Overview

So, you're in Spain, you're on a walk, sun is shining, got a cafe con hielo in your hands, you hear the birds chirping, you feel the warm breeze graze your skin, and op- someone stops to speak to you... and you don't undertsand a word 🥶 We've been there, and we get it- Spanish is hard when you don't know a single word (besides Hola, of course). Not to mention, it's quite a fast language! But don't worry, with this guide (and realistically a few spanish lessons, talking to locals, immersing yourself, and okay- maybe not but it's nice to think that) you'll be a local in no time! 

Basics 🕺🏼

Let's start at the very top. These are some words you can throw around even before arriving to Spain. Quick tip: In Spanish, you don't pronounce the 'h' sound (so Hola = Ola). 

Hello = Hola

Please = Por favor

Sorry =  Lo siento

Excuse me = Perdon

Thank you (so much) = (Muchas) Gracias

Yes = Si

No = No

Maybe = Tal vez

But = Pero

Goodbye = Adios. 

Conversing 💬

Now, let's turn it up a notch 🔥 Full sentences! Now you really sound Spanish. Oh, by the way, the letter ñ in Spanish is equivelant to the sound 'nya' (so España = Espanya). 

What is your name? = Qual es tu nombre?

How are you? = Que tal?

Do you speak English? = Hablas Ingles?

I don't speak a lot of Spanish, sorry! = No hablo mucho español, lo siento! 

Where is the bathroom? = Donde está el baño?

Can you help me, please? = Me puedes ayudar, por favor? 

Food and Eating Out 🥘

This section is probably, obviously, the most important, so pay attention 🍴. The basics to get you eating like a local. Another phonetic fun fact: in Spanish, the letter 'b' and 'v' sound the same- and sound more like 'b' than 'v' (so vamos = bamos). Oh, and while we're at it, a "ll" in Spanish is equivelant to a 'y' or 'j' sound (so llavar = javar).

 Menu = La carta

A table for ___ people, please = Mesa para ___ personas, por favor.

To have here = Tomar aqui

For takeaway = Para llaver

Can we play please? = Podemos pagar por favor?

The bill, please = La cuenta, por favor.

We're good for now, thanks. = Estamos bien, gracias.

Sit only to drink = Para tomar algo.

How tasty! = Que rico!

 Very good!= Muy bien!

Tap water = Agua de grifo.

Dessert = Postre.

Shopping 🛍️

A good one, and an importnat one with all the awesome markets in Spain. And you guessed it, another phonetic piece of advice: a 'j' in Spanish is equivilent to an 'h' sound (so, tarjeta = tarheta). 

Very expensive! = Muy caro!

Very cheap = Muy barato

How much does it cost? = Cuanto cuesta?

Can I have a bag, please? = Me da una bolsa, por favor?

With card, please = Con tarjeta, por favor.

 Alright, that's plenty for now. Go on then, go behave like a local with all the Spanish you know now. Send this to others that might find is useful. Oh, and if you need an excuse to use all the Spanish you now know, why not apply to be an intern in Valencia or Seville (it's free!)

Hasta luego! (That means see you later 😉)