Chapter 4 — Street Daytime
Direct and soft openers with reply branches.
Daytime street approaches work when you're direct, respectful, and brief. People are usually going somewhere. Get to the point quickly, but don't rush. Eye contact matters. Smile naturally.
Direct Opener
Spanish: Disculpa, ¿tienes un momento?
Word-by-word: Excuse-me, do-you-have a moment?
Natural English: Excuse me, do you have a moment?
When to use: When she's walking but not in a rush. Stop her gently.
Her possible replies:
- "Sí, claro" (Yes, of course) → You: "Me llamo [tu nombre]. Vi que pasabas y quería conocerte." (My name is [your name]. I saw you passing by and wanted to meet you.)
- "Tengo prisa" (I'm in a hurry) → You: "Entiendo, ¿puedo darte mi número?" (I understand, can I give you my number?)
- "¿Por qué?" (Why?) → You: "Porque me pareciste interesante." (Because you seemed interesting to me.)
Soft Observation Opener
Spanish: Hola, disculpa. Vi tu estilo y me gustó.
Word-by-word: Hello, excuse-me. I-saw your style and to-me it-liked.
Natural English: Hi, excuse me. I saw your style and liked it.
When to use: When she has distinctive style, clothing, or energy.
Her possible replies:
- "Gracias" (Thanks) → You: "¿De dónde eres?" (Where are you from?)
- "¿En serio?" (Seriously?) → You: "Sí, en serio. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Yes, seriously. Are you from here?)
- "Tengo novio" (I have a boyfriend) → You: "Vale, sin problema. Que tengas buen día." (Okay, no problem. Have a good day.)
Spain-Specific Direct
Spanish: ¿Qué tal? ¿Te apetece hablar un rato?
Word-by-word: What such? To-you it-appeals to-talk a while?
Natural English: How's it going? Do you feel like talking for a bit?
When to use: Spain only. Too direct for most Latin American contexts.
Her possible replies:
- "Vale, ¿de qué?" (Okay, about what?) → You: "De ti. ¿Cómo te llamas?" (About you. What's your name?)
- "No tengo tiempo" (I don't have time) → You: "Vale, ¿Instagram?" (Okay, Instagram?)
- "No, gracias" (No, thanks) → You: "Sin problema. Que tengas buen día." (No problem. Have a good day.)
Latin America — More Context
Spanish: Disculpa, sé que es raro, pero me llamaste la atención.
Word-by-word: Excuse-me, I-know that it-is weird, but me you-called the attention.
Natural English: Excuse me, I know it's weird, but you caught my attention.
When to use: Latin America. Acknowledges the situation is unusual, which builds trust.
Her possible replies:
- "¿Por qué?" (Why?) → You: "No sé, algo en tu energía." (I don't know, something in your energy.)
- "Gracias" (Thanks) → You: "¿Eres de aquí?" (Are you from here?)
- "Tengo prisa" (I'm in a hurry) → You: "Entiendo, ¿puedo darte mi número rápido?" (I understand, can I give you my number quickly?)
Key Points
- Make eye contact before speaking
- Smile naturally—not forced
- If she's walking fast, don't stop her
- Keep it under 30 seconds for the opener
- If she says no, accept it immediately