Whether you’re navigating Barcelona’s bustling streets, charming the locals in Seville or simply trying not to look too confused at a tapas bar, these phrases will be your new best friends. Say them with confidence, say them with flair and if all else fails, say them with a smile and wild hand gestures.
Let’s dive in, amigos.
1. Hola – Hello
🗣️ Pronounced: OH-lah
Let’s start simple. “Hola” is the Spanish handshake, the vocal nod, the international ice-breaker. Use it with literally everyone, it’s friendly, casual and much nicer than awkward silence.
💡Use it when: You walk into a shop, pass someone in a corridor or lock eyes with someone handing out churros.
2. Por favor – Please
🗣️ Pronounced: por fah-VOR
It’s polite, it’s universal and it makes you instantly 73% more likeable. “Por favor” is the golden glue of Spanish conversation. Pair it with anything and you’ll sound lovely and respectful — even if you’re butchering the rest of the sentence.
💡Use it when: Ordering food, asking directions or begging for the last slice of tortilla.
3. Gracias – Thank you
🗣️ Pronounced: GRAH-thyass (in Spain) or GRAH-syass (in Latin America)
Whether you’re handed a coffee, directions or unsolicited life advice, “gracias” is your go-to. Use it generously. Spaniards love manners almost as much as they love jamón.
💡Use it when: You want to charm a waiter, impress your Airbnb host or win over a taxi driver who just saved you from walking 3 km in the wrong direction.
4. ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the toilet?
🗣️ Pronounced: DON-day ess-TAH el BAH-nyo
An essential phrase when your sangria intake has outpaced your Google Maps skills. “Baño” (literally, “bath”) is the polite way to ask where you can, erm, take care of business.
💡Use it when: Your bladder’s full and your dignity’s still intact.
5. Quisiera… – I would like…
🗣️ Pronounced: kee-SYEH-rah
Forget the clunky “Yo quiero”. “Quisiera” is the smoother, politer way of saying you’d like something, like you’re the kind of person who uses napkins and says thank you.
💡Use it when: Ordering food, buying tickets or asking for extra olives without sounding demanding.
6. ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
🗣️ Pronounced: KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah
Before you accidentally spend €37 on a novelty sombrero, make friends with this phrase. It’s your trusty sidekick in markets, shops and anywhere a price tag is suspiciously absent.
💡Use it when: Shopping in local markets or fending off overpriced souvenir traps.
7. No hablo español – I don’t speak Spanish
🗣️ Pronounced: no AH-bloh ess-pahn-YOL
Honesty is the best policy, especially when your attempt at “dónde está el museo” ends with someone giving you directions in rapid-fire Spanish. This one buys you sympathy and often a switch to English.
💡Use it when: The conversation has escalated beyond your Duolingo knowledge.
8. ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
🗣️ Pronounced: AH-blah een-GLAYS
Polite, practical and very handy when you’re out of linguistic ammo. Most people in tourist areas speak at least a little English but it’s nice to ask.
💡Use it when: You’re in a pickle and need help beyond miming and pointing at maps.
9. Estoy perdido/perdida – I’m lost
🗣️ Pronounced: ess-TOY pair-DEE-doh (if you’re male) / pair-DEE-dah (if you’re female)
You will get lost. It’s part of the fun. But when you do, this phrase is your ticket to local help (or at least a good-natured shrug and a point in some direction).
💡Use it when: You’ve ended up in a charming alley that doesn’t exist on Google Maps.
10. ¡Está riquísimo! – It’s delicious!
🗣️ Pronounced: ess-TAH ree-KEE-see-moh
Say this after a meal and watch your waiter beam with joy. It’s the highest compliment for a Spanish dish and the easiest way to secure another round of tapas without even asking.
💡Use it when: That paella blows your mind and you want to show some culinary gratitude.
🌟 Bonus Tip: Say Everything With Confidence
Even if you pronounce “baño” like “banjo” or say “queso” like “chaos”, Spaniards will still appreciate the effort. It’s the thought that counts — and the smile helps too.
Final Word of Wisdom?
Speak, stumble, laugh and learn. Spanish isn’t just a language but it’s a vibe. And when you try (even terribly), you’re embracing the culture, which is the whole point of travelling in the first place.
Now go forth, traveller and conquer Spain one “gracias” at a time. 🇪🇸✨
