Spanish for work: phrases for healthcare, construction and customer service
The short, respectful phrases that make a real difference on the job — with the situations where you'll use them.
Many of our students don't learn Spanish for travel. They learn it for Monday morning — to talk with a patient, a crew or a customer who feels more at home in Spanish.
You don't need to be fluent to make a difference. A few clear, respectful phrases change the conversation from the first minute.
Start with respect
In a work setting, use usted — the formal "you" — until the other person invites you to use tú. It signals respect, and nobody will ever be offended by it.
Buenos días. ¿En qué le puedo ayudar?Good morning. How can I help you?
Disculpe, ¿puede repetir, por favor? Hablo un poco de español.Excuse me, can you repeat, please? I speak a little Spanish.
Healthcare
Patients remember the nurse or doctor who spoke to them in their language — even with a simple sentence. Keep it short, calm and clear.
¿Dónde le duele? ¿Desde cuándo?Where does it hurt? Since when?
Respire profundo. Muy bien. Ya casi terminamos.Take a deep breath. Very good. We're almost done.
¿Es alérgico a algún medicamento?Are you allergic to any medication?
For medical decisions, always use a certified interpreter. Your Spanish is for trust and comfort — not for consent forms.
Construction
On a job site, clear instructions are about safety first. Short commands and numbers are your best tools.
Cuidado. Póngase el casco, por favor.Careful. Put on your helmet, please.
Necesitamos terminar esto antes de las tres.We need to finish this before three.
¿Tiene alguna pregunta? Avíseme si necesita algo.Do you have any questions? Let me know if you need anything.
Customer service
Whether it's a store, a bank or a phone line, the goal is the same: make the customer feel understood.
Con mucho gusto. Un momento, por favor.My pleasure. One moment, please.
Lo siento mucho. Vamos a resolverlo.I'm very sorry. We're going to solve it.
¿Me permite su nombre y su número de teléfono?May I have your name and phone number?
How we practice it
In class we turn these into short role-plays: the patient and the nurse, the supervisor and the crew, the customer and the cashier. You say the sentences out loud until they come out naturally — under pressure, that's what counts.
Un poco de español en el trabajo abre muchas puertas.A little Spanish at work opens many doors.
Want a group for your team? We also organize classes for companies and organizations.
