This post aims at those with a minimum level of Spanish and who are about to travel to a Spanish-speaking country. If you do not have time to take a course or study on your own before your trip, then this guide can help you.
These are phrases that you can realistically start using on your trip. Therefore, if your level of Spanish is zero or very basic, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with these phrases and their pronunciation, and keep them in a notebook or on your phone when you are traveling because you will undoubtedly use them at all times. You can download the infography on this post to your phone for your trip.
Using these phrases will help you to get by and will also show respect for the culture you visit. Don´t worry too much if you make mistakes or if your pronunciation is not perfect, people often perceive this as an act of respect and kindness and they will appreciate your efforts.
1) Hola / Adiós (Hello / Goodbye)
This pair of basics is super necessary. People like when visitors learn their language, so practice saying hola and adiós in every situation during your trip and you will surely win the sympathy of the locals. Other greetings that you can use are “buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “buenas noches” (good evening). But if you want to keep it simple, then memorize “hola” and “adiós” that apply to all times, and all situations (formal or informal).
2) Gracias / De nada (Thank you / You are welcome)
To show appreciation and respect with the locals, learn these two words, you will use them in every situation: a taxi, a hotel, doing business, in restaurants … they will be one of the most used phrases.
3) Por favor (Please)
One of the most important polite phrases that softens the tone of any sentence.
4) Perdón (Sorry, excuse me, pardon me)
We can use this phrase to apologize for something, or to start a conversation on the street. For instance:
Perdón, ¿dónde está la estación de tren? – Excuse me, where is the train station?
(You bump into someone on the street by accident …) Perdón – I´m sorry
5) Mucho gusto (Nice to meet you)
This is another important expression for cortesy after meeting someone for the first time.
6) Una mesa para dos, por favor
In case of an emergency or you need help, use this word to call for help.
7) Para mí, la ensalada por favor. (For me, the salad please)
An easy line to order at the restaurant or bar.
You could also say “Me gustaría la ensalada por favor” (I´d like the salad, please)
8) ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where´s the toilet?)
Use this phrase to ask for the location of a place. For instance:
¿Dónde está el hospital? – Where is the hospital?
¿Dónde está el museo del Prado? – Where is the Prado Museum?
¿Dónde está la recepción? – Where is the reception?
9) La cuenta, por favor (The bill, please)
A classic line to use at the restaurant.
10) Perdón, no hablo español (Sorry, I don´t speak Spanish)
This typical phrase is the lifeline when you are involved in a situation in which they speak to you in Spanish and you do not understand anything
11) ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?)
(note that “habla” is used for formal speech. If you want to use a informal treatment you can say “hablas inglés?”) Here are examples with other languages: Habla francés? Do you speak French? Habla árabe? Do you speak Arabic? Habla alemán? Do you speak German?
12) ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? (How much is this?)
Another useful typical phrase. Use it when you want to ask about item prices. You can use your fingers to indicate the object you are asking about while you ask this question.
13) Necesito un taxi (I need a taxi)
This phrase expressing need can be replaced by other nouns. For instance:
Necesito una aspirina, por favor – I need an aspirine, please
Necesito un doctor – I need a doctor
Necesito ayuda – I need help
Good luck on your trip!
Check the infography below with these phrases to print out or keep on your phone!
¡Hasta pronto!
