So you’re about to hit the blue skies or take to the roads on a trip of a lifetime but you’re a bit nervous because other than a few phrases here and there, you don’t know a lick of Espãnol. That means Spanish in, well, Spanish of course silly goose but even if the basics seem daunting to you then fret not a moment longer! We’re going to make sure you have the basics down from simple phrases you can use to communicate with the locals of Spanish-speaking nations to other different options if for some reason the language is still beyond your scope of comprehension. You will still have every opportunity to enjoy your vacation the way you’ve dreamed about it for so many days and nights already. Whether you’re in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Colombia, or countless other nations, we will help you get into the Spanish Spirit!
Now that you’ve landed or arrived at your location you are looking to be friendly, inviting, and engaging but the language barrier is in your way. First thing is first, the history of the Spanish Language is vast and storied, however, a fair amount of Latin people are bilingual with English typically being their second language. If you encounter some folks who can in fact speak your language as well as Spanish then congratulations! However, you become a more well-rounded person when you aren’t too stubborn or proud to try out a new language and Spanish is a great place to start because of its commonality and flexibility. Did you know there are over 22 different nations that are Spanish-speaking countries? That means you learning a few Spanish words and phrases may help you in the near future when you embark on your next adventures!
Dive Right On In
The best way to learn a new language quickly and easily is to become immersed in it specifically the Spanish language. Immersion makes your mind adapt in ways that you wouldn’t typically receive if you were attempting to learn a new language while still living in your native country and speaking your native tongue. Of course, it will take a little time even with immersion to learn enough to consider yourself fluent in Spanish or any language for that matter, however, once you’re surrounded by the culture the vocabulary seems to flow and the time it takes you to pick up common (and not so common) words and phrases shrink dramatically.
Help Them Help You
Some people may be a bit shy when it comes to speaking or attempting to speak new languages, but that’s due to a bevy of reasons such as timidity, nervousness, or introversion. However, citizens of foreign countries including most people in Spanish-speaking nations appreciate the attempt and effort to assimilate and will frequently attempt to help you communicate or try to understand what you are attempting to communicate. Of course, images and hand gestures will always help. “Unofficial” sign language will always be a tool you have at your disposal and it would be wise to use hand motions to help you describe what you’re looking for. Por exemplo (“for example” in English,) if you’re looking for a taxi but you don’t know the word, making a driving motion as if you’re holding a steering wheel may help you get to what you want or where you want to be.
Don't Be Rude
One thing we wouldn’t recommend, however, due to it being perceived as a rude trait, is the movie and television trope where you just add an “O” to any typical English word. Such as “movie theater-o” or “restaurant-o.” Sometimes Spanish words do end in the letter “O” like “carro” (literally translating to car) or “telefono” (which means telephone, obviously) but those are few and far between. Occasionally, this will be the case though. The best practice for this would be to only use this method if you’ve exhausted all of your other options which leads us to our final point.
Take Advantage Of The Future
Use your technology! Seriously, it seems simple but many people neglect the resources available to them in the moment. It’s 2022 folks! Whip out that iPhone or Android and download Google Translate. It has every language known to man and will be instrumental in communicating and successfully and effortlessly getting by while you’re in whatever country you may be in. The beauty of the app is that even if you don’t have cellular service in the country you may be visiting, you can download the entire language catalog so that you may still use it even while you’re offline!
Now that you’re all prepped and ready, take the knowledge you’ve just learned and go forth and prosper! Take the world by storm! Enjoy this read and take a few of these words and phrases with you as you go!
Spanish Words
Hola (oh-lah) = Hello
Adios (ah-dee-yos) = Goodbye
Banos (bahn-yo) = Bathroom
Comida (co-mee-dah) = Food
Agua (ah-gwah) = Water
Hotel (ho-tel) = Hotel (Easy enough)
Aeropuerto (ah-ro-pwer-toe) = Airport
Gracias (grah-see-as) = Thank You
De Nada (day-nah-dah) = You’re Welcome
Spanish Phrases
Yo Soy = I am
Yo Quiero (kee-ehr-o) = I want
Me Gusta (goos-tah) = I like
Donde (don-day) = Where?
Como (coh-moh) = How?
Cuando (kwan-doh) = When?
Cuanto (kwan-toh) = How much?