How to Say 'By the Way' in Spanish: Smooth Topic Shifts in Mexican and Latin American Conversation
Learn to say 'by the way' in Spanish with por cierto, a propósito, and oye, plus how to change topics naturally in Mexican and Latin American conversation.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
To say 'by the way' in Spanish, the most common and broadly useful phrase is por cierto. In Mexican Spanish, a propósito is also very common for adding a related point, and oye or oiga can introduce a new but connected topic in casual speech. This lesson teaches you how to shift subjects smoothly instead of starting a completely new conversation. You will learn three reusable patterns, when each one fits, and how to avoid the common mistake of translating 'by the way' word-for-word.
By the end, you can…
- use por cierto, a propósito, and oye/oiga to shift to a related topic in Spanish.
- recognize when a topic change is a smooth transition rather than a brand-new conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Por cierto, ¿ya viste el mensaje?
By the way, did you see the message?
por SYEHR-toh, ya VEE-steh el men-SAH-heh
Neutral and widely useful in Latin American Spanish. It adds a related point without sounding abrupt.
A propósito, necesito preguntarte algo.
By the way, I need to ask you something.
ah pro-POH-see-toh, neh-seh-SEE-toh pre-goon-TAR-teh AL-goh
Very common in Mexican Spanish for introducing a related matter. It can also mean 'on purpose' in other contexts, so rely on the comma and tone.
Oye, cambiando de tema, ¿cómo te fue?
Hey, changing the subject, how did it go?
OH-yeh, kahm-BYAHN-doh deh TEH-mah, KOH-moh teh FWEH
Casual and friendly. Use oye with someone you address as tú; use oiga with usted in more formal or respectful situations.
Hablando de eso, ¿qué pasó al final?
Speaking of that, what happened in the end?
ah-BLAHN-doh deh EH-soh, keh pah-SOH al fee-NAL
Links directly to what was just said. It signals that your next question grows out of the current topic.
Antes de que se me olvide, ¿tienes un momento?
Before I forget, do you have a moment?
AHN-tes deh keh seh meh ol-VEE-deh, TYEH-nes oon moh-MEN-toh
A polite way to introduce a related request or question. Useful with staff, colleagues, or acquaintances.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
A smooth topic shift usually has two parts: a transition phrase plus a question or comment that connects to the current conversation. Common transitions include por cierto, a propósito, and hablando de eso. For example, if you are talking about a trip, you can say: Hablando de tu viaje, ¿ya compraste los boletos? ('Speaking of your trip, did you already buy the tickets?'). If you want to add a related reminder, say: A propósito, necesito preguntarte algo. The transition phrase comes first, followed by a comma in writing and a short pause in speech. This makes the change feel connected rather than random.
When to use it
Use por cierto when you want to add a point that is slightly separate but still relevant. Use a propósito in Mexican Spanish when you are bringing up something connected to the same situation, especially a request or question. Use oye or oiga when you want to get someone's attention before shifting. Oye is informal and pairs with tú; oiga is more formal and pairs with usted. Use hablando de eso when your next sentence directly follows from what was just said. If you are starting a completely new conversation with a stranger, a greeting like Disculpe or Buenas tardes is more appropriate than por cierto.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Oye, ¿ya viste el partido de anoche?
Hey, did you see last night's game?OH-yeh, ya VEE-steh el par-TEE-doh deh ah-NOH-chehSí, estuvo buenísimo. A propósito, ¿ya sabes si vas a ir al entrenamiento?
Yes, it was really good. By the way, do you know if you're going to practice?see, es-TOO-voh bweh-NEE-see-moh. ah pro-POH-see-toh, ya SAH-bes see bas ah eer al en-treh-nah-MYEN-tohCreo que sí. Hablando de eso, ¿tú llevas el balón?
I think so. Speaking of that, are you bringing the ball?KREH-oh keh see. ah-BLAHN-doh deh EH-soh, too YEH-vas el bah-LOHNSí, yo lo llevo. Por cierto, también necesito preguntarte una cosa.
Yes, I'll bring it. By the way, I also need to ask you something.see, yoh loh YEH-voh. por SYEHR-toh, tahm-BYEN neh-seh-SEE-toh pre-goon-TAR-teh OO-nah KOH-sahA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American varieties, por cierto is neutral and safe in both casual and polite conversation. A propósito is especially common in Mexican Spanish for a related aside, but it can also mean 'on purpose' depending on context, so pay attention to the comma and tone. Oye and oiga are attention-getters; oye is informal and oiga is more respectful. In more formal settings, Disculpe or Una pregunta can be a better opener than a casual transition.
One thing to watch for
Translating 'by the way' word-for-word as por el camino or por la manera.
Try this instead: Use por cierto or a propósito instead. For example, say Por cierto, ¿ya viste el mensaje? not Por el camino, ¿ya viste el mensaje? The literal translation does not carry the conversational meaning of a topic shift.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You are chatting with a friend about a movie and want to add a related question about the tickets. Which transition fits best?
Show a sample answer
Por cierto, ¿ya compraste los boletos?
Por cierto is a neutral, widely useful way to add a related point. A propósito could also work in Mexican Spanish, especially if the question is a request or reminder.
2You need to get a coworker's attention politely before changing the subject. Which word or phrase is more appropriate with usted?
Show a sample answer
Oiga
Oiga pairs with usted and is more formal than oye. If you are on familiar terms and use tú, oye is fine. Disculpe is another polite option.
3Your friend just mentioned a trip. You want to ask a follow-up question that clearly connects to that topic. What transition can you use?
Show a sample answer
Hablando de eso, ¿qué pasó al final?
Hablando de eso directly links your next question to the current topic. It signals a smooth transition rather than a completely new conversation.
Use por cierto as your default for 'by the way,' a propósito for related asides in Mexican Spanish, and oye or oiga to get attention before shifting. Link your next question to the current topic so the change feels smooth.
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