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!

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