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100+ Spanish Transition Words and Phrases to Sound Like a Native Speaker

Below you will find over 100 Spanish transition words and phrases to help you sound more natural both in your writing and speaking. Transitional devices or connetors as they’re also called, help connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly so there are no abrupt breaks between thoughts. Brief explanations and example sentences are included.

Spanish Transition Words Related to Time

1. después (de) – after, afterward

“Después (de)” can be used to connect two events expressing that something occurs after something else.

Fui a ver una película con Tom después de clases.
(I went to see a movie with Tom after school.)

Mi padre salió a correr después de la cena.
(My father went for a run after dinner.)

2. ya – already

“Ya” can be used for expressing that something has already occurred or has occurred in the past.

Cuando llegué, él ya se había ido.
(When I arrived, he had already left.)

Ya me he disculpado.
(I already apologized.)

3. siempre – always

For describing something that happens always or at any moment, use siempre.

Yo siempre desayuno a las 7 am.
(I always eat breakfast at 7 am.)

Siempre está bromeando.
(He is always joking.)

4. en cuanto – as soon as, when, once

The phrase “en cuanto” can mean when or “as soon as”. It can also mean “while”.

En cuanto ellos vuelvan, te llamo.
(As soon as they return, I will call you.)

La reconocí en cuanto la vi.
(I recognized her as soon as I saw her.)

En cuanto haga la tarea, voy a leer.
(Once I do my homework, I’m going to read.)

5. tan pronto como – as soon as

“Tan pronto como” means “as soon as” or “immediately after” much like the phrase “en cuanto”.

Hazlo tan pronto como puedas.
(Do it as soon as you can.)

Él comerá tan pronto como llegue a casa.
(He’ll eat as soon as he gets home.)

6. al principio – at first, at the beginning

“Al principio” means “initially”, or “at the start of something.” This phrase is commonly used at the beginning of a sentence.

Al principio no le gustaba.
(She didn’t like him at first.)

Al principio puede ser confuso.
(It can be confusing at first.)

Al principio será duro, pero todo es duro al principio.
(At the beginning it will be tough, but everything is tough at the beginning.)

7. por fin – at last, finally

For describing something that occurs after a long wait or expressing the end of a long-awaited situation with emphasis, use “por fin”.

¡Por fin! Por fin conseguí trabajo.
(I finally got a job.)

El héroe por fin derrotó al científico malvado.
(The hero finally defeated the evil scientist.)

8. al mismo tiempo – at the same time, simultaneously

For describing events that occur at the same time, “al mismo tiempo” can be used.

Llegamos al mismo tiempo.
(We arrived at the same time.)

Al mismo tiempo, él empezó a correr.
(At the same time, he began to run.)

9. a la misma vez – at the same time, simultaneously

Like “al mismo tiempo”, “a la misma vez” can be used to describe two things happening at the same time.

Mi hija estudia y ve la tele a la vez.
(My daughter studies and watches TV at the same time.)

10. inmediatamente – at once, immediately, right away

“Inmediatamente” is an adverb, and it can be used to express that something happens without any interruptions.

Cuando leí la noticia, te llamé inmediatamente.
(When I read the news, I called you immediately.)

11. antes de (que) – before

Don’t forget to use the Spanish present subjunctive after the phrase “antes de que”. This phrase means “before”.

Habla con tu padre antes de que se vaya.
(Talk to your father before he leaves.)

12. brevemente – briefly

“Brevemente” is an adverb that can be used to express that something is done shortly.

Quiero hablar brevemente acerca de las ideas que queremos proponer.
(I would like to briefly talk about the ideas that we want to propose.)

13. antes de ayer, antier – the day before yesterday

This adverb also expresses time, and it can appear at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.

Mis amigos y yo estuvimos aquí antes de ayer.
(My friends and I were here the day before yesterday.)

14. durante – during

The word “during” is a Spanish preposition, and it denotes simultaneity.

Ellos escucharon la radio durante el viaje.
(They listened to the radio during the trip.)

15. eventualmente – eventually

For expressing an action that occurs occasionally, use the Spanish adverb “eventualmente”.

Es probable que se produzcan cambios eventualmente en el sistema.
(It is likely that changes occur eventually in the system.)

16. primero – firstly

The word “primero” is both, an adverb and an adjective. To use it as a Spanish transition word use it to describe an action that occurs firstly.

Primero nos bajamos del carro y luego entramos al edificio.
(First, we will get off the car and then we will enter the building.)

17. primero que nada – first of all

Just as the word “primero”, the phrase “primero que nada” also means “firstly”, or “first of all”.

Primero que nada, terminemos el proyecto. Luego podremos descansar.
(First of all, let’s finish the project. Then we can rest.)

18. frecuentemente – frequently, often

For expressing actions that occur regularly, use the Spanish adverb “frecuentemente”.

Mis hermanos y yo visitamos a nuestro abuelos frecuentemente.
(My siblings and I visit our grandparents frequently.)

19. al rato – in a little while, shortly after

“Al rato” is a phrase that expresses time, and it can be used to express that something happened soon after something else.

Vino Karen y me trajo el libro al rato de haberse ido.
(Karen came and brought me the book shortly after she left.)

20. en primer lugar – in the first place

“En primer lugar” and “primero” are very similar. They both mean “first” or “firstly”. “En primer lugar” though is more formal than “primero”.

En primer lugar, vamos a hablar de los problemas de esta ciudad.
(Firstly, we will talk about the problems of this city.)

21. mientras tanto – in the meantime, meanwhile, until then

“Mientras tanto” is a Spanish adverbial phrase that can be used to express that an activity happens at the same time a different activity is taking place.

Yo estoy trabajando; mientras tanto, tú estás haciendo nada.
(I am working. Meanwhile, you are doing nothing.)

22. en el pasado – in the past

This phrase simply means “before”. You can use it at the beginning or at the end of sentences.

Esta ciudad era más tranquila en el pasado.
(This city was quieter in the past.)

23. en segundo  lugar  – in the second place, secondly

This phrase is usually used to introduce a second idea.

En primer lugar, hablaré de mi libro y, en segundo lugar, contestaré sus preguntas.
(First, I will talk about my book, and, secondly, I will answer your questions.)

24. anoche – last night, yesterday evening

You can use this Spanish adverb at the end or at the beginning of sentences.

Anoche publiqué una nueva entrada en mi blog.
(Last night I published a new entry on my blog.)

25. por último – lastly, finally, last but not least

This phrase can be used to express that something was done in the end or to introduce one last idea.

Por último, los estudiantes dieron las gracias a su profesor.
(Finally, the students thanked their tutor.)

26. la mayor parte del tiempo – most of the time, mostly

This adverbial phrase can be used at the end or beginning of sentences, and it means “mostly”.

José es de Guatemala, pero vivió en México la mayor parte del tiempo.
(José is from Guatemala, but he mostly lived in Mexico.)

27. luego – next, close (Mexico), soon (Latin America)

In general, the word “luego” means “next” or “then”. However, in Mexico, it means “close”, and in Latin America, it means “soon”.

Me levanté y luego me duché.
(I woke up and then I took a shower.)

La casa de mis padres está acá luego.
(My parent’s house is very close.)

Espérame un momento que luego estoy contigo.
(Wait for me! I will soon be with you.)

28. al otro día – (the) next day

This phrase means “the other day” or “next morning/day”.

Quedamos en vernos al otro día.
(We made plans to meet the other day.)

29. por la mañana – in the morning

For expressing that something was done in the morning, use the Spanish phrase “por la mañana”.

El sol se pone temprano por la mañana.
(The sun rises early in the morning.)

30. nunca – never, ever (after not)

Use the adverb “nunca” before the main verb of a sentence.

Nunca he cantado en frente de otras personas.
(I have never sung in front of other people.)

31. ahora – now, in a minute, currently

The word “ahora” has more than one meaning. It can mean “now” or “soon”.

Ahora es mi turno.
(Now it is my turn.)

Ahora regreso.
(I’ll be back in a minute.)

32. muchas veces – often, many times

Native Spanish speakers usually use this phrase at the end of sentences.

He estado en España muchas veces.
(I have been in Spain many times.)

33. el siguiente año – the following year

You can also say “el siguiente día” (the following day), “el siguiente mes” (the following month), or “la siguiente semana” (the following week).

Me mudaré de casa el siguiente año.
(I will move out the following year.)

34. raramente – rarely, seldom

For expressing an action that occurs rarely, use the Spanish adverb “raramente”.

Yo raramente me enfermo.
(I rarely get sick.)

35. desde entonces – since then, ever since

For expressing that an action started to take place since a specific point in time, use “desde entonces”.

Ella dejó de comer lácteos y se ha sentido mejor desde entonces.
(She stopped eating dairy and has felt better since then.)

36. algunas veces – sometimes, a few times, occasionally

This adverb expresses frequency. It means that something happens at times.

Normalmente camino a la escuela, pero algunas veces tomo el bus.
(I usually walk to school, but sometimes I take the bus.)

37. pronto – soon, fast, quickly, early (Spain)

“Pronto” means “soon”, but in Spain, it means “early”.

Tenemos que terminar el reporte pronto.
(We need to finish the report soon.)

Es muy pronto para desayunar.
(It is too early to have breakfast.)

38. de repente – suddenly, all of a sudden, maybe (South America)

The phrase “de repente” has a different meaning. It means “suddenly”. In South America, it means “maybe” and “probably”.

De repente escuchamos un gran ruido.
(Suddenly, we heard a big noise.)

De repente se le olvidó la clase.
(He probably forgot the lesson.)

39. entonces – then

The word “entonces” has different meanings. It means “at that time” or “then”. It is also used to express a conclusion.

Si te gustan las fresas, entonces te gustará este postre.
(If you like strawberries, then you’ll like this dessert.)

Se casarán el otro mes y entonces se irán a vivir a Costa Rica.
They will get married next month, and then they will move to Costa Rica.

40. mientras tanto – in the meantime, meanwhile, until then

“Mientras tanto” is a Spanish adverbial phrase that can be used to express that an activity happens at the same time a different activity is taking place.

Yo estoy trabajando; mientras tanto, tú estás haciendo nada.
(I am working. Meanwhile, you are doing nothing.)

41. para continuar – to continue

If you use a verb after this phrase, make sure to add -ando or -iendo to it. Use Spanish present participles after the verb “continuar”.

Apagué la alarma para continuar durmiendo.
(I turned off the alarm to continue sleeping.)

42. cuando – when, if

“Cuando” can be used as an adverb and conjunction. It means “when” and can be used in conditional sentences.

Cuando sea grande, seré un policía.
(I will be a police officer when I grow up.)

43. tercero – third

This word can be used to introduce a third idea.

Primero, debes ser responsable. Segundo, debes trabajar duro. Tercero, debes ser puntual.
(First, you need to be responsible. Second, you need to work hard. Third, you need to be punctual.)

44. ayer – yesterday

Use the adverb “ayer” to express that something happened yesterday.

El accidente ocurrió ayer.
(The accident happened yesterday.)


Spanish Transition Words Related to Place

45. encima de – at the top of

For expressing that something is in one place superior to another one, use the Spanish prepositional phrase “encima de”.

Pon la taza encima de la mesa.
(Put the cup on the table.)

46. en medio de – midst, in the middle of

For expressing that something is in the middle of something or between two things, use the Spanish prepositional phrase “en medio de”.

¡Ten cuidado! Hay una animal en medio de la calle.
(Be careful! There is an animal in the middle of the street.)

47. alrededor de – around, about

“Alrededor de” expresses time and place. When it expresses time, it approximately indicates a number. When it indicates a place, it means “around”.

Los niños corren alrededor de la silla.
(Children run around the chair.)

Son alrededor de las 5 de la tarde.
(It’s about 5 in the afternoon.)

48. abajo – below, down

This Spanish adverb indicates that something is in a place that is in a lower position than something else.

Encontrarás la traducción de este documento abajo.
(You will find the translation of this document below.)

49. al lado de – next to, by

For expressing that something is close to something else, use the Spanish phrase “al lado de”.

Mi cama está al lado de la ventana.
(My bed is next to the window.)

50. más allá – beyond, further

This phrase is used to express that something is far away from something else.

Hay un pequeño pueblo más allá del río.
(There is a small town beyond the river.)

51. adelante – forward, ahead, onward

This adverb indicates that something is in the direction that someone is facing. If someone tells you “¡Adelante!”, he means “carry on”.

Estamos cansados, pero seguimos adelante.
(We are tired, but we are moving forward.)

52. de – of, from

This is the most used Spanish preposition. It is usually translated as “of” or “from”.

Mis padres son de España.
(My parents are from Spain.)

53. desde – from, since

This denotes a point in time or place. Use “desde” with specific dates or places.

No te puedo ver bien desde aquí.
(I cannot see you well from here.)

54. aquí – here

This Spanish adverb means at, on or in this place.

¡Ven aquí! Quiero mostrarte algo.
(Come here! I want to show you something.)

55. delante de – in front of, before

“Delante de” means “at the sight of” or “in the presence of”.

Me gusta cantar delante de mucha gente.
(I like to sing in front of many people.)

56. dentro de – within

If something is “dentro de” something else, it is inside a real or imaginary space.

La carta está dentro del sobre.
(The letter is inside the envelope.)

57. cerca de – close to

For expressing that something is close to something else, use the Spanish prepositional phrase “cerca de”.

Hay un parque cerca de mi casa.
(There is a park near my house.)

58. sobre – on, about

The word “sobre” has more than one meaning. It can mean “on”, “about” or “over”.

Puse tus libros sobre la mesa.
(I put your books on the table.)

59. frente a – in front, in the face of

“Frente a” and “delante de” have the same meaning. It means “at the sight of” or “in the presence of”.

Estoy frente a la tienda, no al lado de ella.
(I’m in front of the store, not next to it.)

60. afuera – outside

For expressing that something is outside of the site where it is, use the Spanish adverb “afuera”.

Estamos afuera de la casa.
(We are outside the house.)

61. a través de – through, across

“A través de” is a Spanish prepositional phrase, and it means “through” or “across”.

Todos los turistas caminamos a través de las montañas.
(All the tourists walked through the mountains.)

62. entre – between, among, amid

If you are “entre” two things, you may be “between”, “among” or “amid” them.

Hay un espacio grande entre la mesa y la pared.
(There is a large space between the table and the wall.)

63. debajo de – below, under, underneath

The words “debajo de”, “bajo” and “abajo” can be translated into English as “below” or “under”.

Encontré mi libro debajo de la cama.
“I found my book under the bed.”

64. junto a – next to

For expressing that something is “next to” or “close to” something else, use the phrase “junto a”.

Me senté junto a mi amigo en la reunión.
(I sat next to my friend at the meeting.)


Spanish Transition Words to Add an Idea

65. aparte de – besides, apart from, aside from

Use the prepositional phrase “aparte de” to add an idea. It means “besides” or “apart from”.

Aparte de mí, todos tienen hambre.
(Apart from me, everyone is hungry.)

66. además – moreover, additionally, in addition

For adding information to the one already presented, use the Spanish adverb “además”.

La fruta es buena para tu salud y, además, son deliciosas.
(Fruit is good for your health and, in addition, it’s delicious.)

67. asimismo – also

For expressing equality and similarity, use the Spanish adverb “asimismo”.

Ellos donaron dinero a la organización. Asimismo, donaron algunos juguetes.
(They donated money to the organization. They also donated some toys.)

68. de todas formas – in any case, anyhow

This Spanish phrase is used to confirm or support an idea.

Mi profesor no sabía la respuesta a mi pregunta, pero me ayudó de todas formas.
(My teacher did not know the answer to my question, but he helped me anyway.)

69. de todas maneras – in any case, anyhow, all the same

The phrase “de todas maneras” is used in the same way “de todas formas” is used. They both mean the same.

Quédate. De todas maneras, todos somos responsables.
(Stay. We are responsible all the same.)

70. de todos modos – in any case, anyhow

The phrase “de todos modos” is used in the same way “de todas formas” is used. They both mean the same.

Quedémonos en casa. De todos modos, no podremos ir a la fiesta.
(Let’s stay at home. Anyway, we cannot go to the party.)

71. de cualquier manera – in any case, in any way, anyhow

The phrase “de cualquier manera” is used in the same way “de todas formas” is used. They both mean the same.

Está lloviendo, pero pienso ir al colegio de todos modos.
(It’s raining, but I plan to go to school anyway.)

72. sobre todo – above all, particularly, especially

You can use this Spanish phrase to give special emphasis to an idea.

A mí me gustan las rosas, sobre todo las rojas.
(I like roses, especially red ones.)

73. también – also, too

“También” means “in addition”.

Yo quiero aprender a bailar salsa también.
(I want to learn to dance salsa, too.)

74. otra vez – again

The phrase “otra vez” means “another time” or “once more”.

Me estás haciendo la misma pregunta otra vez.
(You are asking me the same question again.)

75. y – and

The word “y” is a conjunction. It is used to connect two ideas or words of the same part of speech. It is used to introduce an additional idea.

Mi hermana no come carnes rojas, y mi hermano no come carnes blancas.
(My sister does not eat red meat, and my brother does not eat white meat.)

76. en primera instancia – in the first place, first of all

For introducing an initial idea, you can use the phrase “en primera instancia”.

En primera instancia, quiero agradecerles su presencia.
(First of all, I want to thank you for your presence.)

77. de igual manera – similarly, likewise, in the same way

You can use this Spanish phrase to express a similarity between two facts or events.

De igual manera, quiero agradecerte por tu participación.
(In the same way, I want to thank you for your participation.)


Spanish Transition Words to Contrast an Idea

78. a diferencia de – in contrast to, unlike

For expressing that something is different from something else, use the phrase “a diferencia de”.

A diferencia de mis abuelos, muchas personas prefieren quedarse en casa.
(Unlike my grandparents, many people prefer to stay at home.)

79. a pesar de – in spite of, despite

“A pesar de” means “without being affected by”. This phrase is usually translated into English as “despite” or “in spite of”.

Llegamos a tiempo al trabajo a pesar del tráfico.
(We arrived on time to work despite the traffic.)

80. a pesar de que – despite the fact that, although

The phrase “a pesar de que” usually introduces a subordinate sentence. It means “although”.

A pesar de que no me gustan las películas de acción, esta me gustó.
(Even though I do not like action movies, I liked this one.)

81. al contrario – on the contrary,  in contrast

Don’t confuse “al contrario” and “de lo contrario”. “Al contrario” means “on the contrary”. “De lo contrario” means “if not”.

No tengo ninguna objeción. Al contrario, estoy de acuerdo contigo.
(I have no objection. On the contrary, I agree with you.)

82. aunque – although, even though

The word “aunque” introduces a subordinate sentence. It means “although”.

Llegaré a tu casa aunque no quieras.
(I’ll come to your house even if you do not want to.)

83. con todo – nevertheless, still

This phrase introduces a comment that is opposed to what is expressed.
Hemos tenido muchos problemas. Con todo, hemos progresado.
(We have had a lot of problems. Nevertheless, we have made progress.)

84.  en cambio – on the other hand, instead

This prepositional phrase expresses a complete contrast.

Creí que pocos vendrían a mi fiesta. En cambio, muchos vinieron.
(I thought that few would come to my party. Instead, many came.)

85. en contraste con – in contrast to

This phrase is used to compare two things or people and say that the second one is different from the first one.

En contraste con el agua de los ríos, el agua del mar es salada.
(In contrast to the water of rivers, the water from the sea is salty.)

86. en lugar de – instead of, rather than

You can use this Spanish phrase to say that something replaces something else.

Prefiero ayudar en lugar de quedarme aquí sentada.
(I prefer to help instead of sitting here.)

87. en vez de – instead of, rather than

“En vez de” and “en lugar de” have similar meanings. You can use this phrase to express that something replaces something else.

Muchos envían correos en vez de cartas.
(Many send emails instead of letters.)

88. no obstante – nevertheless, however, notwithstanding

This Spanish phrase is used to express contrast, and it is usually used at the beginning of sentences.

Ese problema no es importante; no obstante, necesita mi atención.
(That problem is not important; however, it needs my attention.)

89. por el contrario – on the contrary, by contrast

This phrase is also used to compare two things or people and say that the second one is different from the first one.

Mi padre es muy serio y, por el contrario, mi madre es muy sonriente.
My father is very serious and, on the contrary, my mother is very smiling.

90. por un lado…por el otro lado – on the one hand…on the other hand

It is a Spanish connector (or link word) that allows you to sort the information of a speech.

Ten en cuenta dos cosas: por un lado el tiempo que invertirán y, por el otro, el dinero que necesitarán para llevar a cabo este proyecto.

(Keep in mind two things: on the one hand the time they will invest and, on the other, the money they will need to carry out this project.)

91. sin embargo – nevertheless, however

This Spanish phrase is used to express contrast, and it is usually used at the beginning of sentences.

El equipo jugó muy bien. Sin embargo, perdió el campeonato.
(The team played very well. However, it lost the championship.)

92. pero – but

The word “pero” is a conjunction, and it joins two sentences, clauses, phrases or words of the same part of speech. It is used to express contrast.

Ella quiere un café sin leche, pero yo lo quiero con leche y azúcar.
(She wants a coffee without milk, but I want it with milk and sugar.)

93. aún así – even so

For expressing a statement that seems surprising after what you said before, use “aún así”.

Hay muchos policías en las calles y, aún así, hay muchos robos en la ciudad.
(There are many policemen in the streets. Even so, there are many robberies in the city.)

94. de lo contrario – otherwise, differently

This phrase can be used to express how an idea is related to what was said before.

El caviar es delicioso y nadie puede convencerme de lo contrario.
(Caviar is delicious and no one can convince me otherwise.)


Spanish Transition Words to Compare an Idea

95. así como – as well as, just as

“Así mismo” means “to an equal degree than”.

Pienso invitar a mi familia así como a mis amigos.
(I plan to invite my family as well as my friends.)

96. con relación a – with regard to, regarding

“Con relación a” means “regarding” or “about”.

Quiero hacerte unas preguntas con relación al accidente de ayer.
(I want to ask you a few questions with regard to yesterday’s accident.)

97. de la misma forma/manera/modo – in the same way, likewise

For expressing that something was performed in the way or in the like manner as something else, use “de la misma manera”. “Forma” and “modo” are other ways of saying “manera”.

Todos los trabajadores de esta empresa deben ser tratados de la misma forma que los de otras empresas.
(All the workers of this company must be treated in the same way as those of other companies.)

98. en cuanto a – in terms of, in respect of

The phrase “en cuanto a” means “in connection to” or “in terms of”.

Mi opinión en cuanto a los gastos de la empresa es que debemos acortarlos.
(My opinion regarding the expenses of the company is that we must shorten them.)

99. sin duda – without a doubt, certainly, surely

For emphasizing that what is being said is true, use the Spanish phrase “sin duda”.

Mi amigo es muy generoso y sin duda te ayudará.
(My friend is very generous and will undoubtedly help you.)

100. tal como – just like, such as

The phrase “tal como” also means “for example”.

La situación es tal como la han descrito.
(The situation is just like it was described.)

101. de cierta manera – in a way, in some way, in a sense

For expressing that something was done in an unspecified way or manner, use the Spanish phrase “de cierta manera”.
De cierta manera, estoy de acuerdo contigo.
(In a way, I agree with you.)


Spanish Transition Words to Explain an Idea

102. está claro que – of course, admittedly, it is clear that

You can use this Spanish phrase to agree that something is true.

Está claro que todos hemos entendido la explicación.
(It is clear that we have all understood the explanation.)

103. en efecto – indeed, in fact

For confirming what has been stated, use the phrase “en efecto”.

Esta oferta es, en efecto, muy buena.
(This offer is, in effect, very good.)

104. en realidad – indeed, in fact, actually

This phrase is usually used at the beginning of sentences, and it means “actually”.

En realidad, las cosas no son como tú crees.
(Actually, things are not as you think they are.)

105. en resumen – in short, in summary, in essence

For summing up ideas, use the Spanish phrase “en resumen”.

La reunión de ahora fue, en resumen, muy provechosa.
Today’s meeting was, in short, very helpful.

106. es decir – that is to say, in other words

For expressing something in a different way, use the phrase “es decir”.

Ellos hablan de la capital de Francia, es decir, de Paris.
They speak of the capital of France, in other words, Paris.

107. por ejemplo – for example

For introducing examples, use the phrase “for example” in Spanish.

Compremos productos de belleza: maquillaje, por ejemplo.
Let’s us buy beauty products: makeup, for example.

108. por lo general – in general, usually

To indicate that you are talking about something as a whole, use the Spanish phrase “por lo general”.

Por lo general, esta reunión se realiza a fin de mes.
(Usually, this meeting is held at the end of the month.)

109. por supuesto – of course, naturally

For introducing an idea that is expected, use the Spanish phrase “por supuesto”.

Por supuesto que quiero conocer a tus hijos.
(Of course, I want to meet your children.)

110. en otras palabras – in other words

For expressing something in a different way, use the phrase “en otras palabras”.

La hermana de mi mamá es, en otras palabras, mi tía.
(My mom’s sister is, in other words, my aunt.)

111. en particular – in particular

To state that an idea or a statement applies to one person or thing more than any other, use the phrase “en particular”.

Ahora hablamos de dos temas en particular.
Today we talked about two issues in particular.

112. específicamente – specifically, particularly

For giving special emphasis to a statement, use the Spanish adverb “específicamente”.

Este juguete fue diseñado específicamente para niños de dos años.
(This toy was designed specifically for two-year-old children.)

113. para ilustrar – to illustrate

For explaining ideas or making something clear, use the phrase “para ilustrar”.

Quiero decir algo para ilustrar lo que acabo de decir.
(I want to say something to illustrate what I just said.)


Spanish Transition Words to Express Results

114. en consecuencia – consequently, accordingly, as a consequence

Use the phrase “en consecuencia” to express the result. You can also use the adverb “consecuentemente”.

Los colegios privados son populares; en consecuencia, atraen más estudiantes.
(Private schools are popular; consequently, they attract more students.)

115. por consiguiente – consequently, therefore

“Por consiguiente” and “en consecuencia” have similar meanings. You can also use the phrase to express the result.

Has trabajado todo el día y por consiguiente deberías descansar.
You have worked all day; therefore,  you should rest.

116. por eso – therefore, for this reason, that’s why

For introducing a logical result, use the Spanish phrase “por eso”.

No consumo lácteos; por eso, no como pizza.
(I do not consume dairy; for this reason, I do not eat pizza.)

117. por lo tanto – therefore, hence

“Por lo tanto” and “por eso” have a similar meaning. Use this phrase to introduce a logical result.

La oferta es buena; y por lo tanto, la aceptaremos.
(The offer is good; therefore, we will accept it.)

118. por lo visto – apparently, by all accounts, with that in mind

Use “por lo visto” to express that you are not certain about what you are stating.

Por lo visto, la compañía ha alcanzado sus metas.
(Apparently, the company has reached its goals.)

119. resulta que … – it turns out that . . .

For expressing result, use the Spanish phrase “resulta que”. If you want to use this phrase in the past, use “resultó que”.

Estela me dijo que vendía, pero ahora resulta que no vendrá.
Estela told me she would come, but now it turns out she will not come.

120. ya que – since, because of

For introducing reasons or explanations, use the phrase “ya que”.

No pude llegar a la reunión ya no que había transporte.
(I could not go to the meeting since there was no transportation.)


Spanish Transition Words to Conclude an Argument

121. al fin y al cabo – after all

For supporting a statement you just said, use the Spanish phrase “al fin y al cabo”.

Hasta mi profesor de matemáticas se equivoca. Al fin y al cabo, él también es humano.
(Even my math teacher makes mistakes. After all, he is also human.)

122. finalmente – finally, eventually, lastly, at last

This Spanish adverb is used to express that something was done in the end.

My sister could finally solve the math problem!
(Finalmente, mi hermana pudo resolver el problema de matemáticas.)

123. para terminar –  lastly, finally

For indicating that something is last in a series of actions, use the phrase “para terminar”.

Para terminar, quiero hablarles acerca del proyecto en el que están trabajando.
(To finish, I want to talk to you about the project you are working on.)


Spanish Transition Words Practice

Practice using Spanish connectors in context with Clozemaster. Fill in the missing word for hundreds of sentences. Try it out below!

And Finally

Memorizing vocabulary is easier than you think! When learning a new word, look at its spelling, meaning, usage and pronunciation. And don’t forget to learn it in context so you learn when, where, and how it’s used. Clozemaster can help you with all that and more! Check it out.

4 thoughts on “100+ Spanish Transition Words and Phrases to Sound Like a Native Speaker”

  1. Muchas gracias por esta lista. This seems to be quite extensive and will be a very useful addition to anyone trying to learn the ins and outs of Spanish. You have put a lot of thought into this and I for one am very grateful.

    1. Very good list, I learned a lot! I’m gonna save this. I was just hoping there would be transition words for changing the subject, not so abruptly lol

  2. . This is the best list ever. It is quite exhaustive, which is a good thing. I will use this forever and ever as I continue to work on improving my Spanish. It’s very easy to read and follow. You will get a lot of use out of this. No need to reinvent the wheel because someone has already done it for you.

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