expresiones de cortesía
/eɡspɾesjones de koɾtesia/from spelling rules
The English phrase "polite expressions" is translated into Spanish as expresiones de cortesía.
This phrase refers to words and phrases used to show good manners and respect toward other people. When practicing these polite expressions, it is important to use the formal pronoun usted instead of the informal tú when speaking to someone you do not know well.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, people may use the word vos instead of tú.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspɾesjones de koɾtesia/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the highest level of cortesía is so ingrained that children use the formal usted to address their own parents.
- Beyond manners, cortesía can describe a free item or service, such as a drink that is cortesía de la casa, meaning 'on the house'.
- The word cortesía shares a root with the English word 'court', specifically referring to the refined manners expected within a royal court.
Examples in context
- Buenos díasGood morning
- Buenas tardesGood afternoon
- Mi nombre es [Your Name]My name is [Your Name]
- Encantado/a de conocerlo/aPleased to meet you (masculine/feminine)
- ¿Podría usted ayudarme?Could you help me?
- ¿Sería tan amable de…?Would you be so kind to…?
- Le agradezco su ayudaI appreciate your help
- Estoy muy agradecido/aI am very grateful
- PerdónemeForgive me
- Lamento mucho lo ocurridoI am very sorry about what happened
- Le pido disculpasI apologize to you
- HolaHello
- ¿Qué tal?How are you?
- ¿Te importaría…?Would you mind…?
- Perdona/DisculpaI'm sorry (singular informal)
- Por favor, llegue temprano.Please arrive early.
- Siéntese aquí, por favor.Please sit here.
- ¿Podría decirme…?Could you tell me…?
- ¿Me podría ayudar…?Could you help me…?
- Es importante usar expresiones de cortesía.It is important to use polite expressions.
- Ella siempre utiliza expresiones de cortesía.She always uses polite expressions.
- Las expresiones de cortesía son necesarias aquí.Polite expressions are necessary here.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a student's progress in a language class.
- LucíaDaniel, él sabe muchas expresiones de cortesía.Daniel, he knows many polite expressions.
- DanielSí, su trato es muy respetuoso.Yes, his manner is very respectful.
- LucíaSus expresiones de cortesía son perfectas.His polite expressions are perfect.
- DanielEs un estudiante muy educado.He is a very polite student.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cortesía, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
