If you're someone who has always wanted to learn Spanish but never quite stuck with it, or maybe you started and then lost motivation, this list is for you. Learning a language is a challenging task, even with plenty of free tools like Duolingo or even YouTube. Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to begin, or you find yourself repeating lessons just to keep up a streak. Admit it—we’ve all been there.
That’s why we put together this list of basic Spanish words and phrases to help you out. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep learning. Feel free to save this page if you’re planning a trip to Spain and want to be ready!
In this article:
Greetings in Spanish
Hola - Hello
Buenos días - Good morning
Buenas tardes - Good afternoon
Buenas noches - Good evening / Good night
¿Cómo estás? - How are you?
¿Qué tal? - What’s up?
How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish
Me llamo… - My name is…
Soy de… - I am from…
Tengo … años - I am … years old
Mucho gusto - Nice to meet you
Polite Expressions
Gracias - Thank you
Por favor - Please
De nada - You’re welcome
Lo siento - I’m sorry
Perdón - Excuse me
Spanish Question Starters
¿Qué? - What?
¿Quién? - Who?
¿Cuándo? - When?
¿Dónde? - Where?
¿Por qué? - Why?
¿Cómo? - How?
Simple Verbs
Tener - To have
Querer - To want
Necesitar - To need
Estar - To be - temporary
Ser - To be - permanent
Hacer - To do/make
Everyday Words for Beginners
Comida - Food
Agua - Water
Casa - House
Amigo/a - Friend
Familia - Family
Common Phrases for Daily Situations
¿Dónde está…? - Where is…?
¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
No entiendo - I don’t understand
Habla más despacio, por favor - Speak more slowly, please
¿Puede ayudarme? - Can you help me?
Goodbye in Spanish
Adiós - Goodbye
Hasta luego - See you later
Hasta mañana - See you tomorrow
Chao - Bye
Cuídate - Take care
Phrases for Travelers for Unexpected Situations
¿Dónde está la farmacia? - Where is the pharmacy?
¿Dónde puedo encontrar un médico? - Where can I find a doctor?
Necesito ayuda. - I need help.
He perdido mi pasaporte. - I’ve lost my passport.
¿Cómo llego a…? - How do I get to…?
¿Habla inglés? - Do you speak English?
¿Puede repetirlo? - Can you repeat that?
¿Dónde está la estación de policía? - Where is the police station?
¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero? - Where can I exchange money?
¿Hay Wi-Fi aquí? - Is there Wi-Fi here?
¿Cuál es la contraseña del Wi-Fi? - What is the Wi-Fi password?
Necesito una habitación. - I need a room.
¿Hay un supermercado cerca? - Is there a supermarket nearby?
Tips for Learning Spanish - Is It Hard?
Learning Spanish can be a bit tricky for English speakers but it’s definitely achievable with the right approach. Spanish and English share some similarities like many words with Latin roots but also have differences in grammar and pronunciation that take some getting used to. But with regular practice and exposure you can overcome those hurdles.
One way to learn Spanish is through language apps like Duolingo or Babbel. They make learning fun and you can practice at your own pace. Another way is to watch Spanish TV shows and movies. Shows like La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) can help you get used to hearing Spanish in real life situations. Plus you can learn new words and phrases while being entertained.
And practicing with real people is also super helpful. You can join a Spanish class or find a language exchange partner online to practice speaking. This will help you get used to conversations and improve your fluency.
If you need more tips for learning spanish or just general tips for traveling Spain, visit BarcaTrips and learn everything about Barcelona.
FAQs
Does Barcelona speak more Spanish or Catalan?
In Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are spoken. Catalan is often used in local settings, but almost everyone understands and speaks Spanish too. You’ll hear both languages in the city.
Is it better to speak Spanish or Catalan in Barcelona?
Both Spanish and Catalan are fine to use in Barcelona. Spanish is widely understood, so you’ll get by easily. If you learn a few words in Catalan, locals will appreciate it, but Spanish works just as well.
What is the best language to learn alongside Spanish?
If you’re learning Spanish, Portuguese is a good language to learn next because it’s similar. French is also useful, especially in Europe, and Italian is another easy option since it’s close to Spanish.
Can you learn Spanish on Duolingo?
Yes, you can learn Spanish on Duolingo. It’s great for beginners and helps with vocabulary and basic sentences. For best results, use Duolingo along with other resources like talking to native speakers or watching Spanish TV shows.
