English phrases for toddlers: 60 first phrases to use every day at home

Once your toddler has a few English words, the next step is little phrases: “more, please,” “all done,” “my turn.” English phrases for toddlers are short, useful chunks your child can use right away to get a snack, ask for help or join a game. They make English feel real, because they work.

The good news: you don’t need long sentences or perfect grammar. A toddler’s first phrases are often just two or three words, used at the same moment every day. And you can teach them even if English isn’t your strongest language.

Below you’ll find 60 first phrases for every part of the day, a simple way to teach any phrase in three steps, a table of English and Spanish phrases side by side and ideas for ages 2, 3 and 4.

From first words to first phrases

Children usually start with single words: “milk,” “dog,” “mama.” Then, in their own time, they begin to join words together: “more milk,” “big dog,” “bye-bye, mama.” Every child gets there at their own pace, and there’s no need to rush it.

Many first phrases are learned as one “big word.” Your toddler may not know that “all done” is two words. They just know it means the meal is over. That’s perfectly fine. Phrases learned as chunks are some of the most useful words a toddler has.

The best first phrases have three things in common:

• They’re short. Two or three words, easy to say in one breath.
• They’re useful. They get your child something: food, help, attention, a turn.
• They happen every day. The same phrase in the same moment, again and again.

If your child is still building first words, start with our list of first English words for toddlers, then come back for phrases.

Ten two-word phrases to start with

These simple English sentences for toddlers are the easiest place to begin. Each one is short, useful and fits many moments in the day.

• more, please
• all done
• bye-bye
• thank you
• uh-oh
• my turn
• help, please
• night-night
• let’s go
• I want

Pick two or three to start. Use them every single time the moment comes up: “more, please” at every snack, “bye-bye” at every door. When your child starts saying one on their own, add another.

Phrases for mornings and getting dressed

Mornings repeat every day, which makes them perfect for English. Say these phrases as you go through your routine.

• good morning
• wake up
• time to get dressed
• arms up
• shoes on
• where’s your sock?
• brush your teeth
• wash your face
• you look nice
• ready to go?

Action phrases like “arms up” and “shoes on” are easy to understand because your child does the action as you say it. You don’t need to explain anything. The meaning is right there.

Phrases for meals and snacks

Mealtime is one of the best times for first phrases. Your toddler is motivated, the food is right there and the same words come up every day.

• I’m hungry
• I’m thirsty
• no, thank you
• yummy
• hot, careful
• drink your water
• can I have…?
• one more bite
• wash your hands
• let’s eat

Offer choices to invite a phrase: “Do you want apple or banana?” Your child can answer with one word, then you model the phrase: “Apple, please!” For more mealtime words, see our list of 100 first words in English and Spanish.

Phrases for play and sharing

Play phrases help your child join in with other children, at home, at the park and later at preschool.

• watch this
• your turn
• can I play?
• let’s play
• look at me
• I did it!
• where is it?
• found it!
• again!
• clean up

Take turns with a ball or a toy car and say “my turn” and “your turn” every time it changes hands. It’s one of the easiest ways to practice two phrases at once, and it teaches sharing too.

Phrases for outside and bath time

Walks, the park and the bath are full of things to name and do. These phrases fit naturally into those moments.

• let’s go outside
• look, a dog!
• hold my hand
• stop
• go slow
• up, up, up
• bath time
• splash, splash
• bubbles!
• all clean

Safety phrases like “stop” and “hold my hand” are worth practicing in both languages, so your child understands them anywhere. Practice them in play first, with a “stop and go” game, so they work when you really need them.

Polite words and feelings

Polite words and simple feelings help your toddler connect with people and say how they feel instead of melting down.

• please
• you’re welcome
• sorry
• excuse me
• I love you
• I’m happy
• I’m sad
• I’m tired
• it hurts
• hug, please

Name feelings when you see them: “You’re sad. The tower fell.” Over time, your child learns the words for what they feel and can start to say them. “Hug, please” is a favorite that many children use all day long.

How to teach a phrase in three steps

You can teach any phrase the same way you teach a single word. Here’s a simple method.

1. Say it in the moment. Use the phrase exactly when it happens. Say “all done” as you clear the plate, not five minutes later. Say it clearly, a few times, with a short pause.
2. Give a chance to say it. Next time the moment comes, start the phrase and pause: “All…” Wait a few seconds. If your child finishes it, celebrate. If not, finish it yourself, warmly.
3. Let your child use it to get something. When your child says “more, please,” give them more right away. A phrase that works is a phrase that sticks.

Keep it light. If your child doesn’t say the phrase, that’s fine. They’re still learning it by hearing it. Many children understand a phrase long before they say it. Our guide to a five-minute English lesson for toddlers shows how to build phrases into a short daily routine.

English and Spanish phrases side by side

If your family speaks Spanish at home, this table helps you match each English phrase with the one your child already knows. Use the Spanish to explain, then say the English phrase in the moment.

Your child may mix the two at first: “más milk,” “my turn, mamá.” That’s a normal part of learning two languages. Answer warmly and repeat the phrase in English: “More milk? Here you go!”

Phrases at 2, 3 and 4

Every child is different, so treat these as rough ideas, not rules.

At 2

Start with the ten two-word phrases above. Focus on the ones your child uses every day, like “more, please” and “all done.” Most of the work is listening: say each phrase in the same moment, every time.

At 3

Three-year-olds can handle phrases for every part of the day and enjoy questions like “Can I play?” and “Where is it?” Add a feeling phrase or two, and play turn-taking games to practice “my turn” and “your turn.”

At 4

Four-year-olds are ready for longer phrases and little sentences: “Can I have water, please?” “I want to play outside.” Practice phrases your child will need at preschool, like “help, please” and “can I play?” Our list of English words for preschool has more.

Games that practice phrases

Games give your child a reason to say a phrase again and again, without it feeling like practice. These work with toys you already have.

• Snack shop. Set out a few snacks and play shop. Your child asks “Can I have a cracker, please?” and you answer “Here you go!” Then swap roles.
• Stop and go. Walk, march or dance, and freeze when someone says “stop.” Start again on “let’s go.”
• Hide and find. Hide a toy and ask “Where is it?” When your child finds it, cheer “Found it!” together.
• Teddy’s day. Put a teddy through the day: “Good morning, teddy! Arms up! Let’s eat! Night-night, teddy!”
• Turn-taking tower. Build a block tower together, one block each, saying “my turn” and “your turn” every time.

Even babies and young toddlers enjoy hearing English phrases in games and routines. They won’t say them yet, but every “bye-bye” and “uh-oh” is building understanding for later.

Common mistakes (and what to do instead)

• Teaching too many phrases at once. Two or three new phrases a week is plenty. Add more when those are easy.
• Using phrases at random times. A phrase sticks when it always comes with the same moment.
• Correcting mixed sentences. “Más milk” is progress. Repeat it back in English instead of saying “wrong.”
• Waiting for perfect grammar. “Me want cookie” is a great start. Model the phrase gently: “You want a cookie? Cookie, please!”
• Forgetting to use them yourself. Your child learns phrases by hearing you use them, every day.

Where Tatako fits

Tatako teaches first words and little phrases together, in a calm five-minute lesson with nothing to read. The 280 first words and phrases include everyday chunks like “more, please,” “all done” and “bye-bye,” plus preschool phrases like “line up” and “wash your hands.” Your child hears each one three times with a pause to say it, touches the picture they hear, and then names the picture first.

Shaky words and phrases come back first. After each lesson, you spend about two minutes marking every item as New, Repeat more, Understands or Can say, so you know which phrases to use at home that day. A Spanish guide voice explains what to do, so you can help even if English is new for you too.

Questions parents ask

When do toddlers start putting two words together?

Every child is different. Most children say single words first and then start joining two words, often as little chunks like “more milk.” If you have questions about your child’s talking, ask your pediatrician.

Should I teach whole phrases or single words first?

Both work together. Single words for things your child sees, and a few useful phrases like “more, please” and “all done” that your child can use right away.

How do I teach a phrase if my English isn’t strong?

Start with short phrases you’re sure of, like the ones in this guide. Say them in the same moment every day. Recorded voices in songs and short lessons can help with pronunciation.

My toddler mixes English and Spanish in one sentence. Is that okay?

Yes. Mixing is a normal part of learning two languages. Answer warmly and repeat the phrase in English, without correcting.

How many phrases should we practice at once?

Two or three new phrases a week is plenty. Keep using the old ones every day, and add new phrases when the first ones feel easy.

English phrases for toddlers are small, but they open big doors: snacks, hugs, turns and new friends. Start with two phrases, use them in the same moment every day and let your child use them to get what they want. If you’d like a calm five-minute English moment with first words and phrases, try a Tatako lesson together, or read our guide to first English words for toddlers.