One of the main reasons that people decide to start learning Spanish is their desire to travel. Not only is Spanish the official language in 20 countries, it is also the 2nd most spoken language in the world according to Babbel Magazine. Looking at the numbers, there is no doubt that learning some key Spanish phrases could prove to be very useful on your travels.
General Expressions while Traveling
These everyday expressions, such as how to say hello and goodbye, thank you and introduce yourself, will be used often while traveling through a Spanish-speaking country. It’s best to have them well-practiced before you set-off.
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Hola, buenos días/buenas tardes. |
Hello, good morning/afternoon. |
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Gracias….de nada |
Thank you.....you’re welcome. |
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Adiós |
Goodbye |
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Hablo poco español. |
I speak very little Spanish. |
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Me gusta….la comida. |
I like….the food. |
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Me llamo....Sarah. |
My name is...Sarah. |
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Soy de...los estados unidos. |
I am from...the US. |
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Soy...maestro. |
I am...a teacher. |
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¿Nos puede tomar una foto? |
Can you take a picture of us? (formal) |
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Perdón, ¿dónde está el baño? |
Excuse me, where is the bathroom? |
For more general Spanish terms, refer to Popular Spanish Phrases.
Shopping
With endless markets full of souvenirs and handicrafts, you will most definitely want to go shopping during your travels. Learn some of these useful expressions to help move through your shopping experience with ease.
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la tienda |
store |
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ir de compras |
to go shopping |
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comprar |
to buy |
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el dinero |
money |
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el recuerdo |
souvenir |
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una tarjeta postal |
postcard |
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la gorra |
cap/hat |
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el sombrero |
sun hat |
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los lentes de sol |
sunglasses |
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la ropa |
clothing |
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la camiseta |
t-shirt |
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el vestido |
dress |
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los zapatos |
shoes |
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la crema solar |
sunscreen |
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el flotador de piscina |
pool floatie |
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el maquillaje |
makeup |
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un lapicero/boligrafo |
pen |
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el papel |
paper |
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el collar |
necklace |
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los aretes/pendientes |
earrings |
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el juguete |
toy |
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el traje de baño |
swimsuit |
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la medicina |
medicine |
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las pastillas |
pills |
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¿Cuánto cuesta? |
How much does it cost? |
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Me gustaría comprar... |
I would like to buy…. |
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¿Dónde puedo comprar…? |
Where can I buy…? |
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¿Tiene más de estos/estas? |
Do you have more of these? |
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¿Tiene esto/esta en talla chica/mediana/grande? |
Do you have this in a size… small/medium/large? |
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¿Tiene esto/esta en un color diferente? |
Do you have this in a different color? |
Eating Out
One of the best parts about traveling through a Spanish speaking country is eating! Most menus are not translated into English so it’s important to have some basic food vocabulary under your belt so you know what you’re ordering.
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Para mi…las enchiladas verdes. |
For me…the green enchiladas. |
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carne de res |
beef |
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el bistec |
steak |
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el cordero |
lamb |
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el pollo |
chicken |
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el pescado |
fish |
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la ensalada |
salad |
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las verduras |
vegetables |
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las papas/patatas |
potatoes |
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la sopa |
soup |
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una bebida |
a drink |
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una cerveza |
a beer |
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una botella de agua |
a bottle of water |
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el jugo |
juice |
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una taza de cafe |
a cup of coffee |
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¿Desea algo de tomar? |
Would you like something to drink? (waiter) |
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¿Qué lleva...la sopa toscana? |
What does the tuscan soup have in it? |
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¿Cómo se prepara...el pescado? |
How do they prepare the fish? |
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La cuenta, por favor. |
The check, please. |
Asking for Directions
It’s completely normal to get a little lost while traveling. Luckily, Spanish speaking locals are happy to guide you in the right direction! Make sure to memorize a few of these key expressions in the event that a local explains to you how to arrive to your destination.
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Estoy perdido/a, ¿me puede ayudar? |
I’m lost, can you help me? (formal) |
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Hay un supermercado por aquí? |
Is there a supermarket around here? |
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Nuestro hotel está ubicado en el centro histórico. |
Our hotel is located in the historic center. |
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girar a la izquierda |
to turn left |
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girar a la derecha |
to turn right |
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seguir derecho/recto |
to go straight |
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norte, sur, este, oeste |
north, south, east, west |
Health and Medical Vocabulary
Getting sick is, sometimes, an unavoidable downside of traveling. Whether you need to stop by a pharmacia for some medicine or have to see a doctor, be prepared by learning some of this useful vocabulary.
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No me siento/encuentro bien. |
I don’t feel well. |
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Me duele el estomago/la pierna/la cabeza… |
My stomach/leg/head... hurts. |
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la sala de emergencias |
the emergency room |
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la pastilla |
pill |
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la medicina |
medicine |
For a more extensive list of health and medical terms, refer to Spanish Health Vocabulary Words.
Now you’re all set to pack your bag and hit the road towards your next big adventure. Where are you headed first?