There are so many reasons to welcome a pet parrot into your life, but teaching your bird to talk is up there. Of course, teaching a different species to speak is no easy feat, but many birds are up for the challenge. So, if you’re a pet parent to a feathered friend and you’ve ever thought to yourself “What words should I teach my parrot first?” you’re in luck because we rounded up the 5 easiest words to teach your parrot, according to experts.

Seeing how parrots are naturally curious and social, it makes learning talk one of the most entertaining parts of having a pet parrot. While not all parrots talk, many have the ability to mimic sounds and human speech, giving you plenty of fun times ahead. Whether you have a cockatiel, budgie, or African grey, introducing simple, easy-to-learn words can create exciting moments as your talking parrot surprises you with its first phrases.

With that in mind, below are the best words to teach your pet parrot, according to vets. You may be surprised to see what they are and at how quickly your talking parrot can pick them up! Watch as your bird begins to use its new words throughout the day, adding personality and charm to every interaction you have with them.

Related: 10 Cute Signs Your Parrot Is Happy and Healthy, According to Experts

How to Teach Your Parrot to Talk: Expert Training Tips

Believe it or not, how to teach your parrot to talk isn’t super hard. While there are plenty of videos on social media of parrots chattering up a storm, Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel says it’s best to start with the basics. “Simple words are easiest to learn because they are associated with moments, routines and feelings,” she says. “Parrots are considered intelligent and social birds and learning their first words reveals how they communicate with people.”

Keep in mind that teaching a parrot to talk takes patience and consistency, but starting with the right approach can make learning new words much easier, especially when birds are introduced to speech early and reinforced often. Reinforcement is key during the process, according to Tara M. Harrison, DVM, professor of Zoo and Exotic Animal Medicine at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. “You can try saying things over and over. For example, do it daily or multiple times a day,” she says. “Some might pick it up or pick up other words.”

Consistency is crucial as well when it comes to teaching your pet parrot how to speak, Warner notes. “Say the word, use the same tone and follow it up with something positive, like attention, praise or a favorite snack,” she says. “They learn best in a relaxed and social environment where talking is encouraged.”

Some birds will also say some or all of the words they know randomly, Harrison explains. “For all of them, the earlier in their life you start, the more likely you will be successful,” she says. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, even shy or older parrots can learn a surprising number of words. Start with simple, repeatable phrases and gradually introduce new words to help your parrot expand its vocabulary over time.

Related: 7 Signs Your Pet Cockatoo Trusts You, Say Experts

The Easiest Words to Teach Your Pet Parrot

By focusing on words that are short and familiar, you can make teaching a parrot to talk more effective. Here are some of the easiest words to teach your pet bird.

1. “Hi”

Every bird learns at a different pace, but “hi” tends to be one of the easiest words for parrots to pick up. Short words like “hi” are learned quickly because parrots hear them frequently in predictable situations, Warner shares. Using simple greetings like this helps your talking parrot start repeating human speech naturally, and it’s often the first word your pet parrot will say on its own. Starting with easy, everyday words also builds your bird’s confidence and encourages it to try more words over time.

2. “Hello”

Looking for another easy word to teach your talking parrot? Like “hi,” “hello” is often one of the simplest words for a pet parrot to learn. “This word is typically said with excitement, eye contact, and movement, which is an attention-grabbers for parrots,” Warner says. Teaching common greetings like this helps your bird start mimicking human speech and can be used to help later form phrases.

3. “Bye”

Want a quick word your talking parrot can pick up easily? Like “hi” and “hello,” “bye” is short, simple, and used frequently throughout the day, making it an ideal word for a pet parrot to learn. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best words to teach a talking parrot.

“The easiest words for a parrot, macaw, or other species are the things they hear the most or are shortest or easiest to say,” Harrison says. “For some birds, it is either the repetition—over and over—or whatever the bird hears often and finds fun.” Using everyday words like this helps your bird naturally learn how to talk while keeping interactions enjoyable.

4. “What”

Another short word your parrot can learn is “what.” “It is frequently used in reaction to the sounds made by the parrot,” Warner says. “Many parrots enjoy call-and-response activities, and ‘what’ is a good word to use in this way.”

5. Your bird’s name

One of the first words to teach a parrot should be their name! In fact, Warner says like the word “hi,” a parrot’s name is one of the easiest words a bird will learn. “They hear it frequently, and it is addressed to them,” Warner explains. “It is also accompanied by positive reinforcement. The parrot will eventually learn to associate its name with interaction and reward.”

Sources:

• Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel

• Tara M. Harrison, DVM, professor of Zoo and Exotic Animal Medicine at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Birds section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.