25 Spanish Phrases Every Middle Schooler Should Know Before a Family Visit

Imagine your child walking into a room full of cousins, aunts, and grandparents who all speak Spanish. Everyone smiles, hugs are exchanged, and the hard part comes: speaking. For many middle schoolers just starting out, the idea of using Spanish during a family visit feels overwhelming. They might know a few words from an app or classroom, but they’re not sure what to say, how to say it, or when.

That’s where this list comes in.

These 25 beginner-friendly phrases were picked with family connection in mind. They’re the kind of things kids actually say at family gatherings, to introduce themselves, share a meal, ask questions, and show love. The best part? Your child doesn’t need to be fluent to start making real conversations.

1. Greetings That Feel Warm and Welcoming

These aren’t textbook greetings. They’re everyday expressions that make conversations feel real, and start things off on the right foot.

• Hola, ¿cómo estás? – Hi, how are you?
  Great for a casual, friendly greeting.
  Hola, ¿cómo estás? ¡Hace mucho que no te veo!
  Hi, how are you? I haven’t seen you in so long!
• ¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte! – Long time no see!
  Often said when reconnecting with someone after a while.
  ¡Tía, cuánto tiempo sin verte!
  Auntie, long time no see!
• Me alegra verte. – I’m glad to see you.
  Shows affection and makes people feel appreciated.
  Abuela, me alegra verte otra vez.
  Grandma, I’m glad to see you again.
• ¿Cómo has estado? – How have you been?
  Slightly more advanced, but useful in family catch-ups.
  ¿Cómo has estado desde la última vez que hablamos?
  How have you been since we last talked?

2. Introducing Yourself with Confidence

These phrases help kids talk about who they are without feeling awkward or unsure.

• Tengo doce años. – I’m twelve years old.
  A go-to phrase for any age!
  Tengo doce años y me gusta dibujar.
  I’m twelve years old and I like to draw.
• Estoy en sexto grado. – I’m in sixth grade.
  School-year context helps relatives connect.
  Estoy en sexto grado y ya casi termino el año.
  I’m in sixth grade and almost done with the year.
• Me gusta leer y jugar videojuegos. – I like reading and playing video games.
  Sharing hobbies makes conversations personal.
  Me gusta leer libros de aventuras y jugar videojuegos con mis amigos.
  I like reading adventure books and playing video games with my friends.
• Estoy aprendiendo español. – I’m learning Spanish.
  Letting others know builds patience and encouragement.
  Estoy aprendiendo español, pero todavía me equivoco a veces.
  I’m learning Spanish, but I still make mistakes sometimes.
• Vivo en [place] con mi familia. – I live in [place] with my family.
  Easy way to talk about home.
  Vivo en Colorado con mi familia.
  I live in Colorado with my family.

3. Questions That Start Conversations

Conversation is a two-way street! These questions help kids keep the dialogue going.

• ¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
  Friendly and polite when meeting someone.
  Hola, ¿cómo te llamas? Soy Lucas.
  Hi, what’s your name? I’m Lucas.
• ¿Tienes mascotas? – Do you have any pets?
  Great for bonding with other kids.
  ¿Tienes mascotas? Yo tengo un perro.
  Do you have pets? I have a dog.
• ¿Qué te gusta hacer? – What do you like to do?
  Opens up talk about hobbies and interests.
  ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?
  What do you like to do in your free time?
• ¿Dónde vives? – Where do you live?
  Simple and direct.
  ¿Dónde vives? ¿Cerca de aquí?
  Where do you live? Near here?
• ¿Puedo ayudarte con algo? – Can I help you with something?
  Shows helpfulness and maturity.
  Abuelo, ¿puedo ayudarte con algo en la cocina?
  Grandpa, can I help you with something in the kitchen?

4. Bonding With Family and Showing Kindness

Help your child express how they feel and build emotional connections.

• Te extrañé. – I missed you.
  Short, sweet, and heartfelt.
  Abuelita, te extrañé mucho.
  Grandma, I missed you so much.
• Eres muy divertido(a). – You’re really fun.
  A playful compliment.
  ¡Eres muy divertido cuando jugamos juntos!
  You’re really fun when we play together!
• Gracias por invitarme. – Thank you for having me.
  Perfect after meals or family gatherings.
  Gracias por invitarme a tu casa.
  Thank you for having me at your house.
• ¿Jugamos juntos? – Want to play together?
  Great for connecting with cousins or younger relatives.
  ¿Jugamos juntos después de comer?
  Want to play together after we eat?
• Me gusta pasar tiempo contigo. – I like spending time with you.
  A meaningful phrase to use with grandparents or cousins.
  Abuelo, me gusta pasar tiempo contigo.
  Grandpa, I like spending time with you.

5. Mealtime and Daily Life Spanish

Because so much of family time happens around meals and everyday tasks.

• ¿Qué hay de comer? – What’s for lunch?
  A fun and useful mealtime phrase.
  Tengo hambre. ¿Qué hay de comer?
  I’m hungry. What’s for lunch?
• Está delicioso. – This is delicious.
  Polite and appreciative during meals.
  ¡Esta sopa está deliciosa, abuela!
  This soup is delicious, grandma!
• ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?
  Always good to know!
  ¿Dónde está el baño, por favor?
  Where is the bathroom, please?
• ¿Puedo ayudar a poner la mesa? – Can I help set the table?
  A helpful way to participate.
  ¿Puedo ayudar a poner la mesa antes de cenar?
  Can I help set the table before dinner?
• ¿A qué hora vamos a salir? – What time are we leaving?
  Keeps kids in the loop.
  ¿A qué hora vamos a salir para la casa de los tíos?
  What time are we leaving for our aunt and uncle’s house?

Mini Practice Activity: Match & Translate

Match the Spanish phrase to its English meaning:

1. ¿Tienes mascotas?
2. Estoy en sexto grado.
3. Me alegra verte.
4. ¿Jugamos juntos?
5. ¿Dónde está el baño?

A. I’m in sixth grade
B. Want to play together?
C. Where is the bathroom?
D. I’m glad to see you
E. Do you have pets?

Answer Key: 1–E, 2–A, 3–D, 4–B, 5–C

Conclusion: Real Spanish, Real Connection

Learning Spanish doesn’t have to be about drills or flashcards. It can be about moments: talking to your cousin, helping set the table, telling Grandma you missed her. With these 25 phrases, your middle schooler can walk into any family gathering and feel ready to connect.

If you want your child to go beyond memorizing and start using Spanish naturally, we’re here to help. Homeschool Spanish Academy offers live, 1-on-1 online classes with native Spanish-speaking teachers. Our flexible scheduling and engaging curriculum make learning fun and effective. Try a free class!

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