Basic Spanish phrases for travel

Excuse me

pehr-DOH-neh

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

The polite way to catch a stranger’s attention. “Disculpe” works identically.

• Also common Disculpe dees-KOOL-peh ▶

Please

por fah-VOR

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

Thank you

GRAH-syahs

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Thank you very much

MOO-chahs GRAH-syahs

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

You’re welcome

deh NAH-dah

The universal response to thank you.

I’m sorry

loh SYEN-toh

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

Yes

see

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

No

noh

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

Okay

BAH-leh

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

“Vale” is the everyday okay in Spain, you’ll hear it constantly. In Latin America say “está bien”.

• Latin America Está bien ehs-TAH byen ▶

Perfect

pehr-FEHK-toh

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

meh pah-REH-seh byen

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

No problem

noh eye proh-BLEH-mah

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

One moment, please

oon moh-MEN-toh por fah-VOR

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Could you help me, please?

meh PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAR por fah-VOR

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

OH-lah

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

Hi

BWEH-nahs

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

The relaxed all-day greeting locals use walking into shops and bars — short for “buenas tardes/días”.

Good morning

BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

Good afternoon

BWEH-nahs TAR-dehs

For the stretch between lunch and sunset, in languages that use it. If you’re unsure of the cutoff, locals will forgive you either way.

Used from after lunch until roughly 8–9 pm — Spanish afternoons run late.

Good evening

BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Doubles as “good night” — it greets and bids farewell after dark.

Goodbye

ah-DYOHS

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

In practice locals often part with “hasta luego” even when they’ll never see you again.

• More casual Hasta luego AHS-tah LWEH-goh ▶

See you later

AHS-tah LWEH-goh

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

Have a good day

keh TEN-gah oon bwen DEE-ah

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

My name is [name]

meh YAH-moh [nombre]

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

How are you?

KOH-moh ehs-TAH

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

“¿Qué tal?” is the everyday version you’ll hear most — safe with almost anyone.

• Casual ¿Qué tal? keh TAHL ▶

I’m well, thank you

byen GRAH-syahs

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

Nice to meet you

en-kahn-TAH-doh / en-kahn-TAH-dah

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.

Ends in -o if you’re a man, -a if you’re a woman. “Mucho gusto” is a genderless alternative.

• Masculine Encantado en-kahn-TAH-doh ▶
• Feminine Encantada en-kahn-TAH-dah ▶
• Neutral Mucho gusto MOO-choh GOOS-toh ▶