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

"Recto" is the Spain form; "derecho" is used in Latin America

Point to your phone — works even without verbal directions

Change "dos" to any number

"Carta" (itemized menu) is preferred in Spain over "menú" for the menu card

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

"Cajero automático" is the full term

Swap "autobús" for "metro" or "tren" as needed

"Billete" in Spain; Latin America uses "boleto"

Works for buses, trains, ferries, flights

Show the driver your phone — universal

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 number in Spain: 112

Point to where it hurts

Learn cold — prices, addresses, quantities

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

Very common — used as a greeting, not just a question

"Tú" = informal; "usted" = formal. When in doubt, use "usted"

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

Spain's verbal OK — heard dozens of times a day. Not used in Latin America.

Most versatile word in Spain Spanish — meaning depends entirely on context. Not used in Latin America.

Common filler before thinking, explaining, or examining something

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

Simple positive reaction — used constantly

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

Spain's fixed-price lunch (starter + main + dessert + drink, ~€10–15). Always ask — not always advertised. One of the best-value meals in the world.

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

Standard ordering form at bars and cafés in Spain. More natural than "quiero." Example: "¿Me pone una caña?" (Can I have a beer?). Not used in Latin America.

Spain is low-tip culture — rounding up is fine. Always worth checking.

Polite but clear — follow with the specific issue

Essential in clothing shops

Always worth asking — especially at markets and independent shops

Works for journeys, queues, waiting for a table

"Transbordo" = transfer/change of vehicle. Essential for metro and bus.

Confirm before boarding — routes aren't always obvious

"Coche" in Spain; "carro" in most of Latin America; "auto" in Argentina/Chile

"Enchufe" = power socket. Spain uses type C/F plugs (EU-style).

Literally "my phone has died on me" — Spanish personifies the death. "Móvil" in Spain; "celular" in Latin America.

QR codes for menus, tickets, and payments are widespread

Spain has rotating on-duty pharmacies ("de guardia"). Nearest address is always posted on closed pharmacy windows.

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 (e.g. ciento uno, ciento veinte)

For scheduling and asking about times of day

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