Survival Phrases — 100

Works any time of day, any situation — the universal opener

Used until around noon

From noon until sunset

Both a greeting and a farewell after dark

Add to any request — mandatory for politeness

"Muchas gracias" for extra emphasis

Literally "of nothing" — standard response to thanks

To get attention or apologize — formal register

Most important safety net — use it freely

Last resort — trying Spanish first earns respect

Sets expectations — locals appreciate the effort

Must-know question — just add a place name

Asks for a route, not just a location

"Izquierda" trips up most learners — practice this one

"Derecho" is the Latin American form; Spain uses "recto"

Point to your phone — works even without verbal directions

Change "dos" to any number

"Menú" is the standard term across Latin America; "carta" is understood but less common

Discover local specialties — locals love this question

"Me gustaría" is more polite and softens any request

Must ask — they will not bring the bill unprompted

Critical safety phrase — memorize with your specific allergen

"Sin gluten" (without gluten), "sin carne" (without meat)

Complimenting the food goes a long way

Point at the item — no need to name it

In markets, this can open a negotiation

Many small shops and markets are cash-only — especially outside city centres

"Cajero automático" is the full term

Local bus terms vary: "camión" (Mexico), "colectivo" (Argentina), "bus" or "buseta" (Colombia). "Autobús" is always understood.

"Boleto" is the standard Latin American term; Spain uses "billete"

Works for buses, trains, ferries, flights

Show the driver your phone — universal. Apps like Uber, Cabify, InDriver widely available in major LatAm cities.

Essential for taxis and buses

Follow with your name: "a nombre de..."

"Check-out" used as-is across the Spanish-speaking world

Swap for "un hospital" or "una farmacia" as needed

Emergency numbers vary by country: Mexico 911, Colombia 123, Argentina 911, Chile 133, Peru 105, Brazil 190.

Point to where it hurts

Learn cold — prices, addresses, quantities

"Mañana" also means "morning" — context determines meaning

Very common across Latin America — used as a greeting, not just a question

"Usted" is used more widely in formal contexts in LatAm than in Spain. "Vos" replaces "tú" in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central America.

"Claro" alone is fine; "claro que sí" adds enthusiasm

The Latin American equivalent of Spain's 'vale.' 'Listo' is especially common in Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador; 'OK' is universal. Also: 'está bien' (fine/OK), 'bueno' (Mexico).

"¡Ándale!" is the Mexican multi-purpose exclamation (agreement, encouragement, hurry up). "¡Dale!" is its Argentine equivalent. "¡Órale!" (MX) is similar. Widely recognized across Latin America through media.

Common filler before thinking, explaining, or examining something — used across all LatAm countries

Attention-getters before a point or question. Perfectly polite in casual speech.

Simple positive reaction — used constantly. Also: "¡Qué chévere!" (Colombia/Venezuela), "¡Qué bacán!" (Chile/Peru), "¡Qué padre!" (Mexico).

Natural response to bad news. "¡Qué pena!" is equally common.

Tag questions inviting agreement — used constantly

Never hesitate to ask — native speakers want to help you understand

Point or say the word in English — any native speaker will help

Point at any object — great for building vocabulary on the go

Polite way to say 'I didn't catch that' — indispensable

"Disculpe" = I disturbed you (apology); "con permiso" = please let me through (permission)

Spanish uses "tener" (to have) — "I have hunger/thirst." Not "I am hungry."

Again "tener" — "I have heat/cold." Key body state verbs use "tener" not "estar."

Literally "I have hurry" — useful in taxis, airports, queues

Masculine: cansado. Feminine: cansada.

Literally "it pleases me a lot" — Spanish says things please you, not that you like them

Fixed-price lunch exists across Latin America but under different names: "almuerzo ejecutivo" (Colombia/Peru/Ecuador), "comida corrida" (Mexico), "menú del día" (widely understood). Usually the best-value option at lunchtime.

"Llevar" here means "to contain" — literally "what does this dish carry?"

Standard ordering form at bars and restaurants in Latin America. Literally "can you give me a...?" More direct than "quiero." Example: "¿Me da una cerveza?" (Can I have a beer?). Spain uses "¿me pone...?" instead.

Tipping culture varies: Colombia 10% often auto-added, Mexico 10–15% expected, Argentina less standardized. Always worth checking.

Polite but clear — follow with the specific issue

Essential in clothing shops

Always worth asking — especially at markets

Works for journeys, queues, waiting for a table

"Transbordo" = transfer. Essential for metro and bus. Also: "¿Hay que cambiar?" works

Confirm before boarding — routes aren't always obvious

"Carro" across most of Latin America; "auto" in Argentina/Chile/Uruguay; Spain uses "coche"

Plug types vary by country: Type A/B (Mexico, Central America), Type C/I/A mix (South America). Check before you travel.

Literally "my phone died on me." "Celular" is the standard LatAm term; Spain uses "móvil." Also: "se me acabó la batería" (my battery ran out) is equally common.

QR codes for menus, tickets, and payments are widespread across Latin America

In Latin America, many pharmacy chains are open 24h (e.g. Farmacias del Ahorro in Mexico, Cruz Verde in Chile/Colombia). Unlike Spain's rotating 'farmacia de guardia' system, large chains often handle night coverage.

Shout to warn someone of immediate danger

Literally "they have robbed me" — for reporting theft to police or hotel

Contact your embassy immediately after

Embassy can replace travel documents and assist in emergencies

"Cien" = exactly 100; "ciento" for 101–199. Note: LatAm uses [s] for c/z (seseo) — "cincuenta" sounds like "sin-KWEN-ta"

For scheduling and asking about times of day

"Que viene" literally means "that is coming" — standard way to say "next" for weeks, months, years