My Account
by Sam Leaver
-7 September 2017
Blogs
Spain
Home > Latest News > 13 must-know phrases for your next visit to Spain…
13 must-know phrases for your next visit to Spain…
You’ve booked your ticket and your bags are packed for your next Spanish adventure, but what could make your holiday even better? Learning the language of course!
To celebrate European day of languages we’ve put together 13 essential phrases to help you mix with the locals on your next trip to Spain or a Spanish-speaking country. Remember, a little bit of effort goes a long way with Spanish people.
Here are a few phrases to get you started…
It’s always useful to be able to greet the maid or other hotel staff when you meet them. You can start with:
- Good morning — Buenos días (used all morning)
- Good afternoon — Buenas tardes (used until late afternoon/early evening)
- Good evening — Buenas noches (used more when going to bed)
- You may be greeted with someone asking how you are or you may even wish to ask:
- How are you? – Cómo está?
- I am fine – Estoy bien, gracias
Once you’re unpacked it might be straight to the bar/restaurant, where the following phrases might come in handy:
- I would like a bottle of red/white wine, (or water) please – Una botella de vino tinto/blanco, (o agua) por favor, or….
- A beer, please – Una cerveza, por favor (Or Dos or Tres or…)
- Can I have a menu please? – La carta, por favor
It might come in handy to be able to ask if they have your favourite things:
- Do you have…? – Tiene…?
- A cup of tea, please – Una taza de té, por favor
Asking for the bill may be universally signalled with a scribble on your hand using your imaginary pen, but imagine how impressed the camarero/a (waiter/waitress) will be if you ask in Spanish.
- Can I have the bill, please? – La cuenta, por favor
After all that tasty tapas you might want to say thanks and leave a tip:
- Thank you. This is for you –Muchas gracias. Esto es para usted.
And finally, when saying goodbye the Spanish tend to use:
- Hasta luego – see you later (rather than adios, unless you’re never likely to see them again!)
Good luck (Buena suerte) trying out these phrases and enjoy your next break!
PS. Don’t forget to organise you Travel Insurance for your next trip to Spain. We’ll compare multiple insurers for you to find you a policy to suit your needs. Visit our dedicated Spain page over in our Destination Centre for more informaiton.
Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Compare up to 48 prices online in minutes with cover for hundreds pre-existing medical conditions including heart conditions, diabetes and cancer. Prefer to speak to someone?
Travel Insurance: Single Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip
As we head into a new year, booking a holiday is usually high on many people's 'to do list' to beat the January blues. Typically more than 5 million...
Europe’s top 10 Christmas markets
The countdown to Christmas is on. This week we've got something to help you get into the Christmas spirit as we look at 10 of the best Christmas...
Travel Insurance Checklist – Everything you need to know
We know that Travel Insurance can be complex especially for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, so we have pulled together our go-to...
