Navigating the Boardroom: Essential Spanish Phrases for Business Meetings


When conducting business in Spanish-speaking countries, mastering a few key phrases can make all the difference. From polite greetings to effective discussions and clear closings, knowing the right words can foster strong relationships and ensure smooth communication. Here's a guide to essential Spanish phrases for your next business meeting.

Greetings and Introductions: Setting a Professional Tone

First impressions count, and starting with the right greeting is crucial.

  • Buenos días. (Good morning.) - Use until noon.

  • Buenas tardes. (Good afternoon.) - Use from noon until evening.

  • Buenas noches. (Good evening / Good night.) - Use in the evening, both as a greeting and a farewell.

  • ¿Cómo está usted? (How are you? - formal) - A polite way to inquire about someone's well-being.

  • Mucho gusto. (Nice to meet you.) - A common and friendly response after an introduction.

  • Encantado/Encantada. (Delighted/Pleased to meet you.) - Use "encantado" if you are male, "encantada" if you are female.

  • Es un placer conocerle. (It's a pleasure to meet you.) - A more formal and polite option.

  • Bienvenido/Bienvenida/Bienvenidos/Bienvenidas. (Welcome.) - Use to welcome attendees. Adjust the ending based on gender and number.

  • Me llamo [Your Name]. (My name is [Your Name].) - Standard introduction.

  • Trabajo en [Company Name]. (I work at [Company Name].) - Useful for providing context.

Starting the Meeting: Kicking Off the Discussion

Once introductions are made, it's time to get down to business.

  • ¿Podemos empezar? (Can we begin?) - A direct and polite way to start.

  • Vamos a comenzar la reunión. (Let's start the meeting.) - A clear call to action.

  • Gracias por su tiempo. (Thank you for your time.) - Acknowledges the attendees' commitment.

  • Hoy en la agenda tenemos... (Today on the agenda we have...) - To outline the meeting's topics.

  • El objetivo de esta reunión es... (The objective of this meeting is...) - To clearly state the meeting's purpose.

During the Discussion: Expressing Ideas and Engaging Participants

Effective participation is key to a productive meeting.

Making Points and Asking Questions:

  • En mi opinión,... (In my opinion,...) - To share your viewpoint.

  • Creo que... (I believe that...) - To express your thoughts.

  • ¿Qué opina usted? (What is your opinion? - formal) - To solicit input from others.

  • ¿Alguna pregunta? (Any questions?) - To encourage engagement.

  • ¿Podría explicar eso con más detalle? (Could you explain that in more detail?) - To seek clarification.

  • Me gustaría agregar algo. (I would like to add something.) - To interject with a new point.

  • Disculpe, ¿puedo interrumpir? (Excuse me, may I interrupt?) - A polite way to interject.

  • No comparto su opinión. (I don't share your opinion.) - A direct way to disagree politely.

Expressing Agreement and Disagreement:

  • Estoy de acuerdo. (I agree.) - A common and straightforward agreement.

  • Totalmente de acuerdo. (Totally agree.) - Strong agreement.

  • Tiene razón. (You are right.) - Acknowledging someone's valid point.

  • No estoy de acuerdo. (I don't agree.) - Direct disagreement.

  • No lo veo así. (I don't see it that way.) - A softer disagreement.

  • Estoy de acuerdo hasta cierto punto, pero... (I agree up to a certain point, but...) - Partial agreement with a reservation.

  • Respeto su opinión, sin embargo... (I respect your opinion, however...) - A polite way to express a differing view.

Closing the Meeting: Summarizing and Next Steps

Wrapping up the meeting effectively ensures clarity and follow-through.

  • Hemos finalizado. (We have finalized.) - To indicate a conclusion.

  • ¿Tenemos un acuerdo? (Do we have an agreement?) - To confirm consensus.

  • Los próximos pasos son... (The next steps are...) - To outline action items.

  • Le enviaré un correo electrónico con los detalles. (I will send you an email with the details.) - To promise follow-up information.

  • Gracias por su asistencia. (Thank you for your attendance.) - Expressing gratitude for their participation.

  • Que tenga un buen día. (Have a good day.) - A standard polite closing.

  • Hasta luego. (See you later.) - Common farewell.

  • Estamos en contacto. (We'll stay in touch.) - To maintain connection.

Key Business Etiquette Tips:

  • Formality is Key: When in doubt, use formal address ("usted") rather than informal ("tú") until invited to do otherwise.

  • Titles Matter: Use titles like "Señor" (Mr.), "Señora" (Mrs.), or professional titles (e.g., "Doctor") when addressing someone.

  • Patience: Decision-making can be slower than in some other cultures. Build relationships and be patient.

  • Small Talk: Meetings often begin with a bit of small talk to build rapport before diving into business.

  • Face-to-Face: While not always possible, in-person meetings are often preferred.

By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and etiquette tips, you'll be well-equipped to conduct professional and productive business meetings in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)