fue un gusto hablar contigo
/fwe un ɡusto ablaɾ kontiɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "it was nice talking to you" can be said in Spanish as fue un gusto hablar contigo.
This is a polite phrase used to end a conversation and express pleasure in having spoken with someone. You might use shorter alternatives like un placer hablar contigo to be more direct.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it was a pleasure to talk with you".
Which one should you use?
The use of fue (past tense) indicates the conversation is now finished, whereas es un gusto would imply the pleasure is happening in the present moment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Spanish-speaking regions, the verb platicar is used instead of hablar to mean "to talk", such as in the phrase ¡Fue un gusto platicar!
How does it change in a sentence?
To transition from an informal to a formal setting, replace the pronoun contigo with con usted.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this phrase is igualmente, which means "likewise" or "the same to you".
Did you know?
- The pronoun contigo is a linguistic fossil from Latin that literally means 'with you with'. This double use of 'with' was common in ancient Latin but has disappeared from most other Romance languages.
- When saying fue un gusto hablar contigo, a common accompanying gesture in many Spanish-speaking cultures is a light touch on the forearm or a brief hug, depending on the level of familiarity.
Examples in context
- Fue un placer hablar con usted. Espero que tengamos la oportunidad de hacerlo de nuevo pronto.It was a pleasure talking to you. I hope we get the chance to do it again soon.
- Ha sido un gusto conversar con usted. Sus ideas son realmente interesantes.It has been a pleasure conversing with you. Your ideas are truly interesting.
- Fue genial hablar contigo. Necesitamos hacerlo más seguido.It was great talking to you. We need to do it more often.
- La pasé bien charlando contigo. Consideremos tomar un café la próxima vez.I had a good time chatting with you. Let's consider grabbing coffee next time.
- Fue un gusto hablar contigo, María.It was a pleasure talking to you, Maria.
- Fue un gusto hablar contigo, hasta la próxima.It was nice talking to you, until next time.
- De verdad, fue un gusto hablar contigo hoy.Truly, it was a pleasure talking to you today.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are leaving a coffee shop after catching up.
- DanielBueno, me tengo que ir. Fue un gusto hablar contigo.Well, I have to go. It was nice talking to you.
- MaríaIgualmente, Daniel. ¡Que tengas un buen día!Likewise, Daniel. Have a good day!
- DanielGracias, María. Nos vemos pronto.Thanks, María. See you soon.
- María¡Adiós!Bye!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contigo, gusto, hablar, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
