Ten
words learned might be the difference between a difficult situation easily
resolved and one that turns into a vacation nightmare. The same ten words might
be the difference between making a real connection with a foreign culture or
returning home with little to share from your trip.
Not
everyone has the time to study
Spanish formally, but everyone
has the time to learn at least ten Spanish words to make their trip that little
bit more fulfilling.
1. Gracias / Por favor
Gracias = Thank you
Por favor = Please
Even
if you can’t speak Spanish there’s no reason to leave your manners at home.
Being able to thank someone for their troubles or ask them politely for help or
information is important. You’ll feel a lot better when dining in restaurants
and buying things in stores if you can at least say “please” and “thank you” to
those around you in their native language.
2. Disculpe = Sorry / Excuse me
“Disculpe”
can be used to mean both “sorry” and “excuse me,” depending on the context of
the situation. For example, if you happen to bump into somebody, you can use
the word “disculpe” to show that it wasn’t your intention. If you want to ask
someone for help on the street, you can use “disculpe” to catch their attention
in a polite way, just like you would when saying, “excuse me,” back home. As
with please and thank you, “disculpe” is an important Spanish word to have to
hand to portray a polite demeanor with natives at all times.
3. Pasaporte = Passport
It
might seem like an obvious choice, but you might be requested to show your
passport at any time. It’s advantageous to know what you’re being asked to
provide, whether this be when in the company of immigration officials or
transport agencies / tour operators if you end up buying national travel tickets
during your stay. If you lose your passport, you will also be very keen to
report the loss and find out what the next steps might be that you would have
to take. “Pasaporte” is a vital Spanish word for foreigners a long way from
home.
4. Dónde? = Where?
The
first in the line of useful Spanish question words, “dónde?” will be one of the
Spanish words you’re most likely to use when spending time with
Spanish-speaking natives. Whether you’re traveling, working, studying or
interning in a Spanish-speaking community, you will need to find out how to get
to certain places every single day. Learning an entire phrase might be
challenging for some people, but learning the word “dónde?” and combining it
with the name of place you’re trying to get to (or by simply pointing to that
place on a map) could save lots of time and help you get out of difficult
situations when you find yourself lost in a strange place.
5. Tiene? = Do you have?
If
you’re in a coffee shop, a shop, a restaurant, a station, an airport, on the street,
anywhere! you can use this word followed by the name of the thing you are
looking for to ask for something. You might be looking for jeans in a clothes
shop or hoping to find a coffee shop which serves decaffeinated coffee.
Whatever you’re searching for, “tiene” with the intonation of a question in
your voice, is just the word you need to get your point across.
6. Cuánto? = How much?
If
you want to buy something, you’ll want to find out how much is costs first.
Pick up the item and ask, “Cuánto?” All Spanish-speakers will know exactly what
you mean. It’s a vital word to know, especially when there’s no price tag in
sight.
7. La hora? = The time?
You
might need to catch a train, a bus or a flight and you might be in a hurry. If
you don’t have a watch, a friendly question to a passer-by for “la hora?” could
put your mind at rest. You might also be the one approached by a native
Spanish-speaker without a watch. If someone throws the phrase, “la hora” your
way, you’ll know what he or she needs and you’ll be able to help.
8. La cuenta = The bill
At
the end of the meal, when you want the bill, but all the waiters seem to be
avoiding your table, just ask for, “la cuenta” and you’ll be leaving a tip
before you know it. Why not even try throwing two of your ten words together in
the spirit of politeness and go for a completely armed phrase… “La cuenta, por
favor.”
9. Estación / Aeropuerto
Estación = Station
Aeropuerto = Airport
You’re
bound to need either one or the other or both at some point. Make sure you
memorize these two words. They’ll come in use in hotel receptions, taxis, on
the street and if you happen to get lost.
10. Aquí / Allá
Aquí = Here
Allá = There
If
you ask lots of questions, particularly directions to different places, you’ll
often here “aquí” and “allá” as quick responses. Knowing whether to stay put or
move a little further down the bus station, for instance, is vital when
traveling around in a foreign location. Know the difference between the “aquí”
and “allá” and you’ll find yourself a little more equipped than before. (“aquí”
is “acá” in Argentina… just in case you plan on practicing your Spanish words
in the land of beef, wheat and wine!).
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This guest post was written by Tracey Chandler
who represents Listen & Learn, which provides
individually-tailored language training on a one-on-one or small group basis
worldwide