With the arrival of Thanksgiving this November, we’re really getting into the holiday season. For kids who are studying Spanish, Thanksgiving means a break from classes. But it doesn’t have to be a break from Spanish language practice. From getting ready for Thanksgiving to relaxing with family after the big meal, your family can work some Spanish words and phrases into your celebration. Remember, every little bit of Spanish conversation practice helps your kids become fluent that much faster.

Spanish Phrases for Giving Thanks

First up, how do you say the word Thanksgiving in Spanish? It is Día de acción de gracias.

  • Happy Thanksgiving – feliz día de acción de gracias
  • I am grateful for… – Estoy agradecida por… (feminine) or Estoy agradecido por… (masculine)

Example sentences:

  • I am grateful for my family – Estoy agradecido por mi familia
  • I am grateful for my house – Estoy agradecido por mi casa

Who’s Coming to the Celebration?

  • Mother – Madre
  • Stepmother – Madrastra
  • Father – Padre
  • Stepfather – Padrastro
  • Brother – Hermano
  • Stepbrother – Hermanastro
  • Sister – Hermana
  • Stepsister – Hermanastra
  • Grandmother – Abuela
  • Grandfather – Abuelo
  • Aunt – Tía
  • Uncle – Tío
  • Cousin – Prima (feminine) or Primo (masculine)
  • Friend – Amiga (feminine) or Amigo (masculine)
  • Girlfriend – Novia
  • Boyfriend – Novio
  • Fiance – Prometido
  • Fiancee – Novia

Example sentences:

  • Grandma will be here soon – La abuela llega pronto
  • I invited my friend – Invité a mi amiga (feminine) or Invité a mi amigo (masculine)

Getting Ready for the Big Meal

  • Kitchen – Cocina
  • Refrigerator – Refrigerador
  • Oven – Horno
  • Bake – Hornear
  • Stir – Revolver
  • Bowl – Tazón
  • Silverware – Los cubiertos
  • Spoon – Cuchara
  • Knife – Cuchillo
  • Fork – Tenedor
  • Plates – Platos
  • Set the table – Poner la mesa

Example sentences:

  • I help in the kitchen – Ayudo en la cocina
  • Please look in the refrigerator – Por favor, mira en el refrigerador

Names of Thanksgiving Foods in Spanish

  • Turkey – Pavo
  • Ham – Jamón
  • Sweet potatoes – Papas dulces
  • Mashed potatoes – Puré de papas
  • Stuffing – Relleno
  • Green beans – Los ejotes
  • Gravy – La salsa
  • Cranberries – Arándanos
  • Salad – Ensalada
  • Pie – El pastel

Example sentences:

  • I like ham – Me gusta el jamón
  • The pie is ready – El pie está listo

Things to Say at the Table in Spanish

  • To say grace – Bendecir la mesa
  • Pass me the… –  Por favor pásame el… (masculine) or Por favor pásame la… (feminine)
  • Second helping – Segunda porción
  • Delicious – Delicioso
  • I’m full – Estoy lleno or No puedo comer más
  • Leftovers – Las sobras

Example sentences:

  • Please pass the gravy – Por favor pásame el gravy
  • Please take home some leftovers – Por favor, llévate las sobras

Things to Do After the Meal

  • Let’s watch football – Vamos a ver fútbol americano
  • Let’s play football – Vamos a jugar fútbol americano
  • Let’s take a walk – Vamos a pasear
  • I need a nap – Necesito una siesta

Use Spanish this Thanksgiving…and Every Day!

Ready for the next step in helping your child learn Spanish in a natural and conversation-based atmosphere? Join a small online LIVE session at TruFluency Kids Spanish today!