Basic Words

1. Sí

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Por favor

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Gracias

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Disculpe

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The polite "usted" form; use "disculpa" with friends

6. Lo siento

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Está bien

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Works both as a reply to an apology and as a polite refusal of help

8. No entiendo

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Entiendo

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. He terminado

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    Present perfect; in Latin America "Ya terminé" (simple past) is more common

11. Espere, por favor

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Espere" is the "usted" imperative; use "espera" with friends

12. Un momento

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Un adulto, por favor

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. No tengo reserva

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Latin America generally prefers "reservación" to "reserva"

15. Tengo una reserva

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Ayúdeme, por favor

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "¡Socorro!"

17. Otra vez, por favor

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Hable más despacio, por favor

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Hablo un poco de español

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Say it early and people will adjust their speed

20. ¿Habla inglés?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The "usted" form; Spanish questions open with an inverted "¿"

21. esto

    This

    Usage

    The neuter demonstrative for pointing at something right in front of you

22. eso

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Points at something near the person you are talking to

23. aquello

    That (over there)

    Usage

    Points at something away from both of you

24. aquí

    Here

    Usage

    Names a place while pointing at a map or at your own feet

25. ahí

    There

    Usage

    Points at a spot a short distance away or near the listener

26. allí

    Over there

    Usage

    Points at a distant spot; also works for showing a taxi where to go

27. yo

    I

    Usage

    One word for yourself, useful when sorting out who is who

28. usted

    You (formal)

    Usage

    The polite form for strangers and staff; friends use "tú", and Central America and the Southern Cone use "vos"

29. juntos

    Together

    Usage

    Says you are together — for seating, travelling, or paying as one

30. ahora mismo

    Right now

    Usage

    Shows that something is urgent

31. una persona

    One person

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, a room, or tickets

32. dos personas

    Two people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, a room, or tickets

33. tres personas

    Three people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, a room, or tickets

Browse all TravelPhrases languages