One of the best parts of living in the US is how many cultures overlap every day. On a single block, you might pass a taco stand, hear a reggaeton song blasted from a passing car, and catch a friendly “hola” from your neighbor. As the second-most spoken language here, Spanish isn’t just another way of expression; it’s part of the rhythm of daily life.
If you’re new to the US or just curious, learning a few Spanish expressions can make your day-to-day interactions feel more familiar. These aren’t complicated grammar lessons—just simple, real-world words and phrases you’ll hear everywhere, from cities to small country towns. At Remitly, we know the little things matter. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most common Spanish expressions in the United States, along with tips on how to use them.
Spanish in everyday US life
Spanish has been spoken in the US for centuries, long before English. Cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, and California carry names that remind us of that history. Over time, waves of immigration from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and beyond have added layers of culture, food, music, and language.
Today, there are over 41 million native Spanish speakers in the US. You’ll hear the language everywhere, from TV and music to schools, your favorite restaurant, and maybe even your workplace. And the beauty of it is you don’t need to be fluent to join in. Saying “gracias” at the coffee shop or “hasta luego” when leaving the office isn’t just polite; it’s a way of showing cultural respect and openness. Think of it as a small handshake across languages.
Why do Spanish expressions matter?
You don’t need to master Spanish to feel its impact. Sometimes, a single word is enough to make someone’s day. These small expressions go beyond vocabulary—they’re signals that you’re approachable, comfortable in diversity, and willing to connect.
When you start using them in real life, you’ll notice how quickly people respond with warmth. That’s the power of language: even the simplest phrases can help you build trust, show respect, and start feeling like you belong.
What are some essential Spanish expressions everyone should know?
What makes these expressions stand out is how practical they are. They’re the kinds of words and phrases you’ll actually use in real, everyday conversations.
1. ¡Hola! (The friendly hello)
“Hola” is one of the easiest Spanish words to remember, and it works everywhere. Whether you’re greeting a friend, saying hi to your bus driver, or starting a conversation at work, it instantly sets a friendly tone.
2. Gracias (Thank you, the magic word)
This phrase is applicable in many scenarios, and it’s always welcome. It’s short, warm, and understood by pretty much everyone. You’ll find it’s just as common as the American “thank you,” and it’s part of the everyday etiquette you’ll notice in the US.
3. ¿Qué tal? (The casual “What’s up?”)
Think of this as the Spanish version of “What’s up?” It’s casual, light, and often doesn’t require a long answer. If someone greets you with “¿qué tal?”, you can respond with “bien” (“good”), or even just a smile; it’s the gesture that matters.
4. Lo siento (When you need to say sorry)
We all bump into people, spill things, or make mistakes. “Lo siento” is how you say “I’m sorry.” It’s simple and shows empathy, whether you’re apologizing for stepping on someone’s foot or expressing sympathy for something more serious.
5. No hay problema (Your go-to “no problem”)
This is the perfect response when someone thanks you. It’s relaxed, easygoing, and carries the same vibe as saying “no worries” or “it’s all good” in English. If a friend says, “Gracias for helping me move,” you can smile and reply, “No hay problema.”
6. ¡Qué chévere! (When something’s just too cool)
“Qué chévere!” is a way to show excitement or approval, similar to “that’s awesome!” or “that’s cool!” You’ll hear it often in Latin American communities, especially among younger people. Imagine a friend showing you their new sneakers, you might say, “¡Qué chévere!”
7. Hasta luego (The classic “see you later”)
When it’s time to say goodbye, “hasta luego” is one of the most common Spanish phrases you’ll hear. It works for both casual and slightly formal settings, whether you’re leaving a meeting at work or heading home after dinner with friends.
8. ¿Cuánto cuesta? (The phrase that saves your wallet)
This phrase comes in handy if you’re shopping at a local market or trying street food. “Cuánto cuesta” means “how much does it cost?” and it’s practical if you’re in areas where Spanish is widely spoken.
9. Mi casa es su casa (Hospitality at its finest)
This one means “my house is your house” and shows off the heart of Hispanic hospitality. When someone says “mi casa es su casa”, they’re telling you to feel at home. You might hear it when visiting friends, joining family gatherings, or being welcomed into someone’s community.
10. ¡Buen provecho! (The foodie’s phrase)
Food and kindness go hand in hand. “Buen provecho” is similar to “enjoy your meal”, and it’s often said when someone is eating. Servers in restaurants may say it as they drop off your food, and in some countries, people even say it to strangers eating at nearby tables.
Spanish phrases beyond the basics
Once you know a few key words, you start noticing Spanish everywhere. It shows up in local slang, blends with English into Spanglish, and colors everyday language.
Regional twists and slang you might hear
Spanish in the US isn’t one-size-fits-all. Communities add their own flavor, and the Spanish words you hear in one neighborhood might sound completely different just a few cities away.
- Órale (Mexico): Meaning “alright,” “let’s go,” or even showing surprise. Common in Mexican-American communities, especially in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.
- Guagua (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic): Refers to a bus. In Chile, it means “baby.” You’ll hear it in New York, Florida, and other cities with large Caribbean communities.
- Bacán (Chile, Peru): A way of saying “awesome” or “cool.” More common in parts of New Jersey, Miami, and areas with Chilean and Peruvian communities.
- No manches (Mexico): A casual “you’re kidding” or “no way.” Very common in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago, where Mexican Spanish has a big influence.
- Vale (Spain): A casual way of saying “okay” or “got it.” You’ll hear it more in Miami and New York, where there are larger Spanish and European immigrant communities.
- Pura vida (Costa Rica): Literally means “pure life,” used as a greeting, farewell, or to express that things are going well. It’s common in South Florida and other areas where Costa Ricans have settled.
- Ché (Argentina): Similar to saying “hey” to get someone’s attention. Common in Miami and parts of New York and New Jersey, where Argentine communities are strong.
- ¡Quiúbole! / ¡Quiubo! (Mexico, Central America): A casual way of saying “what’s up?”, often heard in Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas.
- Parcero / Parce (Colombia): A friendly way to say “buddy” or “friend” that’s common in Miami, New York, and parts of New Jersey, where Colombian communities are significant.
Spanglish: When Spanish and English team up
Alongside traditional expressions, you’ll often hear Spanglish, a natural blend of Spanish and English that reflects life in bilingual communities.
Many people in the US grow up speaking both languages at home, switching between them depending on who they’re talking to. This code-switching—moving back and forth between Spanish and English in the same conversation—has become second nature, especially for younger generations raised in multicultural households.
Some common manifestations of Spanglish include:
- “See you mañana”: A hybrid farewell, popular in California and Texas, where Spanish is deeply embedded in everyday conversations.
- “That party was súper divertido”: Mixing English structure with Spanish adjectives is popular in New York and Miami, especially among younger bilingual speakers.
- Lonche (from “lunch”): Used in Texas, California, and Arizona, often by Mexican-American families.
- Parquear (from “to park”): Widely used in Miami and New York, instead of the standard Spanish “estacionar”.
- Troca (from “truck”): Heard in California and Texas, referring to pickup trucks.
- Aplicar (from “apply”): Used in college and work settings across the US, as in “apliqué for the job,” instead of “solicité”.
- Chequea esto (from “check this out”): Common in Caribbean-American communities in Florida and New York.
Spanish hacks for everyday conversations
Knowing the words is one thing, but using them confidently is another. A few tricks can help you avoid awkward mix-ups, pronounce phrases more clearly, and use Spanish in a way that feels natural.
Expressions of kindness and community
One thing you’ll notice about Spanish is that many expressions are designed to make people feel good. Words like “con mucho gusto” (“with pleasure”), “buen día” (“good day”), or “que te vaya bien” (“hope it goes well for you”) are little ways of spreading positivity. Using them in daily life shows you’re making an effort to be kind and polite.
Watch out for mix-ups
Because Spanish is spoken in so many countries, the same word can have very different meanings. For example, “coger” means “to grab” in Spain, but in many parts of Latin America, it’s slang you probably don’t want to use in public. Similarly, “papas” means “potatoes”, while “papás” means parents. The best advice is to listen closely to how people around you use words and follow their lead.
Quick pronunciation tips that actually help
You don’t need perfect pronunciation; effort matters way more. That said, knowing some basics can help you get it right.
A lot of Spanish words are stressed on the second-to-last syllable, so “gracias” sounds like “GRAH-syahs.” The double ll is often pronounced like a “y,” so calle (street) sounds like “cah-yeh.” If you slow down, listen, and repeat after native speakers, you’ll pick it up faster than you think.
Spanish in US pop culture
Even if you’ve never studied the language, you probably know more Spanish than you think. Movies, TV shows, food, and sports have brought common words and phrases into mainstream culture, making them instantly recognizable.
Keeping Spanish alive on US screens
For many people growing up in the US, Dora the Explorer was their first introduction to Spanish. Other popular TV shows like “Ugly Betty” and “Modern Family” also weave Spanish into storylines, reflecting the bilingual reality of many American households.
Animated movies have made a huge impact, too. “Coco” introduced audiences to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) while teaching phrases like “familia” and “abuela”. Meanwhile, “Encanto” highlighted Colombian culture and music, blending Spanish words like “casita” and “arepa” into catchy songs.
Music that spreads Spanish worldwide
Turn on the radio or scroll through a playlist, and it’s hard to miss the global rise of Latin music. Hits like “Despacito“ by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, or “Mi Gente“ by J Balvin, topped US charts while keeping most of their lyrics in Spanish.
Artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Rosalía now headline festivals and sell out stadiums across the US, bringing phrases like “baila“ (dance) and “amor“ (love) into everyday conversations. Even if you don’t understand every lyric, the rhythm and repetition make Spanish words stick.
Spanish cuisine you already know by heart
Food might be the most delicious way Spanish has entered American culture. Words like “taco“, “burrito“, “quesadilla“, and “salsa“ are so widely used that they barely feel like foreign words anymore.
Ordering “churros“, “tamales“, or “paella“ at restaurants introduces people to traditional dishes, and often the Spanish vocabulary that goes with them. Even grocery store aisles reflect this blend, with brands using Spanish words like “habanero“, “chipotle“, and “adobo“ becoming mainstream.
Spanish words Americans probably know
Chances are, you already use some Spanish in your daily life without thinking about it. These words have slipped into American conversations, menus, and pop culture so naturally that they feel almost universal:
- Fiesta: Used to describe any kind of party, not just in Spanish-speaking communities.
- Amigo / Amiga: A way of saying “friend”.
- Mañana: Often said jokingly in English to mean “I’ll do it tomorrow”.
- Hasta la vista: Made famous in the “Terminator 2” movie, but recognized everywhere.
- Adiós: Just as common as “goodbye” in many neighborhoods.
- Siesta: Used to describe an afternoon nap, whether you’re in Spain or not.
- Plaza: The name of countless malls and shopping centers across the US.
These words show how Spanish has integrated into everyday English, blurring the line between what’s “foreign” and what’s now part of American life.
Resources to keep your Spanish fresh
If this sparks your curiosity, there are plenty of ways to keep practicing. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise make it easy to learn on the go. Podcasts such as “Coffee Break Spanish” or “News in Slow Spanish” are great for tuning your ear to natural speech.
Additionally, watching Spanish-language shows with subtitles can be both fun and educational. Many communities offer language exchange meetups where you can practice with new friends, too.
FAQ
Why is Spanish becoming popular in the United States?
Spanish is spoken by more than 41 million people in the US, making it the second most common language in the country. Its presence is tied to growing Hispanic and Latino communities and its increasing use in media, workplaces, and schools.
Can learning basic Spanish expressions really help in daily life?
Absolutely. Even a few phrases can make everyday interactions more positive and inclusive, especially in neighborhoods or workplaces where Spanish is widely spoken.
How can I practice these Spanish expressions?
Start by using them in simple daily situations, such as greeting a friend, thanking a cashier, or saying goodbye at work. Language apps, podcasts, and Spanish-language shows are excellent tools to supplement your practice.
Are certain Spanish expressions more common in some US regions?
Yes. In states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, where Hispanic and Latino communities are significant, you’ll hear Spanish expressions more frequently, often influenced by the countries of origin of those communities.
Do I need to worry about pronunciation?
You don’t need perfect pronunciation, but making an effort shows respect and an openness to learn. Knowing some basics can help you get it right, and listening to native speakers will help improve your diction over time.