Episode 002 Introductions Made Easy: Breaking the ice

1. Introducing Yourself (Presentarse)

• Me llamo [Your Name] - My name is [Your Name]

  • Usage: This is how you say your name in Spanish. The verb "llamarse" is reflexive and literally means "to call oneself."

  • Example:

    • Me llamo Silvia. - My name is Silvia.

    • Me llamo Zak. - My name is Zak.

2. Asking Someone's Name (Preguntar el nombre de alguien)

• ¿Cómo te llamas? - What’s your name? / How do you call yourself?

  • Usage: This is how you ask someone their name in Spanish.

3. Responding to an Introduction

• Encantado/Encantada de conocerte - Nice to meet you

  • Usage: Use "encantado" if you’re male, and "encantada" if you’re female.

  • Example:

    • Encantado de conocerte - Nice to meet you (said by a male).

    • Encantada de conocerte - Nice to meet you (said by a female).

• Shortened Version: You can also simply say Encantado or Encantada.

4. Greetings Based on Time of Day (Saludos según la hora del día)

• Buenos días - Good morning

• Buenas tardes - Good afternoon / Good evening

• Buenas noches - Good night

  • Explanation: The difference between buenos and buenas lies in gender agreement. Días is masculine, so it uses buenos. Tardes and noches are feminine, so they use buenas.

Practice Phrases

• ¿Cómo te llamas? - What’s your name?

• Me llamo Silvia. - My name is Silvia.

• Encantado/a de conocerte. - Nice to meet you.

• Buenos días. - Good morning.

• Buenas tardes. - Good afternoon.

• Buenas noches. - Good night.

A Message from Silvia

¡Hola, queridos estudiantes!

You’re doing a fantastic job progressing in your Spanish learning journey! Remember to keep practicing these phrases as often as you can—whether you're out for a walk, waiting in line, or just relaxing at home. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

Don’t be afraid to repeat the phrases out loud. Listening to the podcast while having this grammar sheet in front of you will help reinforce what you’ve learned. Keep up the great work, and you’ll be speaking Spanish with confidence in no time. ¡Estoy segura de que lo harás genial! (I’m sure you’ll do great!)

¡Hasta luego, chicos! Keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next episode. 👋

Con cariño,

Silvia