe response you can use with absolutely anyone.
Es un placer.
politeIt is a pleasure.
A slightly more formal and elegant way to say nice to meet you.
¿De dónde eres?
casualWhere are you from?
Matches the informal 'tú' form.
¿De dónde es usted?
politeWhere are you from?
Matches the formal 'usted' form.
Soy de Estados Unidos.
neutralI am from the United States.
Simply replace 'Estados Unidos' with your country or city.
Él es mi amigo, David.
neutralHe is my friend, David.
Change 'Él es mi amigo' to 'Ella es mi amiga' when introducing a female friend.