Greetings & Introductions
Essential phrases for greeting people, introducing yourself, and making basic small talk when meeting someone new.
Key Phrases
¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?
neutralHi! How are you?
A standard, friendly greeting used every day.
¡Buenas! ¿Cómo andas?
casualHey! How's it going?
Very common and informal; best for people your own age or friends.
Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted?
politeGood morning, how are you?
Use 'usted' to show respect to older people or in formal service situations.
¿Cómo te llamas?
neutralWhat is your name?
The standard way to ask someone's name.
¿Cómo se llama usted?
politeWhat is your name?
The formal version for professional settings or with elders.
Me llamo Carlos y ella es mi amiga Elena.
neutralMy name is Carlos and she is my friend Elena.
A simple way to introduce yourself and someone else at the same time.
¿De dónde eres?
neutralWhere are you from?
Use this standard form when chatting with new acquaintances.
¿De dónde es usted?
politeWhere are you from?
The formal 'usted' version.
Soy de Colombia, pero ahora vivo aquí.
neutralI am from Colombia, but now I live here.
A natural way to share your background and current situation.
Mucho gusto.
neutralNice to meet you.
The most common and safe response when introduced to someone.
Es un placer.
politeIt is a pleasure.
A slightly more formal alternative to 'mucho gusto'.