Visiting a foreign country can be a daunting experience especially if you’re not sure about the language. Okay, English is well spoken in many countries but it always helps to know the basic ‘lingo’ wherever you go.
Spain has been a popular tourist destination for Brits for a long time now and so the younger generation are quite in touch with the English language. The coasts boast a pretty comprehensive bi-lingual workforce and so do some of the bigger in land cities. However, duel of the main road and into the white villages of the Andalucian Mountains and you might find that you very best attempts at communication will not heed any results.
Look no further! Spanish is a simple language – especially the basics – and you can master simple phrases and words with just a bit of practice.
Each region of Spain has a certain accent to it and in Andalucia the form of Spanish that is spoken is called ‘Castellano’. This is also the most common form of Spanish in the whole of Spain. If you were to visit say Barcelona you might find people speaking ‘Catalan’. But that’s another story, on to ‘Castellano’.
The basics to learning Spanish are easy to master, so words that you will find immediately useful are;
Hola (o-la) – Hello
Adios (A-dyos) – Bye
Hasta Lluego (as-ta lwe-go) – See you soon
Gracias (gra-syas) – Thank you
Perdon (per-don) – Sorry
Si (see) – Yes
No (no) – No
Simple phrases will also help you when eating out, shopping or when you meet someone. Remember that a big smile always helps break the ice if your pronunciation isn’t great!
Me llamo (me ya-mo) – My name is
Mucho gusto (moo-cho goos-to) – It’s a pleasure to meet you
Soy de … (soy de) – I’m from …
Solo estoy mirando (so-lo es-toy mee-ran-do) – I’m just looking
Cuanto cuesta (kwan-to kwes-ta) – How much is it?
Of course there are many other phrases and words that will come in handy but mastering the basic ones are what is important.
Enjoy your visit to Andalucia most of all take advantage of learning a new language!
