🇪🇸 ¡Hola! Essential Spanish Phrases for Talking with Locals on Vacation


Connecting with locals is often the most rewarding part of traveling. While English is spoken in many tourist hubs, using a few key Spanish phrases shows respect for the local culture and can open doors to more authentic experiences, better advice, and warmer interactions.

Here are essential Spanish phrases, categorized by situation, to help you chat, ask questions, and navigate your way like a confident traveler.

1. 👋 Greetings and Basic Courtesies

These phrases are the foundation of any interaction. Always start with a greeting!

English PhraseSpanish TranslationPronunciation TipUsage Context
Hello / HiHolaOH-lahUsed anytime, informal.
Good morningBuenos díasBWEH-nohs DEE-ahsUsed until noon or early afternoon.
Good afternoon/eveningBuenas tardesBWEH-nahs TAHR-dehsUsed from noon until sunset.
Good nightBuenas nochesBWEH-nahs NOH-chehsUsed when greeting or saying goodbye at night.
PleasePor favorpohr fah-VOHREssential for politeness.
Thank youGraciasGRAH-see-ahsEssential for politeness.
You're welcomeDe nadadeh NAH-dahStandard response to "Gracias."
Excuse me (to pass)Con permisokohn pehr-MEE-sohUse when trying to pass someone.
Excuse me (to get attention)Perdón / Disculpepehr-DOHN / dees-KOOL-pehUse to apologize or get a server’s attention.

2. ❓ Asking for Help and Information

Asking simple, direct questions will get you the information you need quickly.

English PhraseSpanish TranslationPronunciation TipUsage Context
Do you speak English?¿Habla inglés?AH-blah een-GLEHS?Always ask politely before switching languages.
Where is...?¿Dónde está...?DOHN-deh ehs-TAH?For finding a bathroom, museum, etc.
How much does this cost?¿Cuánto cuesta?KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?Essential for markets and shops.
I need help.Necesito ayuda.neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah.Use in any difficult situation.
Can you recommend...?¿Me recomienda...?meh rreh-koh-MYEHN-dah?For restaurants, dishes, or activities.
A little bit.Un poco.oon POH-koh.When asked if you speak Spanish.
I don't understand.No entiendo.noh ehn-TYEHN-doh.When you need the speaker to slow down.

3. 🗣️ Conversing with Locals

These phrases show interest and encourage a genuine connection.

English PhraseSpanish TranslationPronunciation TipUsage Context
How are you?¿Cómo está?KOH-moh ehs-TAH?Formal/polite way to ask (use ¿Cómo estás? for casual).
I'm good, thanks.Bien, gracias.byehn, GRAH-see-ahs.Standard positive reply.
What is your name?¿Cómo se llama?KOH-moh seh YAH-mah?Formal way to ask someone's name.
My name is [Name].Me llamo [Name].meh YAH-moh [Name].Simple way to introduce yourself.
It is delicious!¡Está delicioso!ehs-TAH deh-lee-see-OH-soh!Great to use at a restaurant or home dinner.
The city is beautiful.La ciudad es hermosa.lah see-oo-DAHD ehs ehr-MOH-sah.A simple compliment to a local.
Have a good day!¡Que tenga un buen día!keh TEHN-gah oon bwehn DEE-ah!Polite farewell, shows good wishes.

4. 🍽️ Dining and Ordering

Navigating a menu can be intimidating; these phrases simplify the process.

English PhraseSpanish TranslationPronunciation TipUsage Context
A table for two, please.Una mesa para dos, por favor.OO-nah MEH-sah PAHR-ah dohs...For reserving or asking for a table.
I would like...Quisiera...kee-SYEH-rah...Polite way to say "I want..." when ordering.
The bill, please.La cuenta, por favor.lah KWEHN-tah...Asking for the check.
Is the tip included?¿Está incluida la propina?ehs-TAH een-kloo-EE-dah lah proh-PEE-nah?Useful before leaving a gratuity.
Do you have...?¿Tiene...?TYEH-neh?Asking if they serve a specific item (e.g., wine, vegetarian options).

⭐ Tip for Travelers

Smile and Speak Slowly: Locals appreciate the effort! Even if your accent isn't perfect, slow and clear pronunciation combined with a friendly demeanor will ensure your Spanish phrases are well-received and understood.

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