10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know
Although it’s not necessary to be fluent in Spanish, it’s certainly worth taking some time to learn a few words and sentences in the language before your big trip.
Spaniards age 30 and under have had plenty of English language lessons at school—generally more than enough to help you order lunch or find your size at local shops.
Even so, the following key Spanish phrases will come in handy and could even save you some cash on your next trip to Spain. More often than not, a little Spanish will get a smile and better service than babbling in English from the get-go.
For maximum politeness, all verbs are conjugated using “usted”, Spanish’s more formal you.
1. ¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?
It’s best to ask, and not assume that someone will understand English. Nine times out of ten, people in shops and restaurants will do what it takes to reach an understanding, even if their English is limited to the basics. In Barcelona’s famous La Boquería Market, I know a fishmonger who gets called away from her stand to help other vendors with English-speaking clientele.
2. Perdón/Perdone: Excuse me.
This is a biggie. This will save you from all kinds of dirty looks, and the occasional scene when you accidentally bump into someone or need to elbow your way out of a crowded bus or subway wagon. It works especially nicely when paired with #1, as in, “Perdone ¿Habla inglés?” Translation: “Excuse, me, but do you speak English?”
Knowing a little Spanish can go a long way with a waiter in Madrid. Photo: rafa_luque
3. Por favor and gracias: Please and thank you
Just like everywhere else in the world, add a please and thank you to your sentence, a pleasant tone of voice, and a smile, and you’ll be on your way to a much friendlier encounter.
4. ¿Dónde está? + name of place or attraction: Where is it?
If your Spanish isn’t great and the place you’re looking for isn’t nearby, it’s best to use this phrase with a map out, so the person can physically point you in the right direction.
Two of my most used combinations with this one are “¿Dónde está el metro?” And “¿Dónde está el lavabo?” Respectively “where’s the subway?” and “where’s the bathroom?”
5. ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?
This is one you don’t have to ask as often in Spain, as prices are generally posted for everyone to see outside restaurants and inside shops and markets. Still, on the odd occasion, you’re not sure, it’s best to know before you find yourself shelling out far more euros than you expected at the register.
6. ¿Tenéis alguna oferta?: Do you have any sales or special deals?
It never hurts to ask if something’s on offer — some shop attendants are cagey and won’t volunteer this information on their own while others are busy and may forget. Either way, it’s a question that may save you money — maybe your café con leche and your friend’s croissant can be rung up as the breakfast special for €2, as opposed to separately for €3.40.
7. Entrada libre y gratuita: Free/Open Entrance
This sign on doors of galleries and museums means you can come in and have a look around at your leisure — for free. Keep an eye out for these words at several attractions around Spain including Madrid and Barcelona.
8. Tarifa reducida: Reduced price
This one is usually divided into groups — Jóvenes (young people) usually under a specific set age of 15 or 18, Mayores de 60 (over sixty), and Estudiantes (students, with a valid student ID), just be aware that in some museums only International Student IDs are accepted.
You can ask for a sample but just do it very politely. Photo: binderdonedat
9. ¿Se puede probar?: Can I try it on/out?
This is an important phrase. In specialty food stores, chances are you should sample that expensive cheese before you cart a big chunk of it home. However, it’s still not typical in Spain to leave out trays of samples. If you want to try something, you have to ask very nicely first.
The same goes for that trendy shop with locally designed threads — there’s a dressing room, we promise. It just might be tricky to find, and besides, local culture dictates asking first. It works in both circumstances by asking and pointing at what you want to try out or on.
10. ¿Se acepta tarjetas?: Do you take credit cards?
Believe it or not, lots of establishments, even in big Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona won’t allow you to pay with your trusty Visa or MasterCard. You’re best off always having a little cash on hand, but for the times you don’t, or would prefer to use your card, it’s always better to ask. Also, forget about paying with American Express or Discover pretty much everywhere in Spain.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget Hola and Adiós.
Hello and goodbye are in a lot of traveler’s arsenal of Spanish, but aren’t always used when they should be. In Spain, common courtesy dictates greeting staff when you come in, and when you leave — courteous customers always get the best deals and friendliest service.
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Thanks for the Spanish phrases. It would also have been helpful if you had provided the pronunciation
ie: phonics..so the Spanish will understand what we are trying to say.
I love this, Chris. I have found everyone in Barcelona to be so friendly and helpful and I know so much of it is because I make an effort to communicate in Spanish (even if their English may be better than my Spanish). Thanks for advising everyone to learn a little in time for their visit :).
http://www.california2catalonia.com
I’m so glad that you found it useful. In Catalonia, a little Catalan goes even further than Spanish, but all efforts are appreciated most of the time.