Essential English & Spanish Language Exchange Topics for Beginners
Starting a language exchange can feel like a leap of faith. When you are a beginner, the biggest challenge isn’t just the grammar—it’s finding things to say that don’t require a PhD in linguistics.
Whether you are meeting on Zoom, Tandem, or at a local cafe, use these categorized prompts to keep the conversation flowing in both English and Spanish.
🧊 Icebreakers: The “First Five Minutes”
Language Exchange Topics for Beginners
These questions focus on the present tense and basic personal information. They are the building blocks of any new friendship.
| English Question | Spanish Translation |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| Where are you from? | ¿De dónde eres? |
| Where do you live? | ¿Dónde vives? |
| Why are you learning [Language]? | ¿Por qué estás aprendiendo [Idioma]? |
| How long have you been studying? | ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas estudiando? |
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🍕 Lifestyle & Favorites
Focusing on likes and dislikes is the easiest way for beginners to practice sentence structure without complex conjugations.
Food & Drink
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English: What is a traditional dish from your country?
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Spanish: ¿Cuál es un plato tradicional de tu país?
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English: Do you prefer sweet or salty snacks?
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Spanish: ¿Prefieres los bocadillos dulces o salados?
Hobbies & Fun
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English: What do you like to do on weekends?
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Spanish: ¿Qué te gusta hacer los fines de semana?
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English: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
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Spanish: ¿Cuál es tu película o serie favorita?
✈️ Travel & Culture
Beginners can practice using adjectives (big, beautiful, hot, cold) to describe places.
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Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
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¿Prefieres la playa o la montaña?
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Tell me about your hometown.
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Cuéntame sobre tu ciudad natal.
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What is the best time of year to visit your country?
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¿Cuál es la mejor época del año para visitar tu país?
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🛠️ Survival Phrases (The “Panic” Section)
When the conversation gets tough, use these phrases to stay in the target language instead of giving up.
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How do you say [word] in English/Spanish?
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¿Cómo se dice [palabra] en inglés/español?
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Can you repeat that, please?
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¿Puedes repetir eso, por favor?
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Can you speak more slowly?
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¿Puedes hablar más despacio?
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What does “[word]” mean?
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¿Qué significa “[palabra]”?
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💡 How to Have a Great Looking for things to talk about?
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The 50/50 Rule: Spend exactly half the time in English and half in Spanish. Use a timer!
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Accept Mistakes: Mistakes are proof that you are trying. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for communication.
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Write it Down: Keep a notebook nearby to jot down 3 new words from every session.
