Top 10 Spanish Classroom Phrases Every Beginner Should Know

By Jairo Pérez

Reading time: 0 minute

November 03, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. “Puedo ir al baño?” – “Can I go to the bathroom?”

2. “Cómo se dice…?” – “How do you say…?”

3. “No entiendo.” – “I don't understand.”

4. “Repita, por favor.” – “Please repeat.”

5. “Puede hablar más despacio?” – “Can you speak slower?”

6. “Qué significa…?” – “What does … mean?”

7. “Tengo una pregunta.” – “I have a question.”

8. “Necesito ayuda.” – “I need help.”

9. “Gracias.” – “Thank you.”

10. “Lo siento.” – “I’m sorry.”

Using More Classroom Spanish Vocabulary

How to Practice These Classroom Phrases

Why These Phrases Matter

Real-Life Examples

Blending Phrases into Real Class Life

Tips to Keep Improving

Conclusion

Introduction

Learning Spanish in class is exciting, but it can be scary too. Knowing key Spanish phrases for the classroom can boost your confidence. This guide includes useful vocabulary, covering teacher-student phrases and in-class expressions. With these words, you’ll feel more engaged and ready to learn.

1. “¿Puedo ir al baño?” – “Can I go to the bathroom?”

One of the most important Spanish classroom commands you’ll ever need is this polite permission request. Break it into smaller parts; Puedo (can I), ir (go), al baño (to the bathroom). Practicing this phrase regularly helps you use it smoothly when needed. Teachers appreciate the respect when students ask politely.

2. “¿Cómo se dice…?” – “How do you say…?”

Use this basic greetings Spanish classroom expression to ask for new words. This phrase boosts your Spanish vocabulary by helping you fill in the gaps on the spot. You can say, “¿Cómo se dice ‘pencil’ en español?” and learn the word lápiz right away. It's a powerful tool for expanding your vocabulary.

3. “No entiendo.” – “I don't understand.”

If something is confusing, don’t hesitate, use this Spanish phrase for new language learners. It's honest and direct, showing you're trying to learn. Teachers will slow down and explain when they hear this. Using in-class Spanish expressions like this helps you get back on track.

4. “Repita, por favor.” – “Please repeat.”

This Spanish classroom command politely asks your teacher to say something again. You can use it in tests, discussions, or lectures. It’s a valuable useful Spanish phrase for classroom settings, giving you a second chance to understand. You can say it confidently and clearly.

5. “¿Puede hablar más despacio?” – “Can you speak slower?”

When your teacher or classmates speak too fast, use this common Spanish phrase for class. It shows that you care about understanding. With practice, you’ll be able to hear and follow lessons better, making learning easier.

6. “¿Qué significa…?” – “What does … mean?”

Here’s a great Spanish classroom phrase that helps you learn the meaning of new words. Maybe you hear biblioteca but don’t know it means “library.” You can ask, “Qué significa biblioteca?” This phrase will help you quickly gain new vocabulary and increased comprehension.

7. “Tengo una pregunta.” – “I have a question.”

This simple Spanish teacher–student phrase signals that you want to speak up in class. When you say it, teachers invite you to ask your question. This builds your confidence and shows the class that you're engaged and focused on learning.

8. “Necesito ayuda.” – “I need help.”

Whenever you feel stuck on homework, homework instructions, or grammar use this Spanish classroom command. Saying “Necesito ayuda” is brave, polite, and shows that you're dedicated to learning. It also inspires teachers to support you when you need it.

9. “Gracias.” – “Thank you.”

Showing gratitude using this Spanish school phrase is important in class. When your teacher explains something clearly or someone helps you, always say “Gracias.” It’s a small word that means a lot and builds positive relationships with classmates and teachers.

10. “Lo siento.” – “I’m sorry.”

Mistakes happen if you interrupt someone or make an error, this basic Spanish classroom expression helps fix the situation. “Lo siento” shows you respect others and are willing to learn from your mistakes. Every learner makes errors; this phrase helps you bounce back and stay confident.

Using More Classroom Spanish Vocabulary

Beyond these ten basics, here are other useful Spanish classroom phrases you’ll hear often:

“Silencio, por favor.” – Silence, please.
“Levanten la mano.” – Raise your hand.
“Miren la pizarra.” – Look at the board.
“Abrir los libros.” – Open the books.
“Cierren los libros.” – Close the books.
“Escriban en sus cuadernos.” – Write in your notebooks.
“Escuchen con atención.” – Listen carefully.
“Repasen la tarea.” – Review the homework.
“Lean en voz alta.” – Read aloud.
“Trabajen en parejas.” – Work in pairs.
“Hagan la tarea.” – Do the homework.

Using these Spanish classroom expressions will help you follow along and take part with confidence.

How to Practice These Classroom Phrases

Role-play at Home

Pretend you’re in a class: one friend plays teacher, another plays student. Use the Spanish classroom commands so it feels normal to say them.

Flashcards or Charts

Write the phrase in Spanish on one side and its meaning on the other. Practice them during week and try one new phrase daily.

Write Sentences with Each Phrase

Example: “Tengo una pregunta sobre la tarea de matemáticas.” Writing shows your real-world usage.

Use Phrases in Class

The moment you don’t understand, say “No entiendo.” Need help? “Necesito ayuda.” After class? Say, “Gracias.”

Listen and Repeat

Use YouTube or classroom recordings. Try hearing a phrase and repeating it. This improves pronunciation and comfort.

Group Practice

Create a group with classmates. Take turns teaching each other phrases and testing one another in mini-quizzes.

Why These Phrases Matter

They Build Confidence

Using useful Spanish phrases for classroom conversations makes you feel involved, heard, and ready to learn.

They Help You Learn Faster

These classroom Spanish vocabulary guide you through instructions so you don’t miss anything important.

They Create Good Habits

When you consistently use phrases like “No entiendo” or “Repita, por favor,” it trains your brain to keep learning, asking for help, and growing.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1

Scenario: In math class, teacher explains a tricky equation too quickly.

You say: “¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?”

Teacher slows down, you understand, and learning is easier.

Example 2

Scenario: During reading time, you don't know a word.

You say: “¿Cómo se dice ‘classroom’ en español?”

Your classmate responds: “Se dice ‘aula’.”

Now you’ve learned a new word and improved your vocabulary.

Blending Phrases into Real Class Life

Bring your favorite ten phrases to class. Post them on your notebook or phone. Try using one phrase a day by week four, you’ll know them all by heart. This method helps you become comfortable with the phrases and confident using them under pressure.

Strengthening Your Skills Beyond the Classroom

Once you've learned these essential Spanish phrases, you can expand your skills with:

Classroom rewards: Say “Gracias” after help, and watch your relationships grow.
Language exchanges: Trade learning with a Spanish-speaking friend; try your everyday phrases with them.
Homework dialogues: Write short scripts using these phrases. One person plays teacher, the other student.
Apps and videos: Watch an educational YouTube channel for Spanish learners. Pause and see if you can say the phrases as they appear.

Tips to Keep Improving

Daily review: Just a few minutes a day helps.
Listen & Zoom: Pay attention when teachers or videos use phrases.
Correct mistakes: If you mess up, try again. Every attempt builds confidence.
Speak in class daily: Make class your practice ground.

Conclusion

Learning phrases like “Puedo ir al baño?” and “No entiendo” helps you join discussions. You can ask questions and follow instructions more easily. These words do more than just help; they boost your confidence and show respect.

Use them in class, with friends, or even while role-playing at home. As you practice, your confidence and fluency will increase. So, keep practicing and keep speaking.

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.