Or how to ask for free WiFi when travelling in Spanish speaking countries. The 20 phrases in spanish for travel listed below will help you to move around and cover the basic needs of a modern traveler.
Learning a new language is one of the best ways to get to know a culture. In addition to the obvious benefits of being able to communicate with locals, you’ll also be able to better understand other cultures’ gestures and body language. This is very helpful when you’re traveling to South America o any country that speak Spanish!
The good news: Even if you’re not planning on going anywhere soon, learning some basic phrases in Spanish can have immediate benefits as well. After all, we live in an increasingly globalized world where English may not be spoken everywhere – and even if it is, knowing another language can help make someone else feel more comfortable around you. Plus, learning Spanish is such an enriching cultural experience that it feels like its own reward!
Basic Phrases in Spanish
| Spanish | English | Context |
| “Buenos Días” | (good morning) | Buenos días (good morning) is the Spanish way of saying good morning. It can be used in any context, even when speaking to someone who has just woken up, or as a greeting to someone you haven’t seen for a long time. |
| “Buenas tardes” | (good afternoon) | “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon) and “buenas noches” (good evening) are both used to greet people in the afternoon or evening. These greetings can be used interchangeably, which makes them even more useful when trying to greet someone who may not know exactly what time it is. |
| ¿Qué tal/Cómo va?” | (how are you?) | “¿Qué tal/Cómo va?” (how are you?). This question is used to see how a person is doing. |
| “Gracias” | (thank you) | “Gracias” (thank you) This is the most common way to say thank you in Spanish, and it can be used for many different contexts. For example: “Gracias por ayudarme con mi maleta (Thank you for helping me with my luggage).” “¡Gracias! Estoy muy feliz de conocerte (Thanks! I’m very happy to meet you).” |
| “De nada” | (you’re welcome) | If someone thanks you, saying “de nada” is a great way to tell them that their thanks are not necessary. In fact, it means something like “you’re welcome,” and can be used when someone says thank you to you or says thank you to someone else. |
| “Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted?” | (Very well, thanks. And you?) | This is the answer we give when we are asked how we are doing. The most correct thing to say is that we are fine, and ask how the other person is. |
| “Por favor” | (please) | “Por favor” is a very useful word to know if you’re traveling in a Spanish-speaking country. It can mean “please,” but it also has a few other meanings that are important to know. When asking for something, use “por “favor. For example: “Por favor, necesito leche” literally translates to “Please I need milk.” This could be useful when ordering food or asking for something at the grocery store! |
| “¿Cuánto cuesta?” | (How much does it cost?) | This is the most common way to ask about prices or costs. |
| “Lo siento. No entiendo. ¿Puedes hablar más despacio por favor?” | (I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Can you speak more slowly?) | We can use this phrase when a native speaker is talking to us and we don’t understand him/her. |
| “Hablo solo un poco de español “ | (I speak only a little bit of Spanish) | You can also use this phrase if a native speaker is talking to you in Spanish and you want to let him/her know that you don’t speak his/her language and that you only understand him/her a little bit. |
| “¿Dónde está…?” | (Where is…?) | Asking “¿Dónde está…?” is one of the most universal ways to ask for help. This simple phrase can be used in all sorts of situations, from when you’re lost and can’t find your way, to ask for a place. |
| “Me llamo…” | (My name is…) | You can use this to give your name to anyone you meet on your trip. It can be a new friend or to give your personal information at the hotel. |
| “¿Tiene WiFi?” | (Do you have Wi-Fi?) | Use this phrase when looking for free Wi-Fi at your hotel, cafe or restaurant. |
| “Me duele la cabeza/el estómago” | (my head/stomach is hurting.) | You can use this phrase if you’re feeling ill, whether it be a headache or stomachache. You can also use it if you are in pain due to an injury such as a cut or broken bone. If you have the flu, use “estoy enfermo/a” (I am sick). |
| “¿Dónde queda el aeropuerto?” | (Where is the airport?) | If you have to return home after a vacation, you can ask for the airport with this simple phrase. |
| “¿Qué hora es?” | (What time is it?) | In case you don’t have a watch or your phone is out of battery, you can use this phrase. |
| “¿Hay algún buen restaurante cerca?” | (Is there a good restaurant nearby?) | If you are hungry and want to try some local food, then use this phrase. |
| ¿Estoy perdido, me puede ayudar?” | (I am lost, can you help me?) | Use this phrase if you don’t have a GPS or a map to direct you somewhere. |
| “¿Puede darme un vaso de agua?” | (Can I have a glass of water?) | If you are thirsty during your trip, use this phrase in a restaurant. Please make sure to only drink purified water. The tab water in most countries abroad is not safe to drink. |
| “¿Podrías darme su número de teléfono/correo electrónico?” | (Could you give me your phone number/email?) | If you want to keep in touch with someone you met on the trip, you can use this phrase to get their phone number or email. |
The best way to learn Spanish is by practicing it every day. There are so many different ways to practice your Spanish, but the most important thing is that you keep at it. With these 20 sentences in Spanish, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this beautiful language!