By The Way in Spanish: 7 smooth transition phrases

How do you say by the way in Spanish? In English, this is one of those indispensable phrases that allows for smooth transitions in conversation, commonly used to introduce a new topic or add additional information. If we want to translate by the way, Spanish has several expressions that serve the same purpose, allowing us to keep conversations fluid and engaging.

In today’s post, we’ll explore seven different ways to say by the way in Spanish. As we do in all our posts, we’ll provide examples to show each expression in the context of everyday conversations, since they all have slightly different tones and connotations.

So whether you’re introducing something totally unrelated to the rest of the conversation, you’re adding some more details, or you’re just looking for a polite way to enter into a discussion, you probably want to know how to say by the way in Spanish. Now let’s dive in and learn the best options!

Por cierto

Por cierto is one of the most common ways to say by the way in Spanish. Although the literal translation of por cierto is along the lines of for certain, its best translation when used to introduce a topic is indeed by the way.

An essential phrase in everyday conversations, por cierto is suitable among friends as well as in more formal settings. It’s the perfect way to say by the way in Spanish when you want to introduce a new subject, share additional information, or ask a question unrelated to the current topic.

• Por cierto, ¿qué vas a hacer en vacaciones? – By the way, what are you going to do on vacation?

• La reunión de ayer fue un éxito. Por cierto, el jefe habló sobre los nuevos proyectos. – Yesterday’s meeting was a success. By the way, the boss talked about the new projects.

• Me encanta este restaurante. Por cierto, tienen un excelente menú vegano. – I love this restaurant. By the way, they have an excellent vegan menu.

Hablando de eso

Another way of saying by the way in Spanish is hablando de eso. Literal translations of this phrase include speaking of that or talking about that, so it’s a perfect transitional phrase for introducing a new topic that’s somehow related to what was just mentioned.

In other words, hablando de eso is great for maintaining a conversation’s flow while connecting different subjects.

• Me encanta la comida china. Hablando de eso, deberíamos ir al restaurante que abrieron la semana pasada. – I love Chinese food. Speaking of which, we should go to the restaurant that opened last week.

• A mi hermana no le gustan las películas de terror. Hablando de eso, ¿Viste la última Anabelle? – My sister doesn’t like horror movies. And on that subject, did you see the latest Anabelle movie?

A propósito

A propósito is an incredibly versatile expression in Spanish, applicable in a wide range of contexts. Depending on its usage, it can convey meanings such as by the way, on purpose, or regarding.

A propósito is a perfect option for smoothly introducing new topics, clarifying one’s intentions, or effectively guiding the conversation toward a different subject or related idea.

• Me encontré con Ana la semana pasada. A propósito, ¿sabes si sigue estudiando en la misma universidad? – I met Ana last week. By the way, do you know if she is still studying at the same university?

• Estoy planeando una fiesta. A propósito, ¿tienes planes este fin de semana? – I’m planning a party. On that note, do you have plans this weekend?

De paso

De paso is a more casual and indirect way to say by the way in Spanish. With additional translations such as in passing or incidentally, de paso is a good option for adding additional information to a primary topic. It’s also commonly used to mention something that you’ll do incidentally to make the most of a situation.

• Voy a salir a pasear al perro. De paso, sacaré dinero del cajero. – I’m going out to walk the dog. While I’m at it, I’ll get some money from the ATM.

• Estoy revisando mis correos. De paso, voy a borrar algunos documentos antiguos. – I’m going through my emails. By the way, I am going to delete some old documents.

A todo esto

A todo esto is used to smoothly shift a conversation to a new but connected topic. While its literal translation is something like on all that, other suitable translations include regarding that, by the way, or meanwhile.

A todo esto is a good option to introduce or ask about new information related to the ongoing topic of discussion, maintaining the flow of conversation while slightly shifting its focus.

• Me comentaste que llamaste a tu jefe. A todo esto, ¿qué te dijo sobre tus vacaciones? – You mentioned to me that you called your boss. By the way, what did he tell you about your vacation?

• El viaje a la playa fue increíble. A todo esto, ¿cómo está tu mamá? – The beach trip was amazing. By the way, how is your mom?

Por si acaso

The most common translation of por si acaso is just in case, but by the way is often a suitable equivalent. It’s generally used to introduce something that may be necessary, to give a friendly reminder, or even just to provide extra information.

• El restaurante tiene un menú especial esta noche. Por si acaso, deberíamos hacer una reserva. – The restaurant has a special menu tonight. By the way, we should make a reservation.

• Por si acaso no lo sabías, la reunión ha sido cancelada. – In case you didn’t know, the meeting has been cancelled.

Ah, otra cosa

Our last translation of by the way in Spanish is ah, otra cosa. Translating literally as oh, another thing, this is a very informal expression used in casual conversations.

Whether you suddenly remember something you want to add, or just as a quick way to introduce a new topic, ah, otra cosa is a perfect transition phrase to keep the conversation going.

• Vamos a visitar a mis padres este fin de semana. Ah, otra cosa, mi tía también vendrá. – We are going to visit my parents this weekend. Oh, and another thing, my aunt is coming too.

• Me gusta mucho el rock clásico. Ah, otra cosa, ¿has escuchado el nuevo álbum de esta banda? – I really like classic rock. By the way, have you listened to this band’s new album?

Conclusion: By The Way in Spanish

It’s time to wrap up! So how do you say by the way in Spanish? Let’s do a quick review of what we’ve seen so far.

Today’s post introduced a handful of common transition phrases that allow us to smoothly move from one topic to another in a conversation. We looked at each one in turn, exploring their subtle nuances and suggesting contexts where they’re best used. To sum up, here’s our list of Spanish by the way phrases:

• Por cierto
• Hablando de eso
• A propósito
• De paso
• A todo esto
• Por si acaso
• Ah, otra cosa

Whether chatting with friends, sharing information at work, or just having a casual conversation, these expressions keep the flow going. Por cierto, next time you’re speaking Spanish and want to insert a quick by the way in Spanish, try out one of these phrases!