Spanish for Professionals: 20 Phrases You’ll Actually Use at Work
Skip the textbook lingo; these phrases will get you through meetings, emails, and small talk like a pro.
If you’ve ever sat in a Spanish class wondering when you’d use phrases like “the cat is on the chair,” you’re not alone. As a working professional, your language needs are entirely different. You need to know how to introduce yourself on a call, ask for a deadline extension, or wrap up a meeting politely, not talk about farm animals or conjugate obscure verbs.
The good news? You don’t need a huge vocabulary to sound competent at work. You just need the right vocabulary, phrases you’ll actually use every day. Whether you’re emailing clients, leading a team call, or building rapport over lunch, these 20 Spanish expressions will help you sound confident, clear, and professional.
Let’s dive in.
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Why Learn Spanish for Work?
Speaking Spanish at work is more than just a résumé boost. It can lead to career advancement, stronger relationships, and greater cultural competence. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that require bilingual skills are growing faster than average, especially in healthcare, education, customer service, and business operations.
And with over 41 million Spanish speakers in the U.S., learning the language helps professionals communicate more effectively inside and outside the office.
But forget about memorizing thousands of words. What you really need is a targeted set of phrases that help you get through your workday with ease.
20 Spanish Phrases Every Professional Should Know
1. ¿Cómo está usted?
How are you? — Use this to greet someone formally at the start of a meeting or email.
2. Me llamo [Name] y trabajo en [Company].
My name is [Name], and I work at [Company].
3. ¿Podemos comenzar?
Shall we begin? — A polite way to kick off a meeting.
4. Gracias por reunirse conmigo hoy.
Thank you for meeting with me today.
5. ¿Podría repetir eso, por favor?
Could you repeat that, please? — Perfect for when you miss something in conversation.
6. ¿Podemos reagendar nuestra reunión?
Can we reschedule our meeting?
7. Estoy esperando la confirmación.
I’m waiting for confirmation.
8. ¿Cuál es la fecha límite para este proyecto?
What is the deadline for this project?
9. Estoy trabajando en eso.
I’m working on it. — Short and reassuring when giving an update.
10. Le enviaré un correo electrónico con los detalles.
I’ll send you an email with the details.
11. ¿Puede explicarlo con más detalle?
Can you explain it in more detail?
12. Necesitamos más tiempo para terminarlo.
We need more time to finish it.
13. ¿Puedo ayudarle con algo más?
Can I help you with anything else?
14. ¿Cuándo es conveniente para usted?
When is a good time for you? — Use this when scheduling a meeting.
15. Fue un placer hablar con usted.
It was a pleasure speaking with you.
16. Nos mantenemos en contacto.
Let’s stay in touch.
17. Adjunto encontrará el archivo solicitado.
Attached you’ll find the requested file.
18. Estoy disponible en la tarde.
I’m available in the afternoon.
19. ¿Puedo llamarle mañana?
Can I call you tomorrow?
20. Que tenga un buen día.
Have a nice day. — A professional way to close any conversation.
How to Practice These Phrases Without Memorizing Flashcards
You don’t need to drill these into your memory in one sitting. The best way to retain them is to use them in real conversations. Try slipping one or two into your next Spanish class, language exchange, or email draft. You’ll be surprised how quickly they stick.
Another smart strategy? Take live lessons where these kinds of phrases are front and center. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer 1-on-1 Spanish classes designed for professionals. You’ll get live speaking practice with native teachers, making it easy to build confidence fast.
Final Thoughts: Speak the Language of Your Career
You don’t need to be fluent to sound professional. You just need a solid foundation of useful, real-life phrases and the opportunity to practice them regularly. When you learn the language of your workplace, you become more than bilingual. You become invaluable.
Ready to sound like a pro in Spanish? Click here to book a free trial class and start practicing the Spanish that actually matters.
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– Karie Ann, Parent of 3
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