When you’re traveling in Spain or visiting for a holiday, it’s really useful to speak a little Spanish. It’s a fascinating language that’s surprisingly easy to pick up and just takes a little practice to perfect.
What better opportunity to practice speaking Spanish than when you are interacting with locals during your travels. To get started, you just need to know some basic words and useful phrases.
English is spoken in Spain but not everyone will speak and understand English, so why not take a little time to learn some Spanish. The effort is very much appreciated by locals. Plus it can be really helpful in more rural areas or in difficult situations.
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Phrases in Spanish you need for travel
This guide will go through the most useful phrases that you need for traveling in Spain. The simple words and sentences that will allow you ask questions in the most common holiday environments and travel situations.
We will include:
- The Spanish basics
- Phrases for using public transport
- Phrases for eating in restaurants
- Phrases for shopping
- Phrases for staying in hotels
- Phrases for difficult situations
There are a number of different languages and dialects spoken across Spain. Below are the English to Spanish (Castillian) translations.
*RELATED article: Read this guide to the different regions of Spain to learn more about how the country differs from region to region.
The Spanish basics
Hello – Hola
I am …. – Yo soy ….
I am from …. – Soy de ….
Good morning – Buenos dias
How are you? – ¿Cómo estás
I’m very well and you? – Muy bien y tu?
Thank you – Gracias
Please – Por favour
Yes – Si
No – No
Here – Aqui
There – Ahí
Now – Ahora
Later – Luego
Tomorrow – Mañana
Left – Izquierda
Right – Derecho
See you later – Hasta luego
Goodbye – Adios
*RELATED article: For more language learning tips read – 10 ways to learn Spanish for free
Spanish phrases for using public transport
Where is the station? — ¿Dónde está la estación?
What time is the train to …? — A qué hora es el tren para …?
One/ two/ three ticket to …. — Un/dos/tres bolleto a …
How much is a ticket? — ¿Cuanto questa el billete?
We need to go to …. — Tenemos que ir a ….
Where is the bus stop? — ¿Dondé esta la parade de autobus?
When is the next bus? — ¿Cuándo pasa el próximo autobús?
Which bus do we need? — ¿Que autobús necesitamos?
Spanish phrases for eating in restaurants
A table for 2 please — Una mesa para dos por favor
Can we sit outside? — ¿Podemos sentarnos afuera?
The menu please — La carta por favor
May is see the wine list? — ¿Puedo ver la lista de vinos?
Can we order drinks — Podemos pedir bebidas
What is the menu of the day?— ¿Cuál es el menú del dia?
I would like the …. — Para mi la ….
More drinks please — Más bebida por favor
The same round again — Otra ronda
Do you have dessert? — ¿Tienes postres?
The bill please — La cuenta por favor
Can I pay by card? — ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
*Related article: What to drink in Madrid and how to order like a local
Spanish phrases for shopping
Do you have …. — Tienes ….
I’m looking for …. — Estoy buscando por ….
We want …. — Queremos ….
How much is this? — ¿Cuánto cuesta este?
Can I please try this on? — ¿Puedo pobarme esto?
Do you have a bigger size? — ¿Tienes un tamaño grande?
Do you have another one? — ¿Tienes otro?
Spanish phrases for staying in hotels
Do you have a room? — ¿Tienes una habitatión disponible?
I have a reservation — Yo tengo una reservación
Is our room ready? — ¿Es nuestra habitación lista?
What time is check-in? — ¿A qué hora es check-in?
The aircon is broken — El aire acondicionado no funciona
Is breakfast included? — ¿El desayuno está incluido?
Where is the swimming pool? — ¿Donde esta la piscina?
Where is the lift? — ¿Donde esta el ascensor?
Which way to the city centre? — ¿Cuál es el centro?
Do you have a map? — ¿Tienes un mapa?
What time is check-out? — ¿Qué hora es la salida?
Call us a taxi please — Llámenos un taxi por favor
Spanish phrases for difficult situations
Help! — ¡Ayuda!
Call and ambulance — Llmar a una ambulencia
I am injured — Estoy herido
Call the police — Llama al la Policía
My bag was stolen — Mi bolso fue robardo
We are lost — Estamos perdidos
I hope this article of useful Spanish phrases has given you the confidence to try speaking some Spanish when you next travel to Spain.
Remember to start with the simple words and questions. Within no time you will be remembering how to say things in Spanish and understanding the replies.
If you are serious about learning Spanish, I recommend using the language app called Mondly. They provide a great platform that is fun and easy to use. You only need to spend 10-15 minutes a day going through the short lessons to build up your Spanish vocabulary and knowledge.
Try out the free version in the app store or sign up for the premium version via annual or monthly subscription. Seeking the Spanish Sun readers can claim 20% discount for learning Spanish with Mondly premium.
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Join up and start speaking Spanish today! 🙂
If you are visiting Spain soon you might be interested in these other guides by Seeking the Spanish Sun…
Tips for first time travel to Spain
Common misconceptions about Spain
The most delicious seafood in Spain
Why Spain is the perfect holiday destination
And check out our travel advice articles…
How to keep your valuables safe when traveling
Tips for packing only hand luggage
Very helpful!
Thanks Kasia!