Spanish words for Tourists

Coming to a Spanish-speaking country but don’t speak a word of Spanish? Don’t worry, AIL Malaga is here to help you! We will teach you all you need to know in order to make yourself understood. Everybody will soon think you are a true Spaniard!

So you don’t end up lost in a flow of incomprehensible words, we have prepared the most important things you’ll need to know. You will be able to greet, ask questions and talk about leisure. But be careful, because the Spanish language is addictive – once you have started learning you might not want to stop!

1. Polite phrases

In any country you visit it is necessary and advisable to know the basic polite phrases. Spaniards will love that you’re making an effort to speak their language, so don’t be hesitant to use these basics – you only will be more appreciated!

Here are the phrases you’ll need to know:

Buenos días/Hola: Good morning
Buenas tardes: Good afternoon
Buenas noches: Good evening
Adiós: Bye
Hasta luego: See you later
Hasta mañana: See you tomorrow
Gracias: Thank you
Por favor: Please
Disculpa: Excuse me
Perdón: Sorry

2. Getting help

As a tourist, you will not know the city and will most likely need to ask for some information at one point or other. If you don’t speak Spanish, it can be difficult or intimidating to ask locals… But never fear – we are here to help you prepare yourself

Here’s how to ask questions or make requests:

¿Me podría ayudar…?: Could you help me?
¿Podría traernos…?: Could you bring us…?
¿Tiene…?: Do you have…?
¿Hay…?: Is there…? :
¿Dónde está…?: Where is…?
Estoy buscando…: I’m looking for…
¿Qué es esto?: What is this?
Voy a tomar…: I will take (order)…
Querría…: I would like…

3. Understand better

For foreigners it can often be complicated to understand when Spanish people are speaking – the Spanish are well known for their fast-paced conversation! This could potentially lead to embarrassing (but hopefully funny) misunderstandings.

Let’s help you avoid that – use the following to help yourself to better understand!

¿Qué?: What?
Lo siento, no entiendo: Sorry, I don’t understand
Disculpe, pero no he entendido: Excuse me, but I didn’t understand
No hablo español: I don’t speak Spanish
Hablo un poquito español: I speak a little Spanish
¿Podría repetir más despacio por favor?: Could you repeat more slowly please?

4. Leisure activities