Whether you’re a big hit with the ladies (or the fellas) or you’re not the smoothest with your flirting style, everything changes when you try dating in another language.

It’s hard to keep your cool and use the same phrases when flirting in Spanish. But for some people, picking up a new language gives them the confidence they need to approach the person they’ve been eyeing from across the room.

No matter the situation you’re in, though, it’s always nice to know a few special words and phrases you can use to impress someone.

Here are ten tips to keep in mind when learning how to flirt in Spanish.

1. Start with What You Know

Don’t jump into the deep end when picking up Spanish. This goes for flirting, ordering food, and making casual conversation alike. You want to be sure of what you’re saying before you open your mouth and put your foot in it.

Learn the basics, then get into the more complex things you can say.

Examples:

“So, what’s your name?”

“Entonces, ¿cómo te llamas?

“You look nice today”

“Qué linda te ves hoy”

“I love your shoes”

“Me encantan tus zapatos”

“I love your style”

“Me encanta tu estilo”

“You smell nice”

“Qué bien hueles”

2. Practice with Friends

One of the best things you can always do is practice. This will help you build confidence as you’re beginning to learn Spanish and when you’re advanced.

Practicing your flirting in Spanish is almost like practicing in English. It’s all about shaking the nerves and feeling good about what you say. The more you “flirt” with the people you know and are comfortable with, the better your flirting will be when you really need it to shine.

Examples:

“I know you’re my friend, but I always loved your eyes”

“Sé que eres mi amiga, pero siempre me gustaron tus ojos”

“That Ex boyfriend of yours was a real jerk, you need a man like me in your life”

“Ese ex novio tuyo era un verdadero idiota, necesitas un hombre como yo en tu vida”

“What can I do to get out the friend zone?”

“¿Qué puedo hacer para salir de la zona de amigo?”

3. Understand That Not Everything Translates

It’s one thing to feel good about what you say and another to actually get all the words out right.

The flirty phrases you’re used to saying in English may not mean the same thing in Spanish. In fact, some things may do more harm than good for you.

Be sure that what you’re trying to say is what you really mean. The last thing you want is to get all the words out crystal clear and with a perfect accent only to say something that is a huge turn-off.

Example:

“Are you a typewriter? Because you’re my type”

¿Eres una máquina de escribir? Porque eres mi tipa”

A Spanish speaking person, especially one that doesn’t know any English probably won’t get it because the word for “To type” in Spanish is “Escribir a máquina“, or you can just shorten it to “escribir“, same as “to write“. “Teclear” can also work, but “escribir” might be the better choice.

And the word for “Typewriter” is, “máquina de escribir”.

4. Learn Fun Flirting Phrases in Spanish

Just as typical English phrases don’t always translate into Spanish, there are all kinds of unique sexy Spanish phrases. It’s better to learn these than to try to make something up on your own.

Learn the various things that people call men and women when they want to give a compliment or spark interest. Be mindful of what not to say, too.

Examples:

“You look great today sweetie”

“Te ves muy bella hoy cariño”

“I love your new look baby”

“Me encanta tu nuevo estilo nena”

“You want something to drink beautiful?”

“¿Quieres algo para tomar belleza?”

Note: Nowadays, you’ll hear Spanish speaking people say, “Look” as well when talking about a new look, they’ll say, “Nuevo look“.

5. Make Sure You Can Understand Flirty Responses

Keep in mind that it takes two to flirt. You should be able to understand all the flirty responses that come your way. More importantly, you need to know when someone is trying to tell you that they’re not interested.

This is another reason why practicing is so important. Anything can come up when you’re flirting with someone, and you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what the two of you are talking about. The last thing you want is to think a conversation is going one way only to realize something else entirely was happening.

Examples:

If a woman is not interested in a guy, she may say…

“No, give me your number instead”

“No, mejor dame tu número”

“You’re cute, but I am married”

“Eres bello, pero estoy casada”

“I am a very busy woman, I am always working”

“Soy una mujer muy ocupada, siempre estoy trabajando”

“I am sorry, but I have a boyfriend”

“Lo siento, pero tengo novio”

“I don’t look at you that way”

“No te veo así”

“You’re like my little brother”

“Eres como mi hermanito”

“I just got out of a really long relationship, so I need time for myself”

“Acabo de salir de una relación muy larga, así que necesito tiempo para mí mismo”

If she is interested she may say things like:

“What are you looking for in a woman?

“¿Qué buscas en una mujer?”

“What’s your ideal date?”

“¿Cuál es tu cita ideal?

“What did you think of me when you met me?”

“¿Qué pensaba de mí cuando me conociste?”

“We should go out one of these days”

“Podríamos quedar uno de estos días”

“You know how to cook?”

“¿Sabes cocinar?”

“One day, I wanna go to that new restaurant on 34th street, but nobody wanna go with me”

“Un día, quiero ir a ese nuevo restaurante en la calle 34, pero nadie quiere ir conmigo”

“My friends and I will be at the bar this afternoon, wanna come?”

“Mis amigas y yo estaremos en el bar esta tarde, ¿quieres ir?”

6. Work on Your Approach

Another way you can get better at flirting in Spanish is to work on your approach. This will help you be a better flirt no matter what language you’re speaking in.

The approach is the first thing that gets someone’s attention. It’s what they notice about you before you even open your mouth, so you definitely want to get it right.

Think about how subtle or how bold you’d like to be. Consider whether you want to start a conversation with two attractive people for you and your friend or if you’re trying to fly solo. These are small details that make a big difference as you’re striking up a conversation and seeing where it goes.

Examples:

“Hey, you look familiar, I think you went to my high school”

“Oye, me suena tu cara, creo que fuiste a mi escuela secundaria”

“Haven’t we met before?”

¿Nos hemos visto antes?

“I love that book you’re reading, especially chapter 2”

“Me encanta este libro que estás leyendo, sobre todo el capítulo dos”

“Excuse me miss, I am lost. Can you help me find this address?”

“Disculpe señorita, estoy perdido. ¿Me puedes ayudar a encontrar esta dirección?



“Isn’t your name Cinderella?

¿Tu nombre no es Cenicienta?

“I wanna dance with you”

“Quiero bailar contigo”

“Hi, I’ve been looking for you all day”

“Hola, te he estado buscando todo el día”

“I’m no photographer, but I can picture us together”

“No soy fotógrafo, pero puedo imaginarnos juntos”

“My name is Juan, but you can call me tonight”

“Me llamo Juan, pero puedes llamarme esta noche”

“Hey beautiful, you dropped something…”

“Oye linda, se te cayó algo…”

Looks on the ground….

“Nah, I am joking, I just wanted to get your attention”

“No, estoy bromeando, solo quería llamar tu atención”.

In Gritty Spanish Beginnings, there is an episode called, “Flirting on the train“, where this guy approaches a pretty lady, an English student, while riding NYC’s MTA.

Check out the very beginning of this episode and his bold approach. As you’ll hear, with this boldness he was able to get a positive response.

We like this guy because, he has the, “I don’t have sh*t to lose” mentality.

And this is the start of the PDF transcript of that same episode in English and Spanish! (click to make the image bigger)

The Downside Of Approaching the Wrong Woman…

As you’ve probably learned in Gritty Spanish: Parte II, it’s good to be brave, but you always gotta be aware of your surroundings. Maybe a really insecure and jealous boyfriend is lurking around watching his girlfriend’s every step.

Take a listen at an episode from Gritty Spanish Parte II called, “Trouble in the club“(Problemas en el club).

This clip is from around the middle of the scene… If you don’t want to hear/read foul language, then skip!

And this is the piece of the transcript in English and Spanish…

But remember, all this is part of the game, especially the guy from the scene in Gritty Spanish Parte II who wasn’t taking no for an answer.

After reading the article, be sure to listen to a free episode here!

But let’s forget about all the negativity and get back to the fun!

7. Don’t Be Shy to Ask for Clarification

As the conversation gets going, you may encounter a few speed bumps.

There will be certain phrases you just don’t understand or completely grasp the meaning of. Ask for clarification on these things.

There’s no shame in admitting when you don’t understand something or that you’re just beginning to advance in your Spanish.

In fact, someone might even find it kind of cute. It’s a good way to continue the conversation and to amp up your appeal.

Examples:

“How do you say ‘porno’ in Spanish”

“¿Cómo se dice ‘porno’ en español?

“I am always confused by this, is it vino rojo o vino tinto?

“Siempre me confunde por esto, ¿es vino rojo o vino tinto?

(Red Wine is Vino tinto by the way)

“I wanna learn some dirty words in Spanish, can you teach me some?

“Quiero aprender unas palabras malas en español, ¿me puedes enseñar algunas?”

“What’s the name of that song you’re singing?”

“¿Cómo se llama esa canción que estás cantando?

8. Learn About Spanish Culture Too

Here’s something else to think about: Spanish culture. Dating in Latin America, Central America, and Spain is not the same as American dating. Not to mention, each region/country has its own different spin on dating culture.

You want to know the way of life of a place before you try meeting someone there. Spanish dating is usually more romantic, and much more genuine. It’s real and honest and very deep.

Flirting will get you in the door, but it won’t always seal the deal. Make sure you understand this before you get yourself in too deep.

Example:

“I want to try the local food in your town”

“Quiero probar la comida típica en tu pueblo”



“So, you like bachata? Who is your favorite singer?

“Entonces, ¿te gusta la bachata? ¿Quién es tu cantante favorito?”

“Can you show me a museum in your town?”

“¿Me puedes mostrar un museo en tu pueblo?”

“Let go hangout somewhere away from the tourist parts”

“Vamos a salir algún parte lejos de las partes turísticas”

“I wanna learn more about you and your culture”

“Quiero aprender más de ti y tu cultura”

9. Have a Closer

There’s getting deep with a person and then there’s not even knowing how to accomplish this. You need to have a closer if you want to continue growing a spark with someone.

This is your go-to phrase to say at the end of a conversation or as the night ends.

You might choose to ask for the person’s phone number or when you can see them again. Or, you could go for a simple ask like a kiss or a more bold closer like going home together. It’s up to you, just make sure you know what you’re saying and where you want things to go.

Example:

“So, give me your number, we gonna continue this convo later”

“Entonces, dame tu número, vamos a continuar esta conversación más tarde”

“It was really nice chatting with you, soon we have to meet up for drinks”

“Fue realmente agradable charlar contigo, pronto tenemos que reunirnos para tragos”

“What time are you leaving the club?”

“¿A qué hora te vas del club?

“What you’re doing after the party?”

“¿Qué haces después de la fiesta?”

“So tell me… What time imma pick you up?”

“Entonces dime… ¿A qué hora te recojo?”

10. Be Yourself

No matter how much of a hit or miss your flirting attempt is, always be yourself.

This is the most important thing. You don’t want to work so hard to impress someone in Spanish if they’re getting to know a version of yourself that isn’t genuine. You want to show them the real you.

Have fun with the conversation. Tell jokes, be honest, and talk about the things you care about. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, chances are the reason is more that there isn’t a connection rather than your Spanish isn’t good.

Examples:

“My family is really important to me”

“Mi familia es muy importante para mí “

“I’d like to have 10 kids with you before I turn 50 years old”

“Me gustaría tener 10 niños contigo antes de cumplir 50 años”

“Baby, don’t stop! I don’t usually see beauty in motion”

“Mami, ¡no pares! Usualmente no veo la belleza en movimiento”

“Don’t hate for being beautiful..Hate me because your boyfriend thinks so”

“No me odies por ser bonito… Ódiame porque tu novio cree que lo piensa”

Make Flirting in Spanish Your Second Language

The art of flirting is a language of its own. When you try to flirt in a language you don’t even understand, you’re facing a big challenge.

But, the experience is fun, exciting, and sometimes, a total payoff!

The person of your dreams may be closer than you think, and you just need to learn Spanish to bridge the gap between you two.

To work on your basic Spanish skills and flirting style, click here.