20 Phrases To Know Before Traveling To Spain
Spain, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, historic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, is a welcoming destination. While proficiency in English is probably enough to get by in the country, knowing a few Spanish phrases can make your visit even smoother.
If you already speak some Spanish, you’re in luck. Spanish, or Castilian, is spoken throughout the country. But if you don’t know any Spanish yet, no worries; below, I’ll share a few helpful phrases to learn before you go.
1. Hola – Hello
Pronunciation: ola
Whether you’re greeting someone, passing by on the street, or simply trying to be friendly, a quick “hello” is usually understood. However, to show politeness and connect a bit more, try using the local greeting by saying “hola.”
2. Adiós – Goodbye
Pronunciation: ah-dee-oh-s
When leaving the hotel, getting up from a restaurant, or wrapping up a conversation, try saying “adiós” instead of “bye” to add a local touch.
3. Gracias – Thank You
Pronunciation: graw-see-as
Maybe it’s my southern upbringing, but I’m known for always saying thank you. If you want to show appreciation, like when someone holds the door, brings your food at a restaurant, or rings up your purchase at a boutique, remember to say “gracias.”
4. Por Favor – Please
Pronunciation: pour fah-v-or
If you’re like me and always worry about being kind and courteous to others, make sure to learn the saying “por favor,” which is like the English word “please.” This allows locals to know you appreciate them and are friendly rather than demanding.
5. Sí/No – Yes/No
Pronunciation: see/no
Two important words to understand before visiting Spain are sí and no, or in English, yes and no. We use these words a lot in our daily lives, and chances are you’ll use them a lot when you’re on vacation in Spain, too.
While the locals will more than likely understand what you mean by responding “yes,” it can be helpful and polite to use their native word “sí.”
6. Cuánto Cuesta…? – How Much Is…?
Pronunciation: quan-to kwe-sta
Many travelers worry about not knowing the prices of groceries, souvenirs, or other items when visiting a new country. If that sounds like you, try asking, “Cuánto cuesta…?“ while pointing to the item. This means “How much is…,” and locals will usually tell you the price or show it to you, so you’ll know the cost before deciding to buy.
7. Uno, Dos, Tres, Cuatro, Cinco, Seis, Siete, Ocho, Nuevo, Diez – One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten
Pronunciation: ew-no, dose, trays, qwan-tro, seen-ko, say-s, see-et-eh, oh-cho, new-e-vay, dee-ez
When asking locals about prices, knowing a few numbers in Spanish is helpful! Numbers also prove useful when ordering at a restaurant, getting directions, or understanding phone numbers. I suggest learning one through ten in any language to make interactions easier.
8. Vino Tinto – Red Wine
Pronunciation: bee-no teen-toh
One of my favorite phrases to learn before heading to Spain is “vino tinto,” which means “red wine.” Spain is famous for its excellent wines, and knowing how to ask for them at restaurants or recognize them on a menu will help you connect with locals and enjoy Spain’s tasty flavors.
9. Agua – Water
Pronunciation: ah-gwah
If you’re anything like me, staying hydrated doesn’t always come naturally, I often have to remind myself to drink water, especially since I tend to dehydrate quickly when I’m on the go.
Staying hydrated is even more crucial when traveling. It helps you feel your best and allows you to enjoy the journey. In Spain, be sure to ask for “agua” or look for signs with “agua” in stores, which simply means water.
10. Tapas – Small Dishes
Pronunciation: tah-pah-s
You can’t go to Spain and miss out on their delicious tapas, not to be confused with the term “topless.” Many Americans hear the word “tapas” being thrown around, and their minds instantly go elsewhere.
Tapas are small dishes, also known as small appetizer plates, and many restaurants and bars serve these tasty treats. You’ll likely taste more tapas than you can count while exploring Spain!
11. Paella – A Rice Dish Served In A Pan
Pronunciation: pie-aye-ah
Another signature dish and phrase to know when exploring Spain is “paella”, a rice dish served in a pan. It’s often served with seafood in Spain! This dish is one of the most iconic in the country, and you don’t want to miss out on experiencing this tasty entree yourself.
I recommend practicing saying it and recognizing how it’s spelled so that you can easily recognize it and order it for yourself when you visit a restaurant.
12. Churros Con Chocolate – Churros With Chocolate
Pronunciation: chur-rohs ck-on cho-co-laht
Anytime I think of churros, my heart melts a little bit. I’m a huge churro fan but the locals in Spain really know how to create these tasty treats.
In Spain, they’re called “churros con chocolate,” which means “churros with chocolate.” They’re a tasty dessert you’ll see throughout the country, and I recommend you indulge in several while you’re there!
13. Dónde Está…? – Where Is…?
Pronunciation: don-day es-tah
Knowing how to ask for specific directions is helpful when visiting a new country with unfamiliar landmarks, transportation options, and other unknowns.
I suggest learning the phrase “Dónde está…?” which means “Where is…” Simply point or describe what you’re looking for, and locals can help guide you in the right direction.
14. El Baño – The Bathroom
Pronunciation: el bahn-yo
Many first-time travelers or even frequent visitors to new destinations often worry about finding restrooms. That’s why it’s useful to learn the phrase “el baño” (the bathroom) so you can look for signs or ask locals where to find one. This way, you won’t have to panic if nature calls unexpectedly.
15. Me Gustaría… – I Would Like…
Pronunciation: meh gew-stah-ree-ah
If you plan on dining out, shopping, or picking up souvenirs, I recommend learning “Me gustaría,” followed by the item or dish you’re interested in, which means “I would like.” This helps locals understand what you’d like to order or buy.
16. Habla Inglés? – Do You Speak English?
Pronunciation: ah-blah een-glase
Before asking for directions, ordering at a restaurant, or talking to hotel staff, I like to ask Spanish speakers, “Habla Inglés?” which means “Do you speak English?” Since I’m not always confident in my Spanish, this allows them to either respond in English or often point me in the direction of someone who can help in English.
17. No Hablo Español – I Don’t Speak Spanish
Pronunciation: no ah-blow es-pan-yol
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visited a new destination and people have approached me, talking so fast in a different language that I have no idea what they’re trying to say. If this happens to you in Spain, don’t feel overwhelmed and panic. Simply respond with “No hablo Espanol,” and they’ll likely respond back in English or smile and move on.
18. Disculpe – Excuse Me
Pronunciation: dis-culp-aye
Spain is a busy country known for its lively nightlife and bustling cities. If you find yourself in a big crowd or are trying to pass someone, say “disculpe” or “excuse me.” This phrase allows locals to know you are being kind and trying to get by.
19. La Sagrada Família – The Holy Family
Pronunciation: la sag-rah-da fam-ill-ee-ah
One of Barcelona’s most famous sites is La Sagrada Familia, or The Holy Family. This is an important phrase to know if you are asking for directions to the site, looking for signs pointing in the right direction, or simply want to know how to pronounce it correctly.
20. Palacio Real De Madrid – Royal Palace Of Madrid
Pronunciation: pal-ace-ee-oh ree-al day mah-dr-ehd
Another top attraction in Spain is the Palacio Real de Madrid, also referred to in English as the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s a stunning palace you won’t want to miss if you are visiting the capital city. Be sure to learn how to say its name in Spanish so you can ask for directions and look for signs while visiting.
Which Of These Phrases Do You Find Most Helpful To Know Before Making Your Way To Spain?
Let us know which one in the comments below!
