cortés
cortés means polite in a considerate, socially aware way. It is ideal for keeping conversations respectful during disagreement.
Common Phrases
- ser cortés — to be polite
- una respuesta cortés — a polite reply
- un trato cortés — polite treatment
Example
Intento ser cortés en una conversación difícil.
I try to be polite in a difficult conversation.
Common Mistake
Forgetting the accent: write cortés, not cortes.
el detalle
el detalle is a detail, meaning a specific small piece of information. It can also suggest a small thoughtful touch in social situations.
Common Phrases
- un pequeño detalle — a small detail
- cuidar el detalle — to mind the detail
- tener un detalle — to do something thoughtful
Example
Ese detalle cambia la impresión.
That detail changes the impression.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong gender: el detalle, not la detalle.
el perdón
el perdón means forgiveness, either something you give or something you ask for. It is central to repairing a social moment after a mistake.
Common Phrases
- pedir perdón — to ask forgiveness
- dar perdón — to forgive
- aceptar el perdón — to accept forgiveness
Example
El perdón ayuda a seguir adelante.
Forgiveness helps you move forward.
Common Mistake
Dropping the accent: perdón is standard, not perdon.
el gesto
el gesto is a gesture, often a small action that communicates respect, interest, or emotion. In etiquette, it can speak louder than words.
Common Phrases
- hacer un gesto — to make a gesture
- un gesto amable — a kind gesture
- un gesto de respeto — a gesture of respect
Example
Un gesto amable reduce la tensión.
A kind gesture reduces tension.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong article: el gesto, not la gesto.
el favor
el favor is a favor, meaning a helpful act you do for someone. It also connects to the politeness marker por favor.
Common Phrases
- por favor — please
- hacer un favor — to do a favor
- devolver el favor — to return the favor
Example
Gracias por el favor.
Thanks for the favor.
Common Mistake
Mixing the expression and the noun: say por favor (please), not un por favor.
la pausa
la pausa is a pause, meaning a short break in speaking, writing, or action. In polite conversation, it can prevent impulsive replies.
Common Phrases
- hacer una pausa — to take a pause
- una pausa breve — a brief pause
- una pausa incómoda — an awkward pause
Example
Una pausa breve evita malentendidos.
A brief pause avoids misunderstandings.
Common Mistake
Wrong gender: la pausa, not el pausa.
el saludo
el saludo is a greeting, from a quick hello to a polite opening line. It sets the social temperature of a conversation.
Common Phrases
- dar un saludo — to give a greeting
- un saludo cordial — a cordial greeting
- mandar saludos — to send regards
Example
Un saludo cordial abre la charla.
A cordial greeting opens the chat.
Common Mistake
Confusing it with a similar word: saludo (greeting) is not salud (health).
el tono
el tono is tone, meaning the attitude your words communicate. Managing el tono is key to sounding polite and calm.
Common Phrases
- un tono amable — a friendly tone
- cambiar el tono — to change the tone
- tono de voz — tone of voice
Example
Tu tono puede sonar brusco en un mensaje.
Your tone can sound harsh in a message.
Common Mistake
Over-literal phrasing: everyday Spanish often prefers tono de voz over tono de la voz.