Asking someone out is hard.

It could be a long-time friend you’ve had for the past few years or someone you’ve recently met. Just thinking about it has us tongue-tied. While asking for a date is already hard enough in English, what’s even harder is to do it in Spanish.

Here’s a quick guideline of what to do and what not to do, when you’re asking someone out in Spanish.

1. Give a warm welcome

Start with basic Spanish greetings by introducing yourself and asking them how they are.

a. Hola, como vas? – Hey, how’s it going?

b. Que haces? – What are you up to?

Then you can comment on their appearance. Often complimenting them on what they’re wearing can be a great option to go with.

a. Te ves muy linda hoy – You look very beautiful today

b. Te ves hermosa hoy – You look very pretty today

2. Going for the ask

Once you’ve both relaxed and established a natural conversation, you’ll eventually need to go for the ask.
Everyone has their style of doing this, but here are some sentences that can help.

a. Te gustaria ir a ver una pelicula alguna vez? – Would you like to go to see a movie sometime?

b. Te gustaria ir a tomar algo? – Would you like to go for a drink?

c. Te gustaria ir a cenar alguna vez? – Would you like to go to dinner sometime?

3. Wrapping up

Now it’s time for your exit. Once you’ve asked someone out, you probably don’t want to be lingering around for too long.
Get whatever information you need to get across, and say your goodbyes.

a. ¿Cuál es tu numero de teléfono? – What’s your phone number?

b. Bueno, nos vemos pronto – Great, we’ll see each other soon

c. Ciao! – Ciao!

Things not to say or avoid

When it comes to asking someone out, no matter what language, there are some big no-nos, such as old-fashioned pick-up lines.
In Spanish, here are things not to say:

Pick up lines

a. ¿Oye, te dolio? Cuando te caiste del cielo – Did it hurt? When you fell from heaven.

b. ¿Eres una camara? Porque cada vez que te miro sonrio –  Are you a camera? Because every time I look at you, I smile.

Boring, sensitive, and irrelevant topics

c. ¿Qué opinas de las nuevas politicas economicas? – What do you think of the new economic policies?

d. ¿Crees que Dios existe? – Do you think that God exists?
Get free Spanish classes by heading over to Rype or try unlimited private Spanish lessons in the comfort of your home.