🌤️ Spanish phrase guide
How to make small talk in Spanish
Small talk is where real fluency shows: no script, no menu, just a friendly chat. These phrases (in the casual "you" you'd use with a friendly neighbour) get you through the weather, the weekend and a warm goodbye.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key Spanish phrases
| Spanish | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Qué tal? | How's it going? | |
| Hace buen tiempo hoy, ¿verdad? | Nice weather today, isn't it? | |
| ¡Qué calor / qué frío! | It's so hot / so cold! | |
| ¿Tienes planes para el fin de semana? | Any plans for the weekend? | |
| Nada especial, descansar. | Not much, just relaxing. | |
| ¿Qué tal el fin de semana? | How was your weekend? | |
| ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas viviendo aquí? | How long have you lived here? | |
| ¿A qué te dedicas? | What do you do for work? | |
| ¡Encantado de charlar contigo! | Nice talking to you! | |
| ¡Nos vemos! | See you around! |
Example conversation
Neighbour
¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?
Hi! How's it going?
You
¡Bien, gracias! Hace buen tiempo hoy, ¿verdad?
Good, thanks! Nice weather today, isn't it?
Neighbour
¡Por fin! ¿Tienes planes para el fin de semana?
Finally! Any plans for the weekend?
You
Voy a la playa con unos amigos. ¿Y tú?
I'm going to the beach with some friends. And you?
Neighbour
Nada especial, descansar en casa.
Nothing special, just relaxing at home.
You
¡Suena bien! ¡Nos vemos!
Sounds good! See you around!
Good to know
💡 Spanish small talk is warm and quick to use "tú". "¿Qué tal?" works for almost everything: "¿Qué tal el trabajo?" (how's work?), "¿Qué tal las vacaciones?" (how was the holiday?).
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
Have this conversation with an AI partner who plays the other person, answers back, gives you a tip when something sounds off, and lets you speak your replies out loud. Free, no signup needed.
Practice "Small talk" in Spanish →More Spanish situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes📞 How to book a table💊 How to ask for help at a pharmacy