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A1how to say

How to say “Good luck” in Spanish

One word does it — plus a superstition that replaces it before exams.

Quick answer

¡Suerte!

the everyday version

¡Mucha suerte!

the alternative — see below for when

Which one to use

¡Suerte! alone is the everyday version. Before something difficult, Spanish speakers often say ¡Mucha mierda! — literally “lots of excrement”, the equivalent of “break a leg”, and standard before exams and performances.

All the versions

¡Suerte!Good luck!
¡Mucha suerte!Lots of luck!
¡Que te vaya bien!Hope it goes well!
¡Mucha mierda!Break a leg! — before a performance or exam.
¡Ánimo!You can do it! / Chin up!

Where you are matters

Everywhere. ¡Ánimo! is the one you use when someone is struggling rather than starting.

Check yourself

A friend has an exam in ten minutes. The most natural thing:

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