For many of us expats in Manzanillo, learning Spanish is a constant struggle with many ups and downs. It takes a lot of work and dedication. Myself and a few friends have been taking a conversational Spanish class from Tyson Scott in Las Brisas.  We appreciate having a fellow foreigner teach us with an understanding of the difficulties we run into while learning. The class has been dynamic, well paced, and informative with teaching that has been pleasantly meshed with interactive activities that train us to think and speak on the fly.

We are going to start a weekly edition of "Spanish Tip of the Week." It will roughly follow the progressive class we have been taking. It will range from the basic to the finer points of Spanish. One of the most frustrating things about learning Spanish is trying to distinguish Mexican Spanish from Spain's, and even then it varies from region to region in Mexico. These tips are put together with local language in mind.

We have found that the best way to learn these things and solidify them in your mind, is to practice! So try using each tip through out the week and you will be amazed at how much you retain.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we, or Tyson can try to address them.

First Tip- Greetings & Goodbyes

Buenos días- Good morning
Buenas tardes- Good afternon
Buenas noches- Good evening/ Good night (Can be used as hello or a goodbye)

Commonly used goodbyes-

Nos vemos- Similar to the English expression "See ya." (pronounced nos / bay-mos)
Hasta luego- until later
Adiós- This works but is more of a permanent goodbye. The first two are better choices for everyday use.
Cuidate- Take care. (pronounced kwi-da-tay)
¡Qué tenga buen día!- Have a good day (pronounced K / ten-ga / bwen / de-a)

Another one you might here pretty often here in Manzanillo is "que te vaya bien (pronounced k / tay / buy-a / be-in)" It is like saying "have a nice trip," or "have a good one."  This is said to the person leaving. For instance when getting out of a taxi, the driver might say this to you.  As the person leaving, there is no need to say it.

Finally, "con permiso" (pronounced con / pair-me-so) is a very polite way to say goodbye to people you didn't meet personally. You may see a local do this in a restaraunt as he leaves the table.  Con permiso, literally means, with your permission, so it is also a good phrase to use in place of the English "Excuse me."

Greetings and goodbyes are very important in the Mexican culture. Try using a few different ones this week. These are super easy! See you next week for Introductions. It is always good to pick up the local flavor of any language, especially when you are learning how to teach English overseas.

Related posts:

1. Manzanillo Spanish Tip #2- Introductions
2. Tips to Learning Spanish- Interview with Bob Mrotek
3. Manzanillo Spanish Tip #4- To Be Or Not To Be and Tener
4. Spanish Punctuation
5. Manzanillo Spanish Tip #3- Qué vs Cuál