Traveling to a city where you aren’t familiar with their first language can be intimidating! The language barrier can be difficult and frustrating but can be easily overcame.

Just remember:

•  It’s common in larger cities for the locals to speak some English.
•  There are usually locals that are visiting who also speak English.
•  Google Translate and Travel Books are a lifesaver.
•  Most countries have English and Spanish on signs around the city.
•  Pointing at a menu and gesturing goes a long way.

I’ve found these basic Spanish phrases to be helpful in almost all situations. It’s a sign of respect to at least attempt their language. Spend a little time memorizing or keep these on hand!

If you want an easy way to learn basic Spanish, try “Learn Spanish with Paul Noble”.  I recommend downloading the book on audible. Paul makes learning Spanish so easy. There is no need to take notes because he constantly questions “how would you say this” and makes you repeat it several times through the taping. By the 10th time, you will know it! Focus is heavy on traveling too. 

Greetings

(English : Spanish)

Good Morning: Buenos días

Good Afternoon: Buenas Tarde

Good Evening: Buenas Noche

Hello: Hola

How are you: ¿Como esta?

Good, Thank you: Bien, Gracias

Do you speak English: Habla Inglés?

I don’t speak Spanish: No hablo español. 

What is your name: ¿Cual es tu nombre?

My name is: Me llama

Nice to meet you: Mucho Gusto

Where are you from: ¿De Donde eres?

I am from the United States: Soy de Estados Unidos

Ordering in a restaurant

I want: Quiero

I do not want: No Quiero

Please: Por Favor

Thank you: Gracias

Juice: Jugo

Coffee: Café

White Wine: Vino Blanco

Red Wine: Vino Tinto

Cold Beer: Cerveza Fria

Water: Agua

Take away: Para llevar

The bill, please: La cuenta, por favor

Basic Vocabulary

How much does it cost: ¿Cuanto cuesta?

Do you have: ¿Tienes?

I have: Tengo

I don’t understand: No comprendo

Speak slow, please: Habla despacio, por favor

Yes: Sí

No: No

Maybe: Quizás

Excuse me: Disculpe

Sorry: Lo Siento

Why: Por Que?

I need: Yo necesito..

Thank you: Gracias

You’re welcome: De nada

Asking for Directions

Where is: ¿Donde Esta?

Bathroom: Baño

Bank: El Banco

Hospital: La Hospital

Street: La Calle

Hotel: El Hotel

Supermarket: Supermercado

Beach: La Playa

Right: Derecho

Left: Izquierda

Straight: Derecha

Blocks: Cuadras

Transportation

Taxi- Taxi

Bus- Autobus

The train- El tren

Airplane- Avión

Airport- Aeropuerto

Personal Belongings

Suitcase: Maleta

Backpack: Mochila

Ticket: Boleto

Passport: Pasaporte