Top Spanish words you must learn
Every language brings with it- an amalgamation of culture, people, tradition and needless to say, the beauty of its own. Spain as a country is so easy and yet so difficult to describe. To start with, Spain has given us the beautiful word ‘siesta’, meaning ‘afternoon nap’(which we Indians too, absolutely love). The Spaniards are the most laid-back people in the world and hence it’s a custom that post-lunch all shops and offices remain closed and they enjoy their precious ‘Siesta’.
Greetings
The basics of learning any foreign language is to learn Greetings and Introduction, especially if we are planning to interact with the locals for work or leisure. The myth of ‘English’ being a global language is busted in these countries as people respond graciously when you speak to them in Spanish and they make you feel at home immediately
- Hola – “Hello”
- ¿Qué tal? – “How are you?”
- ¿Qué pasa? – “What ‘s up?”
- ¿Cómo te va? – “How’re you doing?”
- Bien – “Good”
- Muy bien – “Very good”
- Así así – “So-so”
- No tan bien – “Not so good”
- ¿Y tú? – “And you?”
- Me llamo… – “My name is…”
- ¿Cómo te llamas? – “What ‘s your name?”
- Mucho gusto – “Nice to meet you”
- Placér – “A pleasure”
- Encantado/Encantada – “Charmed”, “Likewise”
Polite Phrases in Spanish
- Gracias – “Thank you”
- De nada – “You’re welcome”
- No hay de qué – “No problem”
- Disculpe – “Excuse me”
- Lo siento – “I’m sorry”
Two of my favourite phrases are:
- Me encanta el café. ¿Quieres ir a tomar una taza? (“I love coffee. Wanna go grab a cup?”)
- Trabajo en la escuela. Soy profesor. (“I work at the school. I’m a teacher.”)
Interests and Hobbies
When we start interacting with the locals, the most non-bias communication topics can be Hobbies and Interest, which as a tourist makes you feel absolutely at ease. Plus Spain has a lot to offer in terms of History and Architecture. In an unknown territory making a like minded friend is always a bonus so hopefully these expressions below will bring you- a friend for life!
- ¿Qué te gusta hacer? – “What do you like to do?”
- Mi pasatiempo favorito es… – “My favourite pastime is…”
- ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos? – “What are your hobbies?”
- ¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre? – “What do you do in your free time?”
- Me gusta / No me gusta… – “I like / I don’t like…”
- Me encanta… – “I love…”
- ¿Qué te gusta leer? – “Do you like to read?”
- ¿Qué música te gusta? – “What music do you like?”
- Mi favorito es… – “My favourite is…”
- Me gusta ir… – “I like going to…”
- ¿En qué trabajas? – “What ‘s your job?”
- ¿Te gusta tu trabajo? – “Do you like your job?”
- Trabajo en… – “I work at…”
Helpful Phrases
In my last 13years of extensive travelling, there is one lesson I have learnt. Travelling takes away the comfort-zone and makes you feel absolutely bare at times. These are one of those vulnerable moments when you want to be Helped and you want to Help! And this should be the single most reason why we all should pack our bags and travel often.
- Necesito ayuda – “I need help”
- Llámame cuando llegues – “Call me when you arrive”
- Me voy a casa – “I’m going home”
- Necesito ir a… – “I need to go to…”
- ¿Cómo llego hasta ahí? – “How do I get there?”
- No lo sé – “I don´t know”
- No tengo idea – “I have no idea”
- ¿Lo entiendes? – “Do you understand?”
- No entiendo – “I don’t understand.”
- Quiero… – “I want…”
- ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor? – “Can you speak slowly, please?”
Saying Goodbye in Spanish
- Nos vemos mañana – “See you tomorrow”
- Hasta luego – “See you later”
- Hasta pronto amigo – “See you soon, friend”
With the help of these aforestated phrases, you will be armed to start the journey with new vigour and energy!
These are few of the expressions that we can keep in mind, which can not only put us at ease but also open the door to human nature at large. In order to be absolutely fluent in a Foreign language is to start speaking with a native speaker.