Being polite is an important value across Spanish-speaking cultures. One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to teach kindness in Spanish is by learning the magic words: por favor and gracias.
These words are often called palabras mágicas when taught to children in Spanish. They are essential vocabulary for kids at any language level. In fact, they are so common and easy that they are perfect for beginners and often among the very first Spanish words children learn.
If you want your kids to sound polite, respectful, and confident in Spanish, these are the perfect words to start with.
When and How to Use “Por Favor”
Por favor means please.
It is used when asking for a favor, borrowing something, or making a request. It can be used in both questions and full sentences, which makes it very flexible.
Parents often use por favor when giving instructions to their children. Even when giving directions or setting boundaries, adding por favor keeps the request polite and kind.
It is also commonly used when ordering food at a restaurant, even if the order is phrased as a statement rather than a question. Kids especially love using por favor when they are begging for something they really want.
Here are some everyday examples your children can practice:
- Can you please pass me the green sauce?
- ¿Me puedes pasar la salsa verde, por favor?
- Can I borrow your blue sweater, please?
- ¿Me prestas tu suéter azul, por favor?
- It would be very kind of you if you could please help me with my homework.
- Sería muy amable de tu parte si pudieras por favor ayudarme con mi tarea.
- Please wash the dishes.
- Por favor lava los trastes.
- Tidy your room, please.
- Ordena tu cuarto, por favor.
- I would like cheese fingers, please.
- Yo voy a querer dedos de queso, por favor.
- Please buy me the new ballerina Barbie, please, please, please. I promise I will do all my homework.
- ¡Por favor cómprame la nueva Barbie bailarina, por favor, por favor, por favor! ¡Juro que haré toda mi tarea, porfis!
When and How to Use “Gracias”
Gracias means thank you.
This word is used whenever someone helps you, answers a question politely, or does something kind. It is also used when someone offers you something, whether you accept it or not.
Children should also learn to say gracias when receiving gifts, food, or help, and when someone shows them emotional support. It is even polite to say gracias when guests arrive at or leave an event you invited them to.
Here are some common examples:
- Thank you so much for helping me build my LEGO castle.
- Muchas gracias por ayudarme a construir mi castillo de LEGO.
- Oh, I understand now, thanks.
- Oh, ahora entiendo, gracias.
- Thank you, you look beautiful too.
- Gracias, tú también te ves bonita.
- I cannot eat peanuts, but thanks.
- No puedo comer cacahuates, pero gracias.
- Yes, thank you.
- Sí, gracias.
- Thanks for being here for me and hugging me.
- Gracias por estar aquí para mí y abrazarme.
- I loved my doll, grandma. Thank you.
- ¡Amé mi muñeca, abuelita, gracias!
- Thank you so much for coming to my dance recital.
- Muchas gracias por venir a mi recital de baile.
Songs to Learn the Magic Words in Spanish
At TruFluency Kids, we always recommend music as a powerful way for children to practice Spanish. Kids naturally learn through rhythm, repetition, and songs.
Think about how often music shows up in children’s lives:
- Lullabies
- Musical movies
- Educational songs
- Games with melodies
- Songs for learning the alphabet
A great song to practice por favor and gracias comes from a character loved by generations of children: Barney.
Just like there is a “please and thank you” song in English, Barney also has a Spanish version called “Las palabras mágicas”, sometimes referred to as “Palabras de poder.” It is catchy, memorable, and perfect for helping these words stick.
You can also find full Barney episodes in Spanish on YouTube that focus on las palabras mágicas. Watching shows in Spanish helps children learn vocabulary naturally while seeing when and how these words are used in real situations.
TruFluency Kids Guides Your Children Toward Spanish Fluency
By teaching your kids por favor and gracias, you are giving them the foundation of polite and confident Spanish communication. That is a big first step. If you want them to continue their Spanish learning journey, TruFluency Kids is here to help.
We offer online Spanish immersion classes with native teachers, where children learn in a fully Spanish environment. English is used only when absolutely necessary, which helps kids acquire Spanish naturally.
In every class, students learn through fun and engaging activities like:
Most importantly, children are encouraged to speak Spanish during every lesson so they build real fluency and confidence.
Ready to help your child speak Spanish with confidence and kindness? Sign up for our next four-week session today and start their immersion journey with TruFluency Kids.
They will thank you later. ¡Gracias por confiar en TruFluency Kids!
