Spanish is one of the five most spoken languages in the world. And if you’re coming from the U.S., you may already have a couple words down.
Still, spending time to learn basic day-to-day Spanish phrases before arriving in Spain will significantly improve your stay. Daily life will likely become a hassle if you don’t, and no student wants to be labeled an ugly tourist.
Here are 40 key Spanish phrases to learn before you study abroad.
SKIP TO TRANSLATIONS FOR …
Daily life
Eating and drinking
Emergencies and legal
Traveling
Money and purchases
14 phrases for everyday life for travel in Spain
Spain is a very social culture, so you’re going to want to know these common phrases to make the most of your interactions. Learn these words and short sentences to make simple conversations easy.
- Hello: Hola
- Goodbye: Adios
- Yes: Sí
- No: No
- Please: Por favor
- Thank you: Gracias
- I’m sorry: Lo siento
- Excuse me: Disculpe
- My name is ____: Me llamo _____
- How are you?: ¿Cómo estás?
- Where is ____?: ¿Donde es ____?
- Where is the bathroom?: ¿Dónde está el baño?
- Can you show me on this map?: ¿Puedes mostrarme en este mapa?
- I don’t understand: No entiendo
Four phrases to know for eating in Spain
You’re ready for the tapas bar. But first you’ve got to ask for the menu. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. These four basic questions will make sure you eat well.
- May I please have a menu?: El menú, por favor
- May I have the bill/check?: La cuenta, por favor
- Where is the market/grocery store?: ¿Dónde está el mercado?
- Is this water safe to drink?: ¿Es esta agua segura para beber?
11 Spanish phrases to know in an emergency while traveling
A translation app may be of little help if you need to react fast in an emergency. Learn these basic Spanish phrases in case you get into a bad situation.
- This is an emergency: Ésto es una emergencia
- Fire!: ¡Fuego!
- I need a doctor: Necesito un doctor
- I feel sick: Me siento enferma
- I need medicine: Necesito la medicina
- I’m allergic to ______: Soy alérgico a ______
- I would like to speak with a lawyer: Me gustaria hablar con un abogado
- I would like to speak with my embassy: Quisiera hablar con mi embajada
- I need help: Necesito ayuda.
- Where is the police station?: ¿Dónde está la estación de policía?
- Stop that thief!: ¡Detén a ese ladrón!
Six phrases to know while traveling throughout Spain
Getting around Spain isn’t difficult, but you’re still going to need to ask questions. Know these six Spanish phrases to make your travels easier.
- What does a ticket cost?: ¿Qué cuesta un billete?
- How long is this trip?: ¿Cuánto dura el viaje?
- When does it arrive? (for any mode of transportation): ¿Cuánto dura este viaje?
- Where is the bus stop?: ¿Dónde esta la parada de autobus?
- Where is the metro/subway?: ¿Dónde está el metro?
- Please take me to the airport: Aeropuerto, por favor
Five Spanish phrases to know when shopping
Whether you’re buying a fancy souvenir or toilet paper, you’re going to need to communicate with local store owners. These questions will help.
- How much does this cost?: ¿Cuánto cuesta este?
- Are there student rates/prices?: ¿Hay tarifas para estudiantes?
- Do you take credit cards?: ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito?
- Where can I exchange money?: ¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero?
- Where is the closest ATM?: ¿Dónde está el cajero automático?
