Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people across 20 countries.
From Madrid to Mexico City, Buenos Aires to Barcelona, it is the language of some of the world’s most visited destinations.
Here is the truth about learning Spanish for travel: you do not need to be fluent.
You do not even need to be good. You need to be willing.
Spanish speakers respond to effort with warmth that feels almost disproportionate to the attempt.
A stumbled “Buenos días” at a café, a genuine “Gracias” to a market vendor, a careful “Lo siento, no hablo español bien” to a confused waiter — each one signals the same thing. You are trying. That matters.
This guide gives you every key Spanish phrase for travel you actually need, organized by real-life situation.
It also covers the cultural context, the common mistakes, and the nuances that no phrasebook bothers to explain.
Before You Start: The One Thing Spanish Rewards Above All Else
Spanish has formal and informal speech levels.
For travel, the informal “tú” works in most casual situations.
In Spain, “usted” is used with older people and in formal settings.
In Latin America, “usted” is used more broadly, even with strangers.
The simple rule: use “usted” when in doubt with anyone over 50 or in any professional setting.
Use “tú” with peers and service staff in relaxed environments.
You will rarely offend anyone by being too polite.
Section 1: Spanish Pronunciation Basics
Spanish pronunciation is more consistent than English. Once you learn the rules, you can read almost any word aloud correctly. These are the sounds that trip up English speakers most often.
| Letter / Sound | How It Sounds | Example | Notes |
| j | Hard “h” like in “hot” | jamón (ham) | Never like English “j” in jump |
| ll | “y” sound | llamar (to call) | Like “y” in yes |
| ñ | “ny” sound | mañana (tomorrow) | Like “ny” in canyon |
| rr | Rolled r | perro (dog) | Trill the tongue |
| h | Always silent | hola (hello) | The h is never pronounced |
| v | Like “b” | vino (wine) | v and b sound almost identical |
| c before e or i | “s” in Latin America; “th” in Spain | gracias | This is the biggest Spain vs Latin America difference |
| z | “s” in Latin America; “th” in Spain | plaza | Same rule as above |
Spain vs Latin America: The Pronunciation Split
Spanish is one language spoken very differently across regions.
In Spain, the letters c (before e or i) and z are pronounced like the English “th” in “think.” So “gracias” sounds like “GRATH-yas” in Madrid, but “GRAS-yas” in Mexico City.
In Latin America, these letters are pronounced as a plain “s.” Neither is wrong. They are regional differences, like American English vs. British English.
Also: in Spain, “vosotros” is used for “you all” (informal plural). In Latin America, “ustedes” is used for everyone.
If you learn “ustedes” for everything, you will be understood everywhere.
Section 2: Greetings and Essentials
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Hello | Hola | OH-la |
| Good morning | Buenos días | BWEH-nos DEE-as |
| Good afternoon / evening | Buenas tardes | BWEH-nas TAR-des |
| Good night | Buenas noches | BWEH-nas NO-ches |
| Goodbye | Adiós | ah-DYOS |
| See you later | Hasta luego | AS-ta LWEH-go |
| Please | Por favor | por fa-VOR |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRA-syas |
| You’re welcome | De nada | de NA-da |
| Excuse me (to get attention) | Disculpe | dis-KUL-peh |
| Excuse me (to pass by) | Con permiso | kon per-MEE-so |
| I’m sorry | Lo siento | lo SYEN-to |
| Yes / No | Sí / No | see / no |
| My name is… | Me llamo… | me YA-mo |
| Nice to meet you | Mucho gusto | MOO-cho GOOS-to |
| How are you? (formal) | ¿Cómo está usted? | KO-mo es-TA oos-TED? |
| How are you? (casual) | ¿Cómo estás? | KO-mo es-TAS? |
| Fine, thank you | Bien, gracias | byen GRA-syas |
The “Camino Clock” Rule: When to Use Which Greeting
Textbook apps tell you that “Buenas tardes” means “good afternoon” and starts at noon or 2pm. This creates confusion on the ground.
Spanish social time is tied to daylight and meal rhythms, not clock numbers.
The siesta tradition, late lunches at 2 to 4pm, and dinners rarely starting before 9pm mean that the Spanish day runs later than what most tourists expect.
The practical rule: if the sun is up and people are active and moving, “Hola” or “Buenos días” is always safe.
“Buenas tardes” belongs to the quieter, later part of the day. When unsure, “Hola” works perfectly in almost every casual situation.
Section 3: Asking for Help
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? | AB-la een-GLES? |
| I don’t speak Spanish | No hablo español | no AB-lo es-pan-YOL |
| I don’t speak Spanish well | No hablo español bien | no AB-lo es-pan-YOL byen |
| I don’t understand | No entiendo | no en-TYEN-do |
| Can you speak more slowly? | ¿Puede hablar más despacio? | PWEH-de ab-LAR mas des-PA-syo? |
| Can you repeat that? | ¿Puede repetir eso? | PWEH-de reh-peh-TEER EH-so? |
| Can you write it down? | ¿Puede escribirlo? | PWEH-de es-kree-BEER-lo? |
| Can you help me? | ¿Puede ayudarme? | PWEH-de a-yoo-DAR-me? |
| I need help | Necesito ayuda | neh-seh-SEE-to a-YOO-da |
| I am lost | Estoy perdido/a | es-TOY per-DEE-do/da |
Section 4: Directions
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Where is…? | ¿Dónde está…? | DON-de es-TA…? |
| How do I get to…? | ¿Cómo llego a…? | KO-mo YEH-go a…? |
| Left | A la izquierda | a la ees-KYER-da |
| Right | A la derecha | a la de-REH-cha |
| Straight ahead | Todo recto / Derecho | TO-do REK-to |
| Turn | Gire | HEE-re |
| Near / Far | Cerca / Lejos | SER-ka / LEH-hos |
| Here / There | Aquí / Allí | a-KEE / a-YEE |
| At the corner | En la esquina | en la es-KEE-na |
| Traffic light | Semáforo | se-MA-fo-ro |
| Is it far? | ¿Está lejos? | es-TA LEH-hos? |
| How long does it take? | ¿Cuánto tiempo tarda? | KWAN-to TYEM-po TAR-da? |
Section 5: Transport
Spain’s rail system (Renfe) is fast and excellent.
The AVE high-speed train connects Madrid to Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and other Latin American capitals have metro systems.
Always validate your ticket before boarding.
Train and Bus
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Where is the train station? | ¿Dónde está la estación de tren? | DON-de es-TA la es-ta-SYON de tren? |
| Where is the bus stop? | ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? | DON-de es-TA la pa-RA-da de ow-to-BOOS? |
| One ticket to… please | Un billete a…, por favor | oon bee-YEH-te a… por fa-VOR |
| Return ticket | Billete de ida y vuelta | bee-YEH-te de EE-da ee BWEL-ta |
| One way | Solo ida | SO-lo EE-da |
| What platform? | ¿Qué andén? | ke an-DEN? |
| Does this bus go to…? | ¿Este autobús va a…? | ES-te ow-to-BOOS ba a…? |
| Where should I get off? | ¿Dónde debo bajarme? | DON-de DE-bo ba-HAR-me? |
| Is this seat taken? | ¿Está ocupado este asiento? | es-TA o-koo-PA-do ES-te a-SYEN-to? |
| I missed my train | Perdí mi tren | per-DEE mee tren |
Taxi and Rideshare
Cabify and Uber operate in most Spanish cities.
In Latin America, InDriver and Beat are common alongside Uber.
Always confirm the price before getting in a street taxi in tourist areas.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Take me to…, please | Lléveme a…, por favor | YEH-ve-me a… por fa-VOR |
| How much to…? | ¿Cuánto cuesta ir a…? | KWAN-to KWES-ta eer a…? |
| Stop here please | Pare aquí, por favor | PA-re a-KEE por fa-VOR |
| Can I get a receipt? | ¿Me puede dar un recibo? | me PWEH-de dar oon re-SEE-bo? |
Section 6: Airport and Arrival
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Where is baggage claim? | ¿Dónde está la recogida de equipaje? | DON-de es-TA la re-ko-HEE-da de e-kee-PA-he? |
| My luggage is lost | Mi equipaje se ha perdido | mee e-kee-PA-he se a per-DEE-do |
| Where is the exit? | ¿Dónde está la salida? | DON-de es-TA la sa-LEE-da? |
| Where is the metro? | ¿Dónde está el metro? | DON-de es-TA el MEH-tro? |
| Where is tourist information? | ¿Dónde está la oficina de turismo? | DON-de es-TA la o-fee-SEE-na de too-REES-mo? |
| Is my flight delayed? | ¿Mi vuelo tiene retraso? | mee BWEH-lo TYEH-ne re-TRA-so? |
| Where are the toilets? | ¿Dónde están los baños? | DON-de es-TAN los BA-nyos? |
Section 7: Tapas Bar and Bar Culture
Spain’s bar culture is not a backdrop to travel. It is central to it. Understanding how it works changes your entire experience.
In Spain, many bars serve a free tapa with every drink.
This is not universal but it is common, especially outside of Madrid and Barcelona, and very common in cities like Granada, Almería, and Salamanca.
You do not choose the tapa; the bar brings what they like.
Eating at the bar is cheaper than eating at a table in most traditional Spanish bars.
Standing at the bar, ordering a caña (small draught beer) and whatever tapa comes with it, is how locals eat lunch.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| One small beer please | Una caña, por favor | OO-na KA-nya por fa-VOR |
| One large beer please | Una jarra, por favor | OO-na HA-rra por fa-VOR |
| A glass of red wine | Un vino tinto | oon BEE-no TEEN-to |
| A glass of white wine | Un vino blanco | oon BEE-no BLAN-ko |
| House wine | Vino de la casa | BEE-no de la KA-sa |
| Sparkling wine / Cava | Cava | KA-ba |
| Sangria | Sangría | san-GREE-a |
| A glass of water | Un vaso de agua | oon BA-so de A-gwa |
| Does this come with a tapa? | ¿Viene con tapa? | BYEH-ne kon TA-pa? |
| What tapas do you have? | ¿Qué tapas tienen? | ke TA-pas TYEH-nen? |
| One portion of… | Una ración de… | OO-na ra-SYON de… |
| I’ll have the same | Lo mismo | lo MEES-mo |
| Another round please | Otra ronda, por favor | O-tra RON-da por fa-VOR |
| The bill please | La cuenta, por favor | la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR |
3 Bar Culture Rules Every Traveler Should Know
1. You can eat standing at the bar. This is not a budget compromise. It is how locals do it. You often pay less per dish at the bar counter than at a table.
2. In Granada, Almería, León, and other cities, tapas come free with drinks. You do not order them separately.
In Madrid and Barcelona, you generally pay for them. Ask “¿Viene con tapa?” to know before you order.
3. You pay when you leave, not per round. In traditional bars, the server tracks your drinks and you pay the total at the end. Do not try to pay after each drink; it confuses the process.
Section 8: Restaurant and Dining
Ordering and Table Phrases
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| A table for two please | Una mesa para dos, por favor | OO-na ME-sa PA-ra dos por fa-VOR |
| Can I reserve a table? | ¿Puedo reservar una mesa? | PWEH-do re-ser-BAR OO-na ME-sa? |
| The menu please | La carta, por favor | la KAR-ta por fa-VOR |
| What do you recommend? | ¿Qué recomienda? | ke re-ko-MYEN-da? |
| I would like… | Quisiera… | kee-SYEH-ra… |
| What is the dish of the day? | ¿Cuál es el plato del día? | kwal es el PLA-to del DEE-a? |
| Is this dish good? | ¿Está bueno este plato? | es-TA BWEH-no ES-te PLA-to? |
| It’s delicious | Está delicioso | es-TA de-lee-SYOH-so |
| Without… please | Sin…, por favor | seen… por fa-VOR |
| More bread please | Más pan, por favor | mas pan por fa-VOR |
| Water please | Agua, por favor | A-gwa por fa-VOR |
| Still / Sparkling | Sin gas / Con gas | seen gas / kon gas |
| The bill please | La cuenta, por favor | la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | PWEH-do pa-GAR kon tar-HEH-ta? |
| Can we split the bill? | ¿Podemos pagar por separado? | po-DEH-mos pa-GAR por se-pa-RA-do? |
The Spanish Food and Spice Misconception
This comes up constantly with travelers from North America and the UK. Many arrive in Spain bracing for heat after years of Mexican food.
Traditional Spanish cuisine is mild. It uses olive oil, garlic, saffron, and paprika. It is not spicy in the capsicum sense.
You do not need to warn every waiter that you cannot handle heat. Spanish food is naturally kid-friendly and gentle on sensitive palates.
The phrase “Sin picante, por favor” (Without spice, please) is good to know, and it is occasionally needed in Latin American restaurants or in tourist-area restaurants serving fusion menus.
But in a traditional Spanish restaurant, asking for no spice will often get you a puzzled look because the dish was never spicy to begin with.
“¿Es picante?” (Is it spicy?) is the phrase to use if you are genuinely unsure about a specific dish.
Dietary Needs: Language as a Safety Net
This is where holiday phrases in Spanish move from convenience to necessity.
If you are traveling with children, managing allergies, or have specific dietary requirements, these phrases are not optional. They are your safety net.
A slow translation app in a busy restaurant kitchen is not the same as clearly stating your need out loud.
Learn these before you go.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| I am allergic to… | Soy alérgico/a a… | soy a-LER-hee-ko/ka a… |
| He/She is allergic to… | Él/Ella es alérgico/a a… | el/EH-ya es a-LER-hee-ko/ka a… |
| Nuts | Los frutos secos | los FROO-tos SE-kos |
| Shellfish | El marisco | el ma-REES-ko |
| Gluten | El gluten | el GLOO-ten |
| Dairy | Los lácteos | los LAK-te-os |
| Milk | Leche | LEH-cheh |
| Butter | Mantequilla | mahn-teh-KEE-yah |
| Eggs | Los huevos | los WEH-bos |
| He/She doesn’t feel well | No se siente bien | no se SYEN-te byen |
| This is serious | Esto es serio | ES-to es SE-ryo |
| Is this gluten-free? | ¿Esto es sin gluten? | ES-to es seen GLOO-ten? |
| Is this vegetarian? | ¿Es vegetariano? | es be-he-ta-RYA-no? |
| I am vegetarian | Soy vegetariano/a | soy beh-heh-tah-RYAH-noh/nah |
| I am vegan | Soy vegano/a | soy be-GA-no/na |
| I am pescatarian | Soy pescetariano/a | soy pes-seh-tah-RYAH-noh/nah |
| Without meat | Sin carne | seen KAR-ne |
| Without fish | Sin pescado | seen pes-KA-do |
| Is it spicy? | ¿Es picante? | es pee-KAN-te? |
| Not spicy please | Sin picante, por favor | seen pee-KAN-te por fa-VOR |
| I eat lactose-free | Como sin lactosa | KOH-moh seen lak-TOH-sah |
| I eat gluten-free | Como sin gluten | KOH-moh seen GLOO-ten |
| I don’t drink alcohol | No bebo alcohol | noh BEH-boh ahl-kohl |
Questions to Ask at the Restaurant
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Do you have vegetarian options? | ¿Tienen opciones vegetarianas? | TYEH-nen op-SYOH-nes beh-heh-tah-RYAH-nas? |
| Do you have gluten-free options? | ¿Tienen opciones sin gluten? | TYEH-nen op-SYOH-nes seen GLOO-ten? |
| Do you have lactose-free options? | ¿Tienen opciones sin lactosa? | TYEH-nen op-SYOH-nes seen lak-TOH-sah? |
| Do you have non-alcoholic drinks? | ¿Tienen bebidas sin alcohol? | TYEH-nen beh-BEE-das seen ahl-kohl? |
| Does this dish contain milk? | ¿Este plato contiene leche? | ES-teh PLAH-toh kon-TYEH-neh LEH-cheh? |
| Does this dish contain eggs? | ¿Este plato contiene huevos? | ES-teh PLAH-toh kon-TYEH-neh WEH-bos? |
| Does this dish contain butter? | ¿Este plato contiene mantequilla? | ES-teh PLAH-toh kon-TYEH-neh mahn-teh-KEE-yah? |
Section 9: Café and Beach Phrases
Café
Spain’s café culture is strong. Coffee orders matter. “Un café” defaults to a strong espresso.
If you want something longer, you need to specify.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| A coffee please | Un café, por favor | oon ka-FEH por fa-VOR |
| A white coffee (espresso + milk) | Un café con leche | oon ka-FEH kon LEH-che |
| A short black | Un café solo | oon ka-FEH SO-lo |
| A long black | Un café americano | oon ka-FEH a-me-ree-KA-no |
| Coffee with a little milk | Un café cortado | oon ka-FEH kor-TA-do |
| Iced coffee | Un café con hielo | oon ka-FEH kon YEH-lo |
| A tea please | Un té, por favor | oon te por fa-VOR |
| Hot chocolate | Un chocolate caliente | oon cho-ko-LA-te ka-LYEN-te |
| What is the WiFi password? | ¿Cuál es la contraseña del WiFi? | kwal es la kon-tra-SE-nya del WiFi? |
Beach and Resort
Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean are top beach destinations. These phrases are essential.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Is this beach public? | ¿Esta playa es pública? | ES-ta PLA-ya es POO-blee-ka? |
| Can I rent a sunbed? | ¿Puedo alquilar una hamaca? | PWEH-do al-kee-LAR OO-na a-MA-ka? |
| Can I rent an umbrella? | ¿Puedo alquilar una sombrilla? | PWEH-do al-kee-LAR OO-na som-BREE-ya? |
| How much per hour? | ¿Cuánto cuesta por hora? | KWAN-to KWES-ta por O-ra? |
| Is it safe to swim here? | ¿Es seguro nadar aquí? | es se-GOO-ro na-DAR a-KEE? |
| Where is the lifeguard? | ¿Dónde está el socorrista? | DON-de es-TA el so-ko-REES-ta? |
| Sun cream | Crema solar | KRE-ma so-LAR |
| I need medical help | Necesito ayuda médica | ne-se-SEE-to a-YOO-da ME-dee-ka |
Section 10: Accommodation
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| I have a reservation | Tengo una reserva | TEN-go OO-na re-SER-ba |
| My name is… | Me llamo… | me YA-mo… |
| Is breakfast included? | ¿El desayuno está incluido? | el de-sa-YOO-no es-TA een-kloo-EE-do? |
| What time is checkout? | ¿A qué hora es el checkout? | a ke O-ra es el checkout? |
| Can I have a late checkout? | ¿Puedo hacer un checkout tardío? | PWEH-do a-SER oon checkout tar-DEE-o? |
| The room is too hot / cold | La habitación está muy caliente / fría | la a-bee-ta-SYON es-TA MWEE ka-LYEN-te / FREE-a |
| The air conditioning doesn’t work | El aire acondicionado no funciona | el AY-re a-kon-dee-syo-NA-do no foon-SYO-na |
| Can I have more towels? | ¿Me puede traer más toallas? | me PWEH-de tra-ER mas to-A-yas? |
| Where is the elevator? | ¿Dónde está el ascensor? | DON-de es-TA el as-sen-SOR? |
| What is the WiFi password? | ¿Cuál es la contraseña del WiFi? | kwal es la kon-tra-SE-nya del WiFi? |
| There is a problem with my room | Hay un problema con mi habitación | ay oon pro-BLE-ma kon mee a-bee-ta-SYON |
Section 11: Shopping and Markets
Spain’s mercados are among Europe’s best.
Mercado de la Boqueria in Barcelona, Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, and dozens of weekly street markets across Andalusia draw millions of visitors.
Prices in established shops are fixed.
At markets and smaller stalls, gentle negotiation is sometimes welcome.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| How much is this? | ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? | KWAN-to KWES-ta ES-to? |
| It’s too expensive | Es muy caro | es MWEE KA-ro |
| Can you give me a discount? | ¿Me puede hacer un descuento? | me PWEH-de a-SER oon des-KWEN-to? |
| I’ll take it | Me lo llevo | me lo YEH-bo |
| Can I try this on? | ¿Puedo probármelo? | PWEH-do pro-BAR-me-lo? |
| Do you have this in another size? | ¿Lo tiene en otra talla? | lo TYEH-ne en O-tra TA-ya? |
| Do you have this in another color? | ¿Lo tiene en otro color? | lo TYEH-ne en O-tro ko-LOR? |
| Do you accept cards? | ¿Aceptan tarjetas? | a-SEP-tan tar-HEH-tas? |
| I’m just looking | Solo estoy mirando | SO-lo es-TOY mee-RAN-do |
| Can I get a receipt? | ¿Me puede dar un recibo? | me PWEH-de dar oon re-SEE-bo? |
Section 12: Nightlife and Entertainment
Spain’s nightlife is famous for starting late and running until sunrise.
Dinner at 10pm, first drinks at midnight, clubs filling up at 2am.
This is not an exaggeration. Planning around it makes your trip dramatically better.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Where is a good bar? | ¿Dónde hay un bar bueno? | DON-de ay oon bar BWEH-no? |
| Where is a good club? | ¿Dónde hay una discoteca buena? | DON-de ay OO-na dees-ko-TEH-ka BWEH-na? |
| Is there a cover charge? | ¿Hay que pagar entrada? | ay ke pa-GAR en-TRA-da? |
| Two tickets please | Dos entradas, por favor | dos en-TRA-das por fa-VOR |
| What time does it open? | ¿A qué hora abre? | a ke O-ra A-bre? |
| What time does it close? | ¿A qué hora cierra? | a ke O-ra SYEH-rra? |
| A flamenco show | Un espectáculo de flamenco | oon es-pek-TA-koo-lo de fla-MEN-ko |
| Where can I see flamenco? | ¿Dónde puedo ver flamenco? | DON-de PWEH-do ber fla-MEN-ko? |
| Can I have a glass of water? | ¿Me puede traer un vaso de agua? | me PWEH-de tra-ER oon BA-so de A-gwa? |
Section 13: For Women Travelers
Every women-focused travel guide for Spain and Latin America should have it.
Pharmacy and Feminine Health
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Where is the nearest pharmacy? | ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? | DON-de es-TA la far-MA-sya mas ser-KA-na? |
| I need sanitary pads | Necesito compresas | ne-se-SEE-to kom-PRE-sas |
| I need tampons | Necesito tampones | ne-se-SEE-to tam-PO-nes |
| I need a panty liner | Necesito salvaslip | ne-se-SEE-to sal-ba-SLEEP |
| I have menstrual cramps | Tengo cólicos menstruales | TEN-go KO-lee-kos mens-troo-A-les |
| I need pain relief | Necesito analgésicos | ne-se-SEE-to a-nal-HEH-see-kos |
| I need a pregnancy test | Necesito un test de embarazo | ne-se-SEE-to oon test de em-ba-RA-so |
| I need contraception | Necesito anticonceptivos | ne-se-SEE-to an-tee-kon-sep-TEE-bos |
| I need to see a female doctor | Necesito ver a una médica | ne-se-SEE-to ber a OO-na ME-dee-ka |
| Do I need a prescription? | ¿Necesito receta? | ne-se-SEE-to re-SE-ta? |
Safety Phrases
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Leave me alone | Déjeme en paz | DEH-he-me en pas |
| Go away | Váyase | BA-ya-se |
| Help! | ¡Socorro! / ¡Ayuda! | so-KO-rro / a-YOO-da |
| Call the police | Llame a la policía | YA-me a la po-lee-SEE-a |
| I need help | Necesito ayuda | ne-se-SEE-to a-YOO-da |
| Is it safe here at night? | ¿Es seguro aquí por la noche? | es se-GOO-ro a-KEE por la NO-che? |
Practical note: Farmacias in Spain are marked with a green cross, are widely available, and are well-stocked.
Pharmacists often speak some English in tourist areas.
In Latin America, pharmacies (also called "farmacias") are similarly common and approachable.
Section 14: Emergency and Medical Phrases
Emergency numbers:
- Spain: 112 (universal); 091 (national police); 061 (medical emergencies)
- Mexico: 911
- Argentina: 911
- Most of Latin America: 911 or 112
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Help! | ¡Socorro! / ¡Ayuda! | so-KO-rro / a-YOO-da |
| Call an ambulance! | ¡Llame a una ambulancia! | YA-me a OO-na am-boo-LAN-sya! |
| Call the police! | ¡Llame a la policía! | YA-me a la po-lee-SEE-a! |
| I need a doctor | Necesito un médico | ne-se-SEE-to oon ME-dee-ko |
| He/She doesn’t feel well | No se siente bien | no se SYEN-te byen |
| Where is the hospital? | ¿Dónde está el hospital? | DON-de es-TA el os-pee-TAL? |
| Where is the pharmacy? | ¿Dónde está la farmacia? | DON-de es-TA la far-MA-sya? |
| I have a fever | Tengo fiebre | TEN-go FYEH-bre |
| My head hurts | Me duele la cabeza | me DWEH-le la ka-BE-sa |
| My stomach hurts | Me duele el estómago | me DWEH-le el es-TO-ma-go |
| I am allergic to… | Soy alérgico/a a… | soy a-LER-hee-ko/ka a… |
| I’ve been robbed | Me han robado | me an ro-BA-do |
| I lost my passport | Perdí mi pasaporte | per-DEE mee pa-sa-POR-te |
| I need the police | Necesito la policía | ne-se-SEE-to la po-lee-SEE-a |
Section 15: For Hikers and Pilgrims (Camino de Santiago)
The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes.
Hundreds of thousands walk it each year. The standard tourist phrasebook fails Camino walkers almost completely. Here is why.
On the Camino, your needs are stripped back to three things: a bed, food, and water.
Albergues (pilgrim hostels) operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you arrive late and cannot communicate quickly, you sleep on the floor or outside. The language stakes are physical.
This section gives you the rural scarcity phrasebook that the Camino actually needs.
Finding a Bed
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Do you have space for one person? | ¿Tiene espacio para una persona? | TYEH-ne es-PA-syo PA-ra OO-na per-SO-na? |
| Do you have a free bed for tonight? | ¿Tiene una cama libre para esta noche? | TYEH-ne OO-na KA-ma LEE-bre PA-ra ES-ta NO-che? |
| How much per night? | ¿Cuánto cuesta por noche? | KWAN-to KWES-ta por NO-che? |
| Is there a kitchen? | ¿Hay cocina? | ay ko-SEE-na? |
| Is there a washing machine? | ¿Hay lavadora? | ay la-ba-DO-ra? |
| What time do you close? | ¿A qué hora cierra? | a ke O-ra SYEH-rra? |
| I am a pilgrim | Soy peregrino/a | soy pe-re-GREE-no/na |
Food and Recovery
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Do you have the pilgrim menu? | ¿Tiene el menú del peregrino? | TYEH-ne el me-NOO del pe-re-GREE-no? |
| One pilgrim menu please | Un menú del peregrino, por favor | oon me-NOO del pe-re-GREE-no por fa-VOR |
| I need something to eat | Necesito algo de comer | ne-se-SEE-to AL-go de ko-MER |
| Water please | Agua, por favor | A-gwa por fa-VOR |
| Can I fill my water bottle? | ¿Puedo llenar mi botella de agua? | PWEH-do ye-NAR mee bo-TEH-ya de A-gwa? |
| Where is the next village? | ¿Dónde está el próximo pueblo? | DON-de es-TA el PROK-see-mo PWEH-blo? |
| How far to…? | ¿A qué distancia está…? | a ke dees-TAN-sya es-TA…? |
The Pilgrim Menu
The menú del peregrino is a fixed-price meal designed specifically for Camino walkers.
It is cheap, filling, and usually includes a starter, main course, dessert, bread, and wine or water.
In 2025, prices typically run between 10 and 14 euros. Always ask for it by name. It is not always listed on the main menu.
The “Buen Camino” Greeting
On the Camino, pilgrims greet each other with “¡Buen Camino!” (Good walk / Good path).
It functions as hello, goodbye, and good luck simultaneously.
You will hear it dozens of times a day and using it back is expected and appreciated.
Section 16: Numbers, Time and Days
Numbers
| Number | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| 1 | uno | OO-no |
| 2 | dos | dos |
| 3 | tres | tres |
| 4 | cuatro | KWA-tro |
| 5 | cinco | SEEN-ko |
| 6 | seis | says |
| 7 | siete | SYEH-te |
| 8 | ocho | O-cho |
| 9 | nueve | NWEH-be |
| 10 | diez | dyez |
| 20 | veinte | BAYN-te |
| 50 | cincuenta | seen-KWEN-ta |
| 100 | cien | syen |
| 1,000 | mil | meel |
Time
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| What time is it? | ¿Qué hora es? | ke O-ra es? |
| It is… o’clock | Son las… | son las… |
| Morning / Afternoon / Night | Mañana / Tarde / Noche | ma-NYA-na / TAR-de / NO-che |
| Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday | Hoy / Mañana / Ayer | oy / ma-NYA-na / a-YER |
| Now / Later | Ahora / Más tarde | a-O-ra / mas TAR-de |
Days of the Week
| English | Spanish |
| Monday | Lunes |
| Tuesday | Martes |
| Wednesday | Miércoles |
| Thursday | Jueves |
| Friday | Viernes |
| Saturday | Sábado |
| Sunday | Domingo |
Section 17: Spanish Holiday Phrases to Know for Travelers
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Happy New Year | Feliz Año Nuevo | feh-LEES AH-nyo NWEH-bo |
| Merry Christmas | Feliz Navidad | feh-LEES nah-bee-DAHD |
| Happy Easter | Feliz Pascua | feh-LEES PAS-kwah |
| Happy Birthday | Feliz cumpleaños | feh-LEES koom-pleh-AH-nyos |
| Congratulations | Felicidades / Enhorabuena | feh-lee-see-DAH-des / en-oh-rah-BWEH-nah |
| Best wishes | Mis mejores deseos | mees meh-HOH-res deh-SEH-os |
| Have a good holiday | Que pases unas buenas fiestas | ke PAH-ses OO-nas BWEH-nas FYES-tas |
| Happy celebrations | Buenas fiestas | BWEH-nas FYES-tas |
Travel tip: Spain celebrates Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) on January 6th more widely than Christmas Day.
Children receive gifts on the night of January 5th, not December 24th.
If your trip falls in early January, expect colorful parades (Cabalgata de Reyes) in most Spanish cities on the evening of the 5th.
Also note that in Latin America, "Enhorabuena" is rarely used; stick to "Felicidades" for congratulations across all regions.
Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet
Save this for your trip.
Survival Essentials
| Situation | Spanish |
| Hello | Hola |
| Good morning | Buenos días |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| Please | Por favor |
| Excuse me | Disculpe |
| Yes / No | Sí / No |
| I don’t understand | No entiendo |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? |
| Help! | ¡Socorro! |
Food and Drink
| Situation | Spanish |
| The menu please | La carta, por favor |
| What do you recommend? | ¿Qué recomienda? |
| I am allergic to… | Soy alérgico/a a… |
| He/She doesn’t feel well | No se siente bien |
| Is it spicy? | ¿Es picante? |
| The bill please | La cuenta, por favor |
| One small beer please | Una caña, por favor |
| Does this come with a tapa? | ¿Viene con tapa? |
Getting Around
| Situation | Spanish |
| Where is…? | ¿Dónde está…? |
| Left / Right / Straight | A la izquierda / A la derecha / Todo recto |
| Train station | La estación de tren |
| Bus stop | La parada de autobús |
| One ticket to… | Un billete a… |
| I am lost | Estoy perdido/a |
Hotel
| Situation | Spanish |
| I have a reservation | Tengo una reserva |
| Is breakfast included? | ¿El desayuno está incluido? |
| WiFi password? | ¿La contraseña del WiFi? |
| The bill please | La cuenta, por favor |
Women Travelers
| Situation | Spanish |
| Where is the pharmacy? | ¿Dónde está la farmacia? |
| I need sanitary pads | Necesito compresas |
| I need tampons | Necesito tampones |
| Leave me alone | Déjeme en paz |
| Call the police | Llame a la policía |
Emergencies
| Situation | Spanish |
| Spain emergency | 112 |
| Mexico / Latin America | 911 |
| Call an ambulance | Llame a una ambulancia |
| I need a doctor | Necesito un médico |
| I’ve been robbed | Me han robado |
Camino de Santiago
| Situation | Spanish |
| Do you have a free bed? | ¿Tiene una cama libre? |
| Pilgrim menu please | Un menú del peregrino |
| I am a pilgrim | Soy peregrino/a |
| Good walk! | ¡Buen Camino! |
A Final Word: The Language That Meets You Halfway
Spanish is one of the most forgiving languages for learners.
It is phonetically consistent, its grammar is logical, and its speakers are among the most encouraging in the world.
Attempt a phrase badly in Spanish and the response is almost never impatience.
It is usually a warm smile, a patient correction, and a genuine attempt to help.
You do not need to sound fluent. You do not need perfect grammar. You need to show up in the language.
One phrase at the start of an interaction does more than a translation app can.
It says: I am here, I see you, and I am trying. That message crosses every regional border in the Spanish-speaking world.
¡Buen viaje! — Have a great trip! ❤️❤️❤️
FAQ: Spanish Phrases for Travel
1. What are the most important Spanish phrases for travel?
Start with five. “Hola” (hello), “Por favor” (please), “Gracias” (thank you), “¿Dónde está…?” (where is…?), and “La cuenta, por favor” (the bill, please).
These five cover a surprising number of daily situations. Add “¿Habla inglés?” (do you speak English?) and “Soy alérgico/a a…” (I am allergic to…) and you have a working travel toolkit.
2. Is Spanish in Spain different from Spanish in Latin America?
Yes, in pronunciation and some vocabulary, but not in any way that causes misunderstanding.
The biggest difference is that Spain pronounces c (before e or i) and z as a “th” sound, while Latin America uses a plain “s.”
Spain also uses “vosotros” for informal plural “you,” while Latin America uses “ustedes” for everyone.
If you learn one version, speakers of the other will understand you without any problem.
3. Is Spanish food spicy?
Traditional Spanish food is not spicy in the capsicum sense.
It uses olive oil, garlic, saffron, and paprika for flavor, but rarely uses hot chili.
Spanish food is naturally mild and very suitable for children.
If you are eating in a Latin American restaurant or a fusion kitchen, asking “¿Es picante?” (Is it spicy?) is sensible.
But in a traditional Spanish restaurant, the question will often surprise your waiter.
4. What are useful Spanish holiday phrases for families traveling with children?
Focus on allergy and health phrases first. “Soy alérgico/a a…” (I am allergic to…) and “No se siente bien” (He/She doesn’t feel well) are safety essentials.
Beyond that: “Una mesa para cuatro, por favor” (a table for four), “Sin picante, por favor” (without spice), and “¿Tiene menú infantil?” (do you have a children’s menu?) cover most dining situations.
5. What are the key Spanish phrases for the Camino de Santiago?
The rural Camino vocabulary is completely different from tourist Spanish.
Focus on: “¿Tiene una cama libre para esta noche?” (do you have a free bed for tonight?), “¿Tiene el menú del peregrino?” (do you have the pilgrim menu?), “¿A qué distancia está…?” (how far to…?), and “¡Buen Camino!” the universal pilgrim greeting you will exchange dozens of times every day.
6. What are useful Spanish phrases for women traveling alone?
The essential safety phrases are: “Déjeme en paz” (leave me alone), “Váyase” (go away), “¡Socorro!” (help!), and “Llame a la policía” (call the police).
For pharmacy needs: “Necesito compresas” (I need sanitary pads), “Necesito tampones” (I need tampons), and “Necesito ver a una médica” (I need to see a female doctor).
Farmacias are marked with a green cross and are widely available across Spain and Latin America.
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