Essential Phrases: Spanish Words For Essential Communication While Traveling

by VisitSpain on November 23, 2008


You do not need to be a master of the Spanish language to be able to communicate effectively. You just need the most common Spanish phrases and forsure, you’ll get your message across easily. True, some people will adore your phrases spanish but ultimately, it is better to be able to properly communicate using this foreign language.

The Art of Everyday Spanish Conversation

If you only have little Spanish, you can get by using these few phrases to communicate said the trait:

• No hablo español - I don’t speak Spanish
• ¿Habla usted inglés? - Do you speak English?
• No comprendo - I do not understand
• Mas lentamente/despacio, por favor - Speak more slowly, please

Spanish Wining and Dining Made Easy

It is natural for you to get hungry and this is particularly true if you’re traveling. Whether you dine in the nearest diner, in a private home, in a fancy restaurant or an expensive hotel, the following phrase spanish are needed in communicating the needs of your stomach:

• Tengo hambre - I’m hungry
• Tengo sed - I’m thirsty
• Quiero ver el menú, por favor - I would like to see the menu, please
• Quiero pedir, por favor - I would like to order, please
• La cuenta, por favor - May I have the bill, please?

In many food establishments, menus come with pictures and famous names like patatas (potatoes), arroz (rice), pollo (chicken) and ensalada mixta (mixed salad). Majority of the travelers will just choose these. But then again, doing this is neglecting your chance to experience a whole new kind of cuisine.

Money, Money, Money

While traveling, you must be careful with your money. The following phrases should help you out in this area:

• Quiero cambiar algunos cheques de viaje, por favor - I would like to change some travelers checks, please
• ¿Dónde se puede cambiar dinero? - Where can we change some money?
• ¿Cuándo abre/cierre el banco? - When does the bank open/close?

Knowing the words related to your money will surely help you in accounting for all your bills and coins.

Doctor, Doctor I am Sick

Traveling comes with the probability of illnesses. Use these common spanish word to get the kind of medical attention that you require:

• Estoy enfermo - I’m sick.
• ¿Podría llamar a un médico, por favor? - Could you please call a doctor?

When you are face-to-face with a doctor, you shall be able to get by using a few gestures on where it hurts. In some situations, however, the need for a Spanish translator becomes paramount.

Emergency Phrases: Spanish to Get You Help

In case of emergency, use these very helpful phrases:

• ¡Socorro! - Help!
• ¿Hay una comisaría de policías cerca? - Is there a police station nearby?

You would hope that the police will be able to extend assistance especially in cases when you lost your passport or when you want to report a theft. If you’re simply lost, it should not hurt to refer to police officers.

Having these phrases in the corners of your mind will surely get you ready for that Spanish adventure. Toss that pocket English-Spanish dictionary into your suitcase and off you go to the airport. As the Spaniards will put it, ¡Tenga un viage seguro!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Zj8GyA4ys

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