Chapter 6 — Metro / Bus / In Transit
Short-window conversations.
Transit conversations have a time limit. You might have 2 minutes or 20 minutes. Read the situation. If she's getting off soon, be direct and get contact info quickly. If you have time, build rapport first.
Metro — Direction Question
Spanish: Disculpa, ¿sabes si este tren va a [estación]?
Word-by-word: Excuse-me, do-you-know if this train goes to [station]?
Natural English: Excuse me, do you know if this train goes to [station]?
When to use: Natural opener that doesn't feel like an approach.
Her possible replies:
- "Sí, va directo" (Yes, it goes direct) → You: "Gracias. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Thanks. Are you from here?)
- "No lo sé" (I don't know) → You: "Vale, sin problema. ¿Vives aquí?" (Okay, no problem. Do you live here?)
- "Sí, pero tienes que cambiar en [estación]" (Yes, but you have to change at [station]) → You: "Perfecto, gracias. ¿Eres local?" (Perfect, thanks. Are you a local?)
Metro — Quick Opener (When Time is Short)
Spanish: Disculpa, sé que es raro, pero me gustaría conocerte. ¿Tienes Instagram?
Word-by-word: Excuse-me, I-know that it-is weird, but to-me would-like to-meet-you. Do-you-have Instagram?
Natural English: Excuse me, I know it's weird, but I'd like to meet you. Do you have Instagram?
When to use: When she's getting off soon or you have less than 3 minutes.
Her possible replies:
- "Sí, es [usuario]" (Yes, it's [username]) → You: "Perfecto, te sigo ahora." (Perfect, I'll follow you now.)
- "No tengo" (I don't have it) → You: "¿Número?" (Number?)
- "Tengo novio" (I have a boyfriend) → You: "Vale, sin problema. Que tengas buen día." (Okay, no problem. Have a good day.)
Bus — Standing Together
Spanish: ¿Vas a [lugar] también?
Word-by-word: Are-you-going to [place] also?
Natural English: Are you going to [place] too?
When to use: When you're both standing and it's clear where the bus is going.
Her possible replies:
- "Sí, ¿y tú?" (Yes, and you?) → You: "Sí. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Yes. Are you from here?)
- "No, voy a [otro lugar]" (No, I'm going to [other place]) → You: "Ah, vale. ¿Vives aquí?" (Ah, okay. Do you live here?)
- "Sí" (Yes) → You: "¿Vas a menudo?" (Do you go often?)
Waiting for Transit — Phone or Book
Spanish: Disculpa, ¿sabes a qué hora pasa el próximo [metro/bus]?
Word-by-word: Excuse-me, do-you-know at what hour passes the next [metro/bus]?
Natural English: Excuse me, do you know what time the next [metro/bus] comes?
When to use: When you're both waiting at a stop or platform.
Her possible replies:
- "En 5 minutos" (In 5 minutes) → You: "Gracias. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Thanks. Are you from here?)
- "No lo sé" (I don't know) → You: "Vale, sin problema. ¿Vives cerca?" (Okay, no problem. Do you live nearby?)
- "Debería pasar ahora" (It should come now) → You: "Vale, gracias. ¿Eres local?" (Okay, thanks. Are you a local?)
Taxi/Uber Share
Spanish: ¿Vas a [lugar]? Podemos compartir si quieres.
Word-by-word: Are-you-going to [place]? We-can to-share if you-want.
Natural English: Are you going to [place]? We can share if you want.
When to use: When you're both waiting for a taxi/Uber and going the same direction.
Her possible replies:
- "Sí, vale" (Yes, okay) → You: "Perfecto. ¿Cómo te llamas?" (Perfect. What's your name?)
- "No, voy a otro lado" (No, I'm going somewhere else) → You: "Vale, sin problema." (Okay, no problem.)
- "No, gracias" (No, thanks) → You: "Sin problema." (No problem.)
Key Points
- Read the time window—adjust your approach accordingly
- If she has headphones, make eye contact first
- If she's reading, wait for a natural pause
- Don't block exits or doors
- If the conversation is going well but she's getting off, ask for contact info 30 seconds before her stop
- Respect personal space—transit is crowded