Spanish Travel Phrases: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you planning on visiting a Spanish-speaking country soon? Or, simply traveling around the United States in areas with large populations of Spanish speakers? If so, learning some basic Spanish travel phrases may be helpful.

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with approximately 500 million native speakers globally. It is the official language of 20 countries, the largest of which are Mexico, Colombia, and Spain, though the United States has one of the largest populations of Spanish speakers anywhere in the world.

This guide to the most useful Spanish phrases when traveling abroad or sticking closer to home with help make travel easier. The key phrases, including greetings, polite expressions, asking for help, and ordering food will be of help in navigating new destinations and meeting new people, no matter where you’re headed.

The Spanish Alphabet: an Introduction

There are twenty-seven letters in the Spanish alphabet. It is similar to English. However, Spanish includes another letter: ñ. The ‘h’ letter sound is silent unless it is next to the letter “c,” which makes the “ch” sound almost identical to the English version. The letter ‘w’ is only used in words originating from other languages.

In Spanish, there are two genders for nearly all nouns; they can be masculine or feminine. Most nouns ending in -o are masculine, and those ending in -a are generally feminine. For example, “el libro” (the book) is masculine, and “la mesa” (the table) is feminine.

Spanish Phrases for Traveling 

Knowing some basic terms in the local language is always helpful when traveling. Here are some essential Spanish travel phrases.

Greetings in Spanish

Hola / Buenas (informal)

Meaning: Just a simple “hello,” nothing too fancy.

Buenos días / buenas tardes / buenas noches

Meaning: Good morning / Good afternoon / Good night.

“Buenas noches“ means good evening or good night. These are polite phrases to use when greeting someone, depending on the time of day.

Mucho gusto

Meaning: nice to meet you.

“Mucho gusto“ is a great phrase when first meeting someone. You can also say “encantado” (for a male) or “encantada” (for a female), which has the same meaning.

¿Cómo te llamas?

Meaning: What is your name?

“Cómo te llamas” is a great way to start a conversation with someone new. You can answer with “me llamo…” (my name is…)

¿Qué tal? / ¿Cómo estás?

Meaning: How are you?

Use this phrase as a greeting and a way to start a conversation when you meet someone new.

Muy bien, gracias. 

Meaning: Very well, thank you.

“Muy bien, gracias” is an excellent response to “¿Qué tal?” You can return the question by saying, “¿Y tú?” (and you?)

Estoy aquí para.

Meaning: I’m here for.

Use this phrase to tell someone why you are in town or your purpose. For example, “Estoy aquí para trabajar” means “I’m here for work.”

Buen viaje

Meaning: Have a safe trip.

“Buen viaje” is a great phrase when saying goodbye to someone traveling.

Adiós/ Chao

Meaning: Goodbye.

“Adiós” is a common way to say goodbye in Spanish. You can also use the phrases “hasta luego” (see you later) or “nos vemos” (see you).

Spanish Etiquette 

Gracias

Meaning: Thank you

Thank you is the simplest way to express gratitude. “Gracias” and “muchas gracias” (thank you very much) are both commonly used.

De nada

Meaning: You’re welcome.

Use this great phrase when someone thanks you. It’s a typical response to “gracias.”

Disculpa / perdón

Meaning: Excuse me/ I’m sorry

To get someone’s attention or interrupt someone, use “disculpa.” For small apologies, use “perdón.”

Por favor

Meaning: Please.

Use “por favor” to be polite when you ask for something or need someone’s help.

¿Tú hablas inglés?

Meaning: “Do you speak English?”

If you encounter communication difficulties, use “¿Habla inglés?” Expect the conversation to revert immediately to English or for them to say something like “un poco,” which means “a little.”

Sí /No

Meaning: Yes/ no.

You likely already know these two words. Luckily, they are easy to remember!

Lo siento

Meaning: I’m sorry.

We say “lo siento” to apologize for a mistake we have made that made the other person feel bad. We also use it to apologize for situations outside of our control. For example, a sick friend.

Asking For Help in Spanish

¿Me ayuda?

Meaning: Can you help me?

“¿Me ayuda?” is an excellent phrase when you need assistance or directions.

No comprendo / No entiendo

Meaning: I don’t understand.

If you get lost in a conversation and need clarification, don’t be afraid to say that you don’t understand.

¿Cómo se dice…?

Meaning: How do you say…?

If you want to learn a word or phrase, ask, “¿Cómo se dice…?.” People are happy to help when you ask! For example, “como se dice ‘bank’ en español?” is essentially asking someone how you say the word ‘bank’ in Spanish.

Yo no hablo español

Meaning: I don’t speak Spanish.

If someone tries to communicate with you in Spanish, you can tell them you don’t speak the language.

¿Dónde está…?

Meaning: Where is…?

“¿Dónde está…?” will come in handy when you ask for directions. For example, you can ask, “¿Dónde está el baño?” which means “Where is the bathroom?”

At the Shop

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Meaning: How much is it?

You’ll need to know this phrase when shopping for souvenirs or anything else in stores.

Una Bolsa

Meaning: A bag.

If you are in the supermarket and want a plastic bag to put your groceries in, ask for “una bolsa.”

Vas a pagar con efectivo o tarjeta de crédito?

Meaning: “Will you pay with cash or credit card?””

You will likely be asked how you wish to pay when buying something. You can reply with “pagaré en efectivo” (I will pay by cash) or “pagaré con tarjeta” (I will pay by card).

“Puedo pagar con dólares?”

Meaning: Can I pay in dollars?

If you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country from the US, it’s always worth asking if they accept dollars. In some places, they do!

At a Restaurant

La carta / el menu

Meaning: The menu

If you are in Spain and want to order from the full menu, ask for “La carte.” “La carte” is usually for more formal restaurants, while “el menú del día” usually consists of three courses for a set price.

¿Qué me recomienda? 

Meaning: What do you recommend?

Copa Bienvenida

Welcome drink

Entrada 

Appetizer

Plato Principal 

Main Course

Postre 

Dessert

Bebida

Drink

Cerveza 

Beer

Vino 

Wine

Agua 

Water

Refresco 

Soft Drink

Café 

Coffee

Té 

Tea

Buen provecho

Meaning: Enjoy your meal

Spanish speakers say, “buen provecho” when someone is about to eat.

La cuenta, por favor

Meaning: The bill, please.

Ask for the bill, “la cuenta,” at the restaurant. Research the tip amount beforehand so you’re not caught off guard!

Having Fun at a Fiesta 

¡Bailemos! 

Meaning: Let’s dance!

Assuming you haven’t already heard the famous song by CNCO, “¡Bailemos!” is a fun phrase to use when you go out with friends.

¿Quieres bailar?

Meaning: Do you want to dance?

If they say yes, then you’re in for a fun time!

¡Salud!

Meaning: Cheers!

“¡Salud!” is a common way to say “cheers” when drinking with friends. “Salud” is a Spanish phrase that also means “bless you.” For example, if someone sneezes, you can say, “¡Salud!”

¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono?

Meaning: What is your phone number?

Use this phrase if you want to exchange numbers with someone.

¡Buena suerte!

Meaning: Good luck.

Wish someone good luck before they embark on a new endeavor or if you want to wish them well for the future.

Expressing Feelings in Spanish

Yo Quiero… / Yo No Quiero

Meaning: I want

Me gusta/ No me gusta

Meaning: I like… / I don’t like

Tengo hambre / Tengo sed

Meaning: I’m hungry / I’m thirsty.

Necesito ir al baño

Meaning: I need to go to the bathroom.

Tengo calor

Meaning: I’m hot

Street Signs in Spanish

Pare 

Stop

Ceda el Paso

Yield

No Estacionar

No Parking

Prohibido Fumar

No Smoking

 Calle

Street

Avenida (Avda.) 

Avenue

Plaza

Square

Puente 

Bridge

Parque 

Park

Museo

Museum

Spanish Transport Phrases

The following phrases will come in handy when using public transport in a Spanish-speaking destination.

¿Cuándo sale el próximo tren/autobús a…?

Meaning: When is the next train/bus to…?

¿Dónde está la parada de…?

Meaning: Where is the stop for…?

¿Cuánto cuesta el billete a…?/ ¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje a…?

Meaning: How much is the ticket to…?

Do I Need to Learn the Local Language to Travel?

Many people ask this question when planning a trip to a foreign country. If you plan on staying in tourist areas and never straying too far from English-speaking people, you probably won’t need to learn a new language.

Learning a language is not an easy task. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the US Department of State says it takes an English learner approximately 600-750 class hours to learn Spanish. An online language learning provider, such as Lingoda, can give you a more accurate estimate based on your level and how much time you’re willing to commit per week.

However, if you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture and experience everything the country offers, it is worth learning some basic phrases.

Not only will you be able to communicate more effectively with locals, but they will appreciate your efforts to learn their language. It’s a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories!

Brushing Up On Your Spanish

As you can see, there are numerous Spanish phrases for travelers. Add these to your list of essential phrases before your next trip.

Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll become at speaking Spanish. Don’t be afraid to start conversations with locals and make mistakes. It’s all part of the learning process!

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.