Free starter system · practice
Ten everyday scenarios to practise.
Listen to a short dialogue at normal speed, then slower. Hide the English to test yourself, then choose your replies in a role play. No account, no microphone.
Computer-generated voices. Spanish checked by our editors; no independent teacher review yet.
Choose a situation
Start with the one you will meet first.
Each scenario has two dialogues and one role play. Formal (usted) and informal (tú) choices are explained in each one.
Greetings and a first conversation
Say hello, give your name, ask someone's name and answer a simple how-are-you.
TravelAt a café
Order a drink, answer ¿Algo más? and ask for the bill.
EverydayAsking someone to repeat or slow down
Ask someone to repeat, slow down or write something down when you do not understand.
TravelAsking for directions
Ask where a place is, check whether it is far and understand a short answer with left, right or straight on.
EverydayShopping and paying
Ask for an item, ask the price and say how you would like to pay.
TravelBuying a transport ticket
Buy a single or return ticket and ask what time the bus leaves.
RelocationIntroductions in a new neighbourhood
Introduce yourself to a neighbour, say you are new and learning Spanish, and ask one simple question.
RelocationAt the pharmacy counter: finding an item
Ask whether a pharmacy has an everyday item, such as sun cream, and follow a short answer about where it is (finding items only, not health questions).
FamilyFamily greetings and small talk
Greet a family member, meet an older relative politely and accept or decline a drink.
EverydayA phone call to confirm a time
Make a short phone call to confirm a day and time, and ask for the time again if you miss it.
How to practise in five minutes. Play the slower version first while reading. Play the normal version without reading. Press “Hide English” and say what each line means. Then do the role play and say your replies out loud.
Everyday
Greetings and a first conversation
Say hello, give your name, ask someone's name and answer a simple how-are-you.
Formal or informal? Use tú (¿Cómo te llamas?, ¿Cómo estás?) with people your own age in relaxed settings, and usted (¿Cómo se llama usted?, ¿Cómo está usted?) with older people or in a formal setting; if someone uses tú with you, it is usually fine to answer the same way.
Saying hello and your name
- AHola. Me llamo Ana. ¿Cómo te llamas?Hello. My name is Ana. What is your name?
- BMe llamo Sam. Mucho gusto.My name is Sam. Nice to meet you.
- AMucho gusto. ¿Cómo estás?Nice to meet you. How are you?
- BBien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Well, thank you. And you?
- ABien, gracias. Estoy aprendiendo español.Well, thank you. I am learning Spanish.
- B¡Muy bien!Very good!
A polite first conversation
- ABuenos días.Good morning.
- BBuenos días. ¿Cómo está usted?Good morning. How are you?
- ABien, gracias. ¿Y usted?Well, thank you. And you?
- BMuy bien, gracias. ¿Cómo se llama usted?Very well, thank you. What is your name?
- AMe llamo Ana. Mucho gusto.My name is Ana. Nice to meet you.
- BMe llamo Luis. Encantado.My name is Luis. Pleased to meet you.
- AAdiós. Hasta luego.Goodbye. See you later.
- BHasta luego.See you later.
Your first conversation
You meet Sam, another beginner, at an informal language evening, and you both use tú.
Text version
- Hola. Me llamo Sam. ¿Cómo te llamas? (Hello. My name is Sam. What is your name?)
You could say: Me llamo Ana. Mucho gusto. or Hola, Sam. Me llamo Ana. - Mucho gusto. ¿Cómo estás? (Nice to meet you. How are you?)
You could say: Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? or Muy bien, gracias. - Bien. ¿Hablas español? (Good. Do you speak Spanish?)
You could say: Un poco. Estoy aprendiendo español. or Sí, un poco. - ¡Muy bien! Hasta luego. (Very good! See you later.)
You could say: Hasta luego, Sam. or Adiós. Mucho gusto.
Travel
At a café
Order a drink, answer ¿Algo más? and ask for the bill.
Formal or informal? Short requests such as Un café, por favor need no tú or usted at all; staff often use usted with you (Aquí tiene), and in some places they use tú, so follow their lead.
Ordering a coffee
- AHola. Un café, por favor.Hello. A coffee, please.
- B¿Algo más?Anything else?
- ANo, gracias.No, thank you.
- BAquí tiene.Here you are.
- AGracias.Thank you.
- BDe nada.You're welcome.
Regional note: What arrives when you ask for un café varies by country; café con leche (coffee with milk) is widely understood.
Asking for the bill
- ADisculpe. La cuenta, por favor.Excuse me. The bill, please.
- BSí, claro. Son tres euros.Yes, of course. That is three euros.
- A¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?Can I pay by card?
- BSí, claro. Aquí tiene.Yes, of course. Here you are.
- AGracias. Hasta luego.Thank you. See you later.
- BHasta luego.See you later.
Regional note: The amount is only an example; you might hear pesos or another currency. In Spain you will also hear ¿Me cobra, por favor? when someone asks to pay.
Ordering at the counter
You are at a café counter ordering a drink, and the server uses usted with you.
Text version
- Hola, buenos días. ¿Qué desea? (Hello, good morning. What would you like?)
You could say: Un café, por favor. or Un té, por favor. - ¿Algo más? (Anything else?)
You could say: No, gracias. or Sí, un vaso de agua, por favor. or No entiendo. ¿Puede repetir, por favor? - Aquí tiene. Son dos euros con cincuenta. (Here you are. That is two euros fifty.)
You could say: Gracias. ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? or Aquí tiene. Gracias.
Everyday
Asking someone to repeat or slow down
Ask someone to repeat, slow down or write something down when you do not understand.
Formal or informal? With strangers, staff and older people use ¿Puede...? (usted); with friends and people your age who use tú with you, switch to ¿Puedes...?
Asking a stranger to slow down
- APerdón. ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús?Excuse me. Where is the bus stop?
- BEstá enfrente del museo.It is opposite the museum.
- APerdón, no entiendo. ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?Sorry, I do not understand. Can you speak more slowly, please?
- BSí, claro. Enfrente del museo.Yes, of course. Opposite the museum.
- A¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?Can you write it down, please?
- BSí, claro. Aquí tiene.Yes, of course. Here you are.
- AMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- BDe nada.You're welcome.
Asking a friend to slow down
- AHola, Marta. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Marta. How are you?
- BBien, gracias. ¿Quieres un té?Well, thank you. Would you like a tea?
- APerdón, ¿puedes hablar más despacio?Sorry, can you speak more slowly?
- BSí, claro. ¿Quieres... un... té?Yes, of course. Would you like... a... tea?
- AAh, sí. Un té, por favor. Gracias.Oh, yes. A tea, please. Thank you.
- BDe nada.You're welcome.
When the answer is too fast
You ask at a community centre reception about a Spanish class, and the receptionist, whom you have not met, answers quickly.
Text version
- La clase es el martes a las seis, en la sala tres. ((quickly) The class is on Tuesday at six, in room three.)
You could say: Perdón, ¿puede repetir, por favor? or ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor? - Sí, claro. El martes... a las seis... en la sala tres. (Yes, of course. On Tuesday... at six... in room three.)
You could say: ¿A las seis? or ¿Puede escribirlo, por favor? - Sí, a las seis. (Yes, at six.)
You could say: Muchas gracias. or Muy bien, gracias. - De nada. ¿Algo más? (You're welcome. Anything else?)
You could say: No, gracias. Hasta luego. or No, muchas gracias. Adiós.
Travel
Asking for directions
Ask where a place is, check whether it is far and understand a short answer with left, right or straight on.
Formal or informal? Use usted with people you stop in the street: Disculpe and ¿Puede...? are safe, polite choices.
Where is the station?
- APerdón. ¿Dónde está la estación?Excuse me. Where is the station?
- BEstá a la derecha, cerca de la plaza.It is on the right, near the square.
- ANo entiendo. ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?I do not understand. Can you speak more slowly, please?
- BA la derecha. Cerca de la plaza.On the right. Near the square.
- AMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- BDe nada.You're welcome.
Is it far?
- ADisculpe. ¿Dónde está el supermercado?Excuse me. Where is the supermarket?
- BSiga todo recto. Está a la izquierda.Go straight on. It is on the left.
- A¿Está lejos?Is it far?
- BNo, está cerca. Cinco minutos a pie.No, it is close. Five minutes on foot.
- AMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- BDe nada.You're welcome.
Regional note: Todo recto (straight on) is common in Spain; in much of Latin America you will hear derecho or todo derecho. Do not confuse derecho (straight on) with a la derecha (on the right).
Finding the station
You are looking for the station and a stranger in the street offers to help, so you use usted.
Text version
- Hola. ¿Necesita ayuda? (Hello. Do you need help?)
You could say: Sí, por favor. ¿Dónde está la estación? or Sí. Perdón, ¿dónde está la estación? - Está a la derecha, cerca de la plaza. (It is on the right, near the square.)
You could say: No entiendo. ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor? or ¿Está lejos? - Sí, claro. A la derecha. Cerca de la plaza. (Yes, of course. On the right. Near the square.)
You could say: Muchas gracias. or ¿A la derecha? Gracias. - De nada. ¡Buen viaje! (You're welcome. Have a good trip!)
You could say: Gracias. Adiós. or Gracias. Hasta luego.
Everyday
Shopping and paying
Ask for an item, ask the price and say how you would like to pay.
Formal or informal? Use usted with shop staff (¿Tiene...?); you will often hear usted back, as in ¿Quiere una bolsa?
Buying bread
- ABuenos días. ¿Tiene pan?Good morning. Do you have bread?
- BSí, claro. ¿Algo más?Yes, of course. Anything else?
- ANo, gracias. ¿Cuánto cuesta?No, thank you. How much is it?
- BDos euros con cincuenta.Two euros fifty.
- AAquí tiene.Here you are.
- BGracias. ¿Quiere una bolsa?Thank you. Would you like a bag?
- ANo, gracias. Hasta luego.No, thank you. See you later.
Regional note: The price is only an example; you might hear pesos or another currency.
Card or cash?
- APerdón. ¿Cuánto cuesta este libro?Excuse me. How much is this book?
- BDiez euros.Ten euros.
- A¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?Can I pay by card?
- BLo siento, solo efectivo.I am sorry, cash only.
- AMuy bien. Aquí tiene.All right. Here you are.
- BGracias. Adiós.Thank you. Goodbye.
- AAdiós.Goodbye.
Regional note: The price is only an example; you might hear pesos or another currency.
At the bakery
You are buying bread in a small bakery in the morning, and the shop assistant uses usted.
Text version
- Buenos días. (Good morning.)
You could say: Buenos días. ¿Tiene pan? or Hola. Pan, por favor. - Sí, claro. ¿Algo más? (Yes, of course. Anything else?)
You could say: No, gracias. ¿Cuánto cuesta? or No, gracias. - Son dos euros. ¿Quiere una bolsa? (That is two euros. Would you like a bag?)
You could say: No, gracias. Aquí tiene. or Sí, por favor. Aquí tiene. - Gracias. Que tenga un buen día. (Thank you. Have a good day.)
You could say: Gracias. Igualmente. or Gracias. Adiós.
Travel
Buying a transport ticket
Buy a single or return ticket and ask what time the bus leaves.
Formal or informal? Use usted with ticket staff and with other passengers you do not know.
A bus ticket to the centre
- ABuenos días. Un billete para el centro, por favor.Good morning. A ticket to the centre, please.
- B¿De ida o de ida y vuelta?Single or return?
- ADe ida, por favor. ¿Cuánto cuesta?Single, please. How much is it?
- BDos euros.Two euros.
- AAquí tiene. ¿A qué hora sale el autobús?Here you are. What time does the bus leave?
- BA las diez y media.At half past ten.
- APerdón, ¿puede repetir, por favor?Sorry, can you repeat, please?
- BA las diez y media.At half past ten.
Regional note: Billete is the usual word for a ticket in Spain; in much of Latin America you will hear boleto. If you are unsure, use the word you see on the signs.
Which bus goes to the centre?
- APerdón. ¿Este autobús va al centro?Excuse me. Does this bus go to the centre?
- BNo, el número cinco va al centro.No, the number five goes to the centre.
- A¿El número cinco? ¿Dónde está la parada?The number five? Where is the stop?
- BEstá allí, enfrente del banco.It is over there, opposite the bank.
- AMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- BDe nada.You're welcome.
Regional note: Autobús is widely understood; you may also hear local words, such as camión in Mexico.
At the ticket window
You are at a bus station ticket window buying a ticket to the town centre, and the clerk uses usted.
Text version
- Buenos días. ¿Adónde va? (Good morning. Where are you going?)
You could say: Al centro, por favor. or Un billete para el centro, por favor. - ¿De ida o de ida y vuelta? (Single or return?)
You could say: De ida, por favor. or De ida y vuelta, por favor. or No entiendo. ¿Puede repetir, por favor? - Son dos euros. Sale a las diez y media. (That is two euros. It leaves at half past ten.)
You could say: Aquí tiene. Muchas gracias. or ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
Relocation
Introductions in a new neighbourhood
Introduce yourself to a neighbour, say you are new and learning Spanish, and ask one simple question.
Formal or informal? Start with usted with a new neighbour, especially an older one; if they use tú with you or suggest it, it is fine to switch.
Meeting a neighbour
- ABuenos días. Soy nueva aquí. Me llamo Ana.Good morning. I am new here. My name is Ana.
- BHola, Ana. Bienvenida. Me llamo Carmen.Hello, Ana. Welcome. My name is Carmen.
- AMucho gusto. Vivo en el número ocho.Nice to meet you. I live at number eight.
- BEncantada. Yo vivo aquí, en el número diez.Pleased to meet you. I live here, at number ten.
- APerdón, estoy aprendiendo español. ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?Sorry, I am learning Spanish. Can you speak more slowly, please?
- BSí, claro. Yo vivo en el número diez.Yes, of course. I live at number ten.
- AGracias. Hasta luego.Thank you. See you later.
- BHasta luego, Ana.See you later, Ana.
A neighbour who uses tú
- BHola. ¿Eres nuevo aquí?Hello. Are you new here?
- ASí, soy nuevo aquí. Me llamo Sam.Yes, I am new here. My name is Sam.
- BYo soy Pablo. ¿De dónde eres?I am Pablo. Where are you from?
- ASoy de Inglaterra. ¿Dónde está el supermercado?I am from England. Where is the supermarket?
- BEstá cerca, en la plaza.It is close, in the square.
- AGracias, Pablo.Thank you, Pablo.
- BDe nada. ¡Bienvenido!You're welcome. Welcome!
A new neighbour on the stairs
You have just moved into a new building and meet Carmen, an older neighbour, on the stairs, so you start with usted.
Text version
- Buenos días. ¿Vive usted aquí? (Good morning. Do you live here?)
You could say: Sí. Soy nuevo aquí. or Sí. Soy nueva aquí. - Hola, encantada. Me llamo Carmen. (Hello, pleased to meet you. My name is Carmen.)
You could say: Mucho gusto. Me llamo Sam. or Encantado. Me llamo Sam. - ¿De dónde es usted? (Where are you from?)
You could say: Soy de Inglaterra. or Soy de Inglaterra. Estoy aprendiendo español. - Muy bien. Si necesita algo, aquí estoy. (Very good. If you need anything, I am here.)
You could say: Muchas gracias. Hasta luego. or Gracias, muy amable.
Relocation
At the pharmacy counter: finding an item
Ask whether a pharmacy has an everyday item, such as sun cream, and follow a short answer about where it is (finding items only, not health questions).
Formal or informal? Use usted with pharmacy staff: ¿Tiene...? and Disculpe are the safe forms.
Asking for sun cream
- ABuenos días. ¿Tiene crema solar?Good morning. Do you have sun cream?
- BSí, claro. Está allí, a la derecha.Yes, of course. It is over there, on the right.
- APerdón, ¿dónde?Sorry, where?
- BAllí, al lado de la puerta.Over there, next to the door.
- AAh, sí. Gracias. ¿Cuánto cuesta?Oh, yes. Thank you. How much is it?
- BOcho euros.Eight euros.
- AMuy bien. Aquí tiene.All right. Here you are.
Regional note: Crema solar and protector solar are both common; you may see either on the label.
Finding toothpaste
- ADisculpe. Busco pasta de dientes.Excuse me. I am looking for toothpaste.
- BEstá allí, al fondo.It is over there, at the back.
- ANo entiendo. ¿Puede repetir, por favor?I do not understand. Can you repeat, please?
- BAllí, al fondo, a la izquierda.Over there, at the back, on the left.
- AGracias. ¿Tiene una bolsa?Thank you. Do you have a bag?
- BSí, claro. Aquí tiene.Yes, of course. Here you are.
- AMuchas gracias. Adiós.Thank you very much. Goodbye.
Regional note: Pasta de dientes is widely understood; in some countries you will also see crema dental or dentífrico on the box.
Finding sun cream
At a pharmacy counter you want to find sun cream, so you speak to the assistant with usted; this practice is only about finding an everyday item.
Text version
- Buenos días. ¿En qué le puedo ayudar? (Good morning. How can I help you?)
You could say: Buenos días. ¿Tiene crema solar? or Disculpe, busco crema solar. - Sí, claro. Está allí, al lado de la puerta. (Yes, of course. It is over there, next to the door.)
You could say: Perdón, ¿dónde? or Muchas gracias. ¿Cuánto cuesta? - Allí, al lado de la puerta. (Over there, next to the door.)
You could say: Ah, sí. Muchas gracias. or Gracias. - ¿Algo más? (Anything else?)
You could say: No, gracias. Adiós. or No, muchas gracias.
Family
Family greetings and small talk
Greet a family member, meet an older relative politely and accept or decline a drink.
Formal or informal? Tú is the usual choice with family and close friends; some families use usted with grandparents or in-laws, and habits vary by country and household, so follow your family's lead and ask if you are unsure.
Greeting a relative
- A¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?Hello! How are you?
- BMuy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Very well, thank you. And you?
- ABien. ¿Qué tal el viaje?Fine. How was the journey?
- BBien, gracias. Un poco largo.Fine, thank you. A bit long.
- A¿Quieres un café?Would you like a coffee?
- BSí, por favor. Gracias.Yes, please. Thank you.
Regional note: In parts of Latin America people use vos instead of tú with family and friends; tú is still widely understood.
Meeting an older relative
- ABuenas tardes, señora. Mucho gusto.Good afternoon. Nice to meet you.
- BMucho gusto. Bienvenido.Nice to meet you. Welcome.
- AGracias. ¿Cómo está usted?Thank you. How are you?
- BMuy bien, gracias. ¿Habla español?Very well, thank you. Do you speak Spanish?
- AUn poco. Estoy aprendiendo español.A little. I am learning Spanish.
- B¡Muy bien! ¿Quiere un café o un té?Very good! Would you like a coffee or a tea?
- AUn té, por favor. Muchas gracias.A tea, please. Thank you very much.
Regional note: Whether families use usted or tú with older relatives varies by country and household; follow their lead.
A family lunch
Your friend introduces you to their grandmother, Carmen, at a family lunch; you use tú with your friend and start with usted with Carmen.
Text version
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? ((your friend) Hello! How are you?)
You could say: Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? or Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? - Bien. Te presento a mi abuela, Carmen. ((your friend) Fine. This is my grandmother, Carmen.)
You could say: Mucho gusto, señora. or Encantada. ¿Cómo está usted? - Mucho gusto. ¿Habla usted español? ((Carmen) Nice to meet you. Do you speak Spanish?)
You could say: Un poco. Estoy aprendiendo español. or Sí, un poco. - ¡Muy bien! ¿Quiere un café? ((Carmen) Very good! Would you like a coffee?)
You could say: Sí, por favor. Muchas gracias. or No, gracias. Un vaso de agua, por favor.
Everyday
A phone call to confirm a time
Make a short phone call to confirm a day and time, and ask for the time again if you miss it.
Formal or informal? Use usted on the phone with someone you do not know, and tú with a friend.
Confirming a visit by phone
- BHola, buenas tardes.Hello, good afternoon.
- ABuenas tardes. Me llamo Ana. Llamo para confirmar la visita del jueves.Good afternoon. My name is Ana. I am calling to confirm Thursday's visit.
- BSí, claro. El jueves a las cinco.Yes, of course. Thursday at five.
- APerdón, ¿a qué hora?Sorry, at what time?
- BA las cinco de la tarde.At five in the afternoon.
- APerfecto. Muchas gracias.Perfect. Thank you very much.
- BDe nada. Hasta el jueves.You're welcome. See you on Thursday.
- AHasta el jueves. Adiós.See you on Thursday. Goodbye.
Regional note: How people answer the phone varies: ¿Diga? or ¿Sí? in Spain, ¿Bueno? in Mexico and ¿Aló? in many other countries; Hola is also common.
Agreeing a time with a friend
- AHola, Marta. ¿Qué tal?Hello, Marta. How are things?
- BBien, ¿y tú?Fine, and you?
- ABien, gracias. ¿Nos vemos mañana a las once?Fine, thank you. Shall we meet tomorrow at eleven?
- BMejor a las once y media.Half past eleven is better.
- APerdón, ¿puedes repetir la hora?Sorry, can you repeat the time?
- BA las once y media, en el café.At half past eleven, at the café.
- ADe acuerdo. Hasta mañana.All right. See you tomorrow.
- BHasta mañana.See you tomorrow.
Regional note: Vale (OK) is very common in Spain; de acuerdo is understood everywhere.
Confirming a flat viewing
You phone to confirm Thursday's visit to see a flat, and you use usted with the person who answers.
Text version
- Hola, buenas tardes. (Hello, good afternoon.)
You could say: Buenas tardes. Me llamo Ana. Llamo para confirmar la visita del jueves. or Buenas tardes. Llamo para confirmar la visita del jueves. - Sí, claro. El jueves a las cinco. (Yes, of course. Thursday at five.)
You could say: Perdón, ¿a qué hora? or ¿A las cinco? Perfecto, gracias. - A las cinco de la tarde. (At five in the afternoon.)
You could say: Perfecto. Muchas gracias. or Muy bien, gracias. - De nada. Hasta el jueves. (You're welcome. See you on Thursday.)
You could say: Hasta el jueves. Adiós. or Gracias. Adiós.
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