You don't need fluent Spanish to make a great first impression. You need a couple dozen sentences, said warmly, at the right moments. This guide gives you exactly those, in the order you'll need them. Tap the speaker next to any phrase to hear it.
Before you walk in: usted or tú?
Spanish has two ways to say "you." Tú is casual, for friends and people your age. Usted is respectful, for elders and people you've just met. With your partner's parents and grandparents, start with usted. It is never rude, and it signals respect before you've said anything else.
If someone says "Háblame de tú" (talk to me with tú), that's an invitation to switch. And don't be surprised if they use tú with you while you use usted with them. That's normal.
Greetings and introductions
How people greet: in many Latin American families, you greet every person in the room individually, often with a hug or a single kiss on the cheek. Walking in with a general wave can come across as cold. Follow your partner's lead, and do the same round when you leave.
At the table
Food is where most of the connection happens. Compliment it early and often, and you'll be off to a great start.
Questions they'll probably ask you
Almost every family asks the same few questions. Prepare your answers now so you're not searching for words in the moment.
When you get lost
You will get lost at some point. Everyone does. What matters is staying in the conversation instead of going quiet.
There are seven more in our full guide: what to say when you don't understand Spanish.
Meeting them soon? Get the free starter kit
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- A week-by-week checklist for your date
Saying goodbye
Goodbyes in many Latin American families take a while, and that's part of the warmth. Say goodbye to each person individually, just like you did when you arrived.
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Do I need to speak Spanish well before I meet them?
No. Families rarely expect fluency. A warm greeting, a few sentences at dinner, and a sincere thank-you in Spanish show respect and effort, and that is what people remember.
Should I use usted or tú with my partner's parents?
Start with usted, the respectful form. It is never wrong with a partner's parents or grandparents. If they tell you to use tú, switch happily. Ask your partner what their family expects, since habits vary by country and by family.
What if they talk too fast and I get lost?
Use a rescue phrase such as “Más despacio, por favor” (slower, please) or “Todavía estoy aprendiendo español” (I'm still learning Spanish). Most families slow down and help the moment they see you trying.
How do I remember all of this?
Don't try to learn everything. Pick the greeting, two compliments, your answers to the three most likely questions, and a goodbye. Say them out loud every day for a week or two, ideally with your partner.