677+ Useful and Common Spanish Phrases For Teachers Working with Bilingual Students

Hey there, teachers! 🌟 If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a classroom with Spanish-speaking students and wished you could connect with them more easily, this guide is for you.

Communication is everything in teaching it builds trust, creates comfort, and helps every student feel included. Learning a few common Spanish phrases can make a huge difference in your classroom.

If you’re explaining instructions, offering praise, or simply greeting your students, using a bit of their language shows respect and effort.

Don’t worry or “Por favor, siéntate” can go a long way. Let’s explore some easy, practical Spanish phrases that teachers like you can start using right away to make your classroom more welcoming and conne

Why It Matters 💬

Understanding common Spanish phrases for teachers is more than a communication tool—it’s a bridge to inclusion. Many classrooms today are linguistically diverse. By using a few Spanish words, teachers show empathy and respect toward their students’ cultures.

For example, saying “Buen trabajo” (Good job) can instantly motivate a student who might otherwise feel left out. Likewise, phrases like “Escucha, por favor” (Listen, please) help manage the classroom effectively.

In short, learning a few Spanish expressions doesn’t just make teaching easier—it makes it more human. It helps teachers build stronger connections and create a safe space for every child to learn confidently.

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Greetings & Classroom Beginnings 🌞

Starting the day with a friendly greeting sets the tone for learning. These phrases help you connect with students right from the start.

Hola, buenos días

Meaning: Hello, good morning
Use When: Greeting students in the morning or beginning a class.
Example: “¡Buenos días, clase! ¿Cómo están hoy?”
(Good morning, class! How are you today?)

¿Cómo estás? / ¿Cómo están?

Meaning: How are you? (singular/plural)
Use When: Checking on a student or the whole class.
Example: “¿Cómo están hoy, chicos?”
(How are you today, kids?)

Siéntense, por favor

Meaning: Please sit down
Use When: Asking students to take their seats before starting.
Example: “Siéntense, por favor, y saquen sus cuadernos.”
(Please sit down and take out your notebooks.)

Vamos a empezar

Meaning: Let’s begin
Use When: Starting a new lesson or activity.
Example: “Vamos a empezar con la lectura.”
(Let’s begin with the reading.)

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Giving Instructions 🧑‍🏫

Teachers often give directions all day long. These common Spanish phrases for teachers will make your instructions clear and easy to follow.

Escucha, por favor

Meaning: Listen, please
Use When: You need attention from students.
Example: “Escucha, por favor, antes de empezar.”
(Listen, please, before we start.)

Repitan después de mí

Meaning: Repeat after me
Use When: Teaching new vocabulary or pronunciation.
Example: “Repitan después de mí: ‘Buenos días’.”
(Repeat after me: ‘Good morning’.)

Levanten la mano

Meaning: Raise your hand
Use When: Encouraging participation or maintaining order.
Example: “Levanten la mano si saben la respuesta.”
(Raise your hand if you know the answer.)

Abran sus libros

Meaning: Open your books
Use When: Starting a reading activity or lesson.
Example: “Abran sus libros en la página veinte.”
(Open your books to page twenty.)

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Encouragement & Praise 🌟

Positive reinforcement is powerful! These Spanish phrases help you motivate and celebrate student efforts.

¡Buen trabajo!

Meaning: Good job!
Use When: Praising effort or achievement.
Example: “¡Buen trabajo con tu presentación, María!”
(Good job with your presentation, María!)

Excelente esfuerzo

Meaning: Excellent effort
Use When: Encouraging improvement or hard work.
Example: “Excelente esfuerzo en tu escritura, sigue así.”
(Excellent effort in your writing, keep it up.)

Estoy orgulloso/a de ti

Meaning: I’m proud of you
Use When: Building confidence and self-esteem.
Example: “Estoy muy orgullosa de ti por tu progreso.”
(I’m very proud of you for your progress.)

Sigue intentando

Meaning: Keep trying
Use When: Motivating students who struggle.
Example: “Sigue intentando, lo harás mejor la próxima vez.”
(Keep trying, you’ll do better next time.)

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Classroom Management 🚸

Every teacher needs to manage behavior. These phrases help maintain structure and discipline respectfully.

Silencio, por favor

Meaning: Silence, please
Use When: Asking for quiet during lessons.
Example: “Silencio, por favor, estamos leyendo.”
(Silence, please, we are reading.)

Presta atención

Meaning: Pay attention
Use When: Refocusing distracted students.
Example: “Presta atención a la pizarra.”
(Pay attention to the board.)

No hablen todos a la vez

Meaning: Don’t talk all at once
Use When: Managing group discussions.
Example: “No hablen todos a la vez, uno por uno.”
(Don’t all talk at once, one by one.)

Siéntate correctamente

Meaning: Sit properly
Use When: Encouraging appropriate posture or behavior.
Example: “Siéntate correctamente y escucha.”
(Sit properly and listen.)

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Classroom Objects & Daily Tools 🧾

Knowing the names of common items helps teachers and students interact more naturally.

El libro – The book

Use When: Referring to reading materials.
Example: “Por favor, trae tu libro de matemáticas.”

El lápiz / La pluma – Pencil / Pen

Use When: Checking if students are ready to write.
Example: “Tomen sus lápices y escriban su nombre.”
(Take your pencils and write your name.)

La pizarra – The board

Use When: Giving visual instructions.
Example: “Miren la pizarra para ver el ejemplo.”
(Look at the board to see the example.)

El cuaderno – Notebook

Use When: Starting note-taking activities.
Example: “Abran sus cuadernos, vamos a escribir.”

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Helping and Supporting Students ❤️

Some students might need extra help. These common Spanish phrases for teachers show understanding and care.

¿Necesitas ayuda?

Meaning: Do you need help?
Use When: Offering assistance.
Example: “¿Necesitas ayuda con el ejercicio?”

Está bien cometer errores

Meaning: It’s okay to make mistakes
Use When: Encouraging risk-taking in learning.
Example: “Está bien cometer errores, así aprendemos.”

No te preocupes

Meaning: Don’t worry
Use When: Comforting a student who feels anxious.
Example: “No te preocupes, lo entenderás pronto.”

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End of Class & Goodbye 👋

Finish the day with warmth and consistency. Students remember how you make them feel.

Buen trabajo hoy

Meaning: Good work today
Use When: Closing class positively.
Example: “Buen trabajo hoy, nos vemos mañana.”

Nos vemos mañana

Meaning: See you tomorrow
Use When: Dismissing class at the end of the day.
Example: “Nos vemos mañana, clase.”

Adiós / Hasta luego

Meaning: Goodbye / See you later
Use When: General farewell phrases.
Example: “Adiós, chicos, hasta luego.”

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Bonus Recap Table 🧠

Category	Phrase (Spanish)	Meaning	Use Example
Greetings	¡Buenos días!	Good morning	¡Buenos días, clase!
Instructions	Escucha, por favor	Listen, please	Escucha antes de empezar
Praise	¡Buen trabajo!	Good job!	¡Buen trabajo, María!
Discipline	Silencio, por favor	Silence, please	Silencio, estamos leyendo
Support	¿Necesitas ayuda?	Need help?	¿Necesitas ayuda con eso?
Goodbye	Nos vemos mañana	See you tomorrow	Nos vemos mañana, clase

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Final Thoughts 🪶

Learning these common Spanish phrases for teachers can completely transform your classroom experience. They help you connect with students, reduce confusion, and build trust all while showing cultural appreciation.

Start small. Choose phrases and use them daily. Over time, you’ll feel more confident, and your students will feel more seen and supported. Remember, language is connection and a few words in Spanish can open many hearts.

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