Are you ready for an exciting trip to Spain but worried about not speaking the language? Don’t worry! With our essential Spanish phrases, you’ll move around easily and dive into Spain’s vibrant culture. These phrases are perfect for both new and experienced travelers. They’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Learn how to say hello to locals, order tasty tapas, and get around the beautiful cities. This guide gives you the Spanish words you need to know. Let’s start your journey to becoming a confident traveler in Spain!
Essential Greetings and Courtesies
Starting your Spanish journey? Learning key greetings and manners is key. You’ll get to say hello and goodbye, show thanks and say sorry, and ask for help and directions in Spanish.
Saying Hello and Goodbye
When you get to Spain, say “¡Hola!” (Hello!) or “Buenos días” (Good morning) to be friendly. Saying “Adiós” (Goodbye) or “Hasta luego” (See you later) as you leave makes a good first impression. These greetings show respect for the culture.
Expressing Gratitude and Apologies
Saying thank you is important in Spain. Use “Gracias” (Thank you) and “Muchas gracias” (Thank you very much) to be polite. If you’re sorry, say “Lo siento” (I’m sorry) or “Disculpe” (Excuse me) to keep good relations.
Asking for Help and Directions
In Spain, you might need help or directions. Use “¿Puede ayudarme?” (Can you help me?) and “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?) for a smooth trip. Don’t be shy to ask locals or hotel staff for help or tips.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ¡Hola! | Hello! | Informal greeting |
| Buenos días | Good morning | Formal greeting |
| Adiós | Goodbye | Farewell |
| Hasta luego | See you later | Casual farewell |
| Gracias | Thank you | Expressing gratitude |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | Expressing deep gratitude |
| Lo siento | I’m sorry | Apologizing |
| Disculpe | Excuse me | Getting attention politely |
| ¿Puede ayudarme? | Can you help me? | Asking for assistance |
| ¿Dónde está…? | Where is…? | Asking for directions |
Navigating Transportation and Accommodations
Traveling in Spain is easier with Spanish phrases for transport and hotels. Knowing how to book flights and hotels makes your trip better. You can book flights, train tickets, and ask about hotel services easily.
Booking Flights and Trains
To book a flight or train, say “Quiero reservar un vuelo/tren a…” and your destination. Ask “¿A qué hora sale el vuelo/tren?” for the departure time. Here are key phrases for booking:
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| I want to book a flight to Madrid. | Quiero reservar un vuelo a Madrid. |
| What time does the train to Barcelona leave? | ¿A qué hora sale el tren a Barcelona? |
| Is there a direct flight/train? | ¿Hay un vuelo/tren directo? |
| How much is a one-way/round-trip ticket? | ¿Cuánto cuesta un billete de ida/ida y vuelta? |
Checking In and Out of Hotels
At the hotel, say “Tengo una reserva” at the front desk. They might ask for your passport or ID. When leaving, say “Me gustaría hacer el check-out” to check out. Here are useful phrases:
- Tengo una reserva a nombre de… (I have a reservation under the name…)
- ¿A qué hora es el check-in/check-out? (What time is check-in/check-out?)
- ¿Puedo tener una llave extra? (Can I have an extra key?)
- ¿Dónde está el ascensor? (Where is the elevator?)
Asking About Amenities and Services
Ask about hotel services like “¿Hay wifi gratis?” or “¿A qué hora sirven el desayuno?” during your stay. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Here are common questions:
- ¿Hay servicio de habitaciones? (Is there room service?)
- ¿Dónde está el gimnasio? (Where is the gym?)
- ¿A qué hora abre/cierra la piscina? (What time does the pool open/close?)
- ¿Puedo reservar un tour o excursión? (Can I book a tour or excursion?)
Knowing these phrases makes your Spanish trip easier. You’ll handle your travel and hotel needs with ease.
Dining Out and Ordering Food
Start your food adventure in Spain by learning key Spanish phrases. Walk into a restaurant and say “¿Puedo ver el menú?” to get the menu. Ask “¿Qué me recomienda?” to find out what the server suggests.
When you’re ready to order, say “Quiero…” or “Me gustaría…” and then the dish you want. Remember to ask for the bill with “La cuenta, por favor” after your meal.
Learn about Spain’s food culture by understanding menu terms. Know the difference between “primeros platos” (appetizers) and “segundos platos” (main courses). Look for dishes like “paella,” “gazpacho,” and “tortilla española.”
Follow these tips for good Spanish dining manners:
- Greet your server with a friendly “Hola” or “Buenas tardes”
- Put your napkin on your lap and keep your elbows off the table
- Use utensils for most dishes, but use your hands for bread and tapas
- Enjoy your meal slowly, as eating is a big part of Spanish culture
When you enjoy your food, tell the chef it was great with “Estaba delicioso.” This shows you appreciate the meal and the chef’s work.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Puedo ver el menú? | Can I see the menu? | Requesting the menu |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? | Asking for recommendations |
| Quiero… / Me gustaría… | I want… / I would like… | Placing an order |
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. | Requesting the check |
| Estaba delicioso. | It was delicious. | Complimenting the food |
Shopping and Making Purchases
Exploring markets and shops in Spain is fun with the right phrases. Knowing how to ask for prices and what you like makes shopping better. These phrases help you shop with confidence and ease.
Asking for Prices and Discounts
It’s key to ask for prices and discounts to get good deals. When you see something you like, ask “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?). For discounts, ask “¿Hay algún descuento?” (Is there any discount?). These phrases help you find great deals and stay on budget.
Expressing Preferences and Needs
When looking at unique items and crafts, tell the seller what you want. Say “Estoy buscando…” (I’m looking for…) to describe what you want, like “Estoy buscando un vestido de verano” (I’m looking for a summer dress). If you need something specific, say “Necesito…” (I need…), like “Necesito un regalo para mi hermana” (I need a gift for my sister). This way, you’ll find the perfect items to remember your trip by.
Completing Transactions and Payments
After picking out items, it’s time to pay. Tell the shopkeeper you’re ready with “Me lo llevo” (I’ll take it). Ask about payment options with “¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito?” (Do you accept credit cards?). If you want to pay cash, say “Pagaré en efectivo” (I’ll pay in cash). These phrases make paying easy, so you can enjoy shopping more.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | Asking for the price of an item |
| ¿Hay algún descuento? | Is there any discount? | Inquiring about available discounts |
| Estoy buscando… | I’m looking for… | Expressing your preferences and interests |
| Necesito… | I need… | Communicating your specific requirements |
| Me lo llevo | I’ll take it | Confirming your decision to purchase an item |
| ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito? | Do you accept credit cards? | Asking about accepted payment methods |
Mastering Spanish Travel Phrases A2
Now, you’ve learned the basic Spanish travel phrases. It’s time to improve your skills. Your Native Teacher helps you learn more and feel more confident.
With Your Native Teacher, you get 1-on-1 online lessons made just for you. These lessons let you practice with native speakers. You’ll learn how to talk like a local and get ready for your trip to Spain.
Expanding Your Vocabulary with Your Native Teacher
Your Native Teacher’s tutors will teach you more words and phrases. You’ll learn special words and sayings that locals use. This makes talking with people in Spain more fun and real.
Practicing with Native Speakers in 1-on-1 Online Spanish Lessons
Practicing is important to get better at Spanish travel phrases. Learning with native speakers is the best way to do this. Your Native Teacher offers lessons where you can practice and get help right away. These lessons will make you more confident in Spain.
