Spanish · Real conversations
Support and boundaries: useful Spanish phrases
Show care while being clear about your limits.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I'm sorry to hear that
siento mucho oír eso
I'm sorry to hear that
- Are you okay?
¿Estás bien?
Are you okay?
- I agree
estoy de acuerdo
I agree
- Don't worry
no te preocupes
Don't worry
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Spanish |
|---|---|
| I'm sorry to hear that | siento mucho oír eso I'm sorry to hear that |
| Are you okay? | ¿Estás bien? Are you okay? |
| I agree | estoy de acuerdo I agree |
| Don't worry | no te preocupes Don't worry |
| Would you like to talk about it? | ¿Te gustaría hablar de eso? Show English translationWould you like to talk about it? |
| I'd prefer not to discuss that. | Preferiría no hablar de eso. Show English translationI'd prefer not to discuss that. |
| I see what you mean, but ... | Entiendo lo que quieres decir, pero … Show English translationI see what you mean, but … |
| I don't feel comfortable with that. | No me siento cómodo / cómoda con eso. Show English translationI don't feel comfortable with that. |
| Let me think about it. | Déjame pensarlo. Show English translationLet me think about it. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
He tenido una semana difícil, pero no sé qué decir.
I've had a hard week, but I'm not sure what to say.
You
¿Te gustaría hablar de eso?
Would you like to talk about it?
Partner
Quizá después. ¿Puedo preguntarte por qué dejaste tu último trabajo?
Maybe later. Can I ask why you left your last job?
You
Preferiría no hablar de eso.
I'd prefer not to discuss that.
Support and boundaries in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
