10 Must-Know Spanish Words for Kids Learning a New Language

Learning Spanish as a child can be a delightful adventure filled with new sounds, exciting words, and cultural discoveries. Spanish, being one of the most widely spoken languages globally, offers kids a linguistic superpower, opening doors to vibrant countries, friendships, and learning opportunities. If your child is just starting their Spanish journey, these ten essential words will set a solid foundation and make the learning process fun and engaging.

1. Hola (Hello)

“Hola” is often the first Spanish word children learn — and for good reason! It’s a friendly, universal greeting that breaks the ice in any conversation. Encourage kids to greet their family members, friends, and even toys with a cheerful “¡Hola!” to build confidence using Spanish from day one.

Fun activity:
Create a “Greeting Wall” at home with different ways to say hello in Spanish, like “¡Hola, amigo!” (Hello, friend!) or “¡Hola, abuela!” (Hello, grandma!).

2. Adiós (Goodbye)

Saying goodbye is just as important as saying hello. “Adiós” helps children practice basic social interactions and is commonly heard in songs, stories, and daily conversations.

Tip:
Use playful goodbyes, such as “¡Adiós, muñeca!” (Goodbye, doll!) or “¡Adiós, papá!” (Goodbye, dad!) to reinforce the word naturally.

3. Gracias (Thank You)

Teaching children to say “gracias” encourages kindness and good manners while practicing Spanish. Expressing gratitude is a universal social skill that transcends languages.

Practice idea:
Set up a “Thank You Jar” where kids can write or say what they’re thankful for each day — in Spanish, of course!

4. Por favor (Please)

Politeness goes hand-in-hand with learning new words. “Por favor” is essential for teaching children how to make requests kindly.

Interactive exercise:
Role-play simple scenarios like ordering food at a pretend café: “¿Me pasas el jugo, por favor?” (Can you pass me the juice, please?).

5. Sí / No (Yes / No)

Understanding affirmative and negative responses is crucial in any language. “Sí” (yes) and “no” (no) are simple yet powerful tools for communication.

Game suggestion:
Play a “Yes/No Game” where you ask fun questions like, “¿Te gustan los gatos?” (Do you like cats?). Kids respond with “Sí” or “No” while practicing correct pronunciation.

6. Amigo / Amiga (Friend)

Social connections motivate language learning. “Amigo” for boys and “amiga” for girls are words kids will love to use when talking about their friends.

Fun idea:
Have your child introduce their toys as friends: “Este es mi amigo el oso” (This is my friend the bear).

7. Jugar (To Play)

Play is a fundamental part of childhood, so the word “jugar” is a must-know. Spanish vocabulary becomes more memorable when linked to fun activities.

Tip:
Ask questions like, “¿Quieres jugar al fútbol?” (Do you want to play soccer?) during playtime.

8. Casa (House)

The home environment is perfect for learning Spanish words. “Casa” is an everyday term that can lead to more vocabulary about household objects.

Activity:
Create a “Spanish Treasure Hunt” at home: “¡Encuentra la puerta!” (Find the door!), “¡Busca el sofá!” (Find the sofa!).

9. Comida (Food)

Food words spark curiosity and interaction. “Comida” introduces kids to the delightful world of Spanish cuisine.

Learning game:
Cook a Spanish dish together and practice saying ingredients: “arroz” (rice), “pollo” (chicken), “pan” (bread).

10. Feliz (Happy)

Emotions are crucial for expressing feelings. “Feliz” teaches kids how to describe their happiness and recognize emotions in others.

Craft idea:
Make “Emotion Faces” with drawings of expressions and label them in Spanish: “feliz” (happy), “triste” (sad), “enojado” (angry).

The Power of Context and Fun in Language Learning

Kids grasp new words more easily when the words are woven into playful, familiar contexts. At One Third Stories, our Story Boxes use the Clockwork Methodology®, gradually introducing Spanish words through engaging stories that begin in English and transition seamlessly into Spanish. This method ensures kids understand the new vocabulary through context, making learning feel like a magical adventure.

How to Reinforce These Words Daily

1. Label household items: Stick labels on objects like “la mesa” (table) or “el espejo” (mirror).
2. Sing Spanish songs: Classics like Un Elefante Se Balanceaba teach numbers through catchy melodies.
3. Read bilingual books: Use storybooks that start in English and gradually introduce Spanish words — just like One Third Stories’ Spanish Story Boxes.

Why These Words Matter

These ten Spanish words lay the foundation for communication, curiosity, and cultural awareness. Simple greetings and everyday vocabulary make learning feel achievable and fun. As children become more familiar with these terms, they’ll naturally want to learn more — a beautiful testament to their growing confidence in their language abilities.