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
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[…] Use this basic guide to help you communicate: How to Navigate around a Spanish Speaking Country […]