Traveling to Spain soon? 🌍✈️
Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and more connected. While many Spaniards speak English (especially in big cities), locals truly appreciate when visitors make the effort to speak their language — even just a little!
Here’s a quick guide to useful Spanish phrases for tourists, covering greetings, dining, directions, shopping, and emergencies. ¡Vamos! 🇪🇸
👋 1. Greetings & Basics
Start with the essentials! These friendly greetings will help you sound polite and approachable.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
Good morning | Buenos días | BWEH-nos DEE-as |
Good afternoon | Buenas tardes | BWEH-nas TAR-des |
Good evening / night | Buenas noches | BWEH-nas NO-ches |
Goodbye | Adiós | ah-dee-OHS |
Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
You’re welcome | De nada | de NAH-dah |
Excuse me | Perdón / Disculpe | pehr-DOHN / dis-KOOL-peh |
Yes / No | Sí / No | see / no |
💡 Tip: A smile goes a long way — pair it with “gracias” and you’ll fit right in!
🍽️ 2. At Restaurants & Cafés
Food is one of Spain’s greatest pleasures — and knowing what to say can make your dining experience even better!
English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
A table for two, please. | Una mesa para dos, por favor. | OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dos por fah-VOR |
The menu, please. | El menú, por favor. | el meh-NOO por fah-VOR |
What do you recommend? | ¿Qué recomienda? | keh reh-koh-MYEHN-dah |
I would like… | Quisiera… | kee-SYEH-rah |
The bill, please. | La cuenta, por favor. | lah CWEN-tah por fah-VOR |
Delicious! | ¡Delicioso! | deh-lee-SYO-so |
Water / Wine / Coffee | Agua / Vino / Café | AH-gwah / VEE-no / kah-FEH |
🍷 Fun fact: In Spain, tipping isn’t mandatory — but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is always appreciated.
🗺️ 3. Asking for Directions
Lost? No worries! These phrases will help you find your way.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
Where is…? | ¿Dónde está…? | DON-deh ehs-TAH |
…the bus station? | …la estación de autobuses? | lah ehs-tah-SYON deh ow-toh-BOO-ses |
…the train station? | …la estación de tren? | lah ehs-tah-SYON deh tren |
…the bathroom? | …el baño? | el BAH-nyo |
Left / Right / Straight | Izquierda / Derecha / Todo recto | ees-KYEHR-dah / deh-REH-chah / TOH-doh REHK-toh |
How far is it? | ¿Qué tan lejos está? | keh tan LEH-hos ehs-TAH |
🧭 Tip: Locals are friendly — even if they don’t speak English, they’ll often try their best to help with gestures!
🛍️ 4. Shopping & Souvenirs
Whether you’re in a local market or boutique, these phrases will help you shop with ease.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | CWAN-toh CWES-tah |
It’s too expensive. | Es muy caro. | ehs mwee KAH-ro |
Do you have a smaller size? | ¿Tiene una talla más pequeña? | TYEH-neh OO-nah TAH-yah mahs peh-KEH-nyah |
Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah |
I’ll take it. | Me lo llevo. | meh loh YEH-bo |
👜 Tip: Bargaining isn’t common in Spanish stores, but you can find good deals in markets or local artisan shops.
🚑 5. Emergencies & Health
In case of an emergency, it’s helpful to know these key phrases.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
Help! | ¡Ayuda! | ah-YOO-dah |
Call the police! | ¡Llame a la policía! | YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah |
I need a doctor. | Necesito un médico. | neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh |
I don’t feel well. | No me siento bien. | noh meh SYEN-toh byen |
I’m lost. | Estoy perdido/a. | ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh / pehr-DEE-dah |
🚨 Emergency numbers in Spain:
- Police: 091
- Ambulance: 112
💬 Bonus: Everyday Expressions You’ll Hear Often
Spanish | Meaning | When to Use |
Vale | Okay / Alright | Everyday response to agree |
¿Qué tal? | How’s it going? | Casual greeting |
¡Qué bonito! | How beautiful! | Complimenting places or things |
¡Vamos! | Let’s go! | Excitement or motivation |
¡Salud! | Cheers / Bless you | When drinking or sneezing |
🇪🇸 Speak, Smile, and Explore Spain!
You don’t need to be fluent to connect — even a few words in Spanish can make locals smile and open up to you.
Use these phrases, stay confident, and enjoy the authentic warmth of Spanish hospitality wherever you go!
¡Buen viaje y disfruta España! ✈️🌞
