Heading to a Spanish-speaking country soon and don’t speak the language? Learning some basic Spanish phrases can make a huge difference in your experience. Knowing just a few key phrases will help you communicate more effectively, show respect for the local culture, and make your travels more enjoyable. Plus, you don’t need to be fluent to make a great impression—just memorize these easy Spanish phrases to learn before you go.
Here are 10-15 essential phrases to help you get started.
1. Hola – Hello
This is one of the most common and simple greetings you can use. Whether you’re meeting new people or just passing someone on the street, hola is your go-to word for “hello.”
2. ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
This phrase is a great way to start a conversation. It’s a polite and friendly way to ask how someone is doing.
3. Gracias – Thank you
Politeness goes a long way, and gracias will be one of the most useful phrases in your vocabulary. You can use it in almost every situation where you need to express gratitude.
4. Por favor – Please
Adding por favor to your requests shows politeness and respect. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or requesting help, this phrase is essential.
5. ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
If you need help finding something, ¿Dónde está…? is your go-to phrase. For example, you can say, “¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where is the bathroom?) or “¿Dónde está el mercado?” (Where is the market?).
6. Perdón – Excuse me / I’m sorry
If you accidentally bump into someone or need to get someone’s attention, use perdón. It can be used for both apologizing and asking for someone to make way.
7. No entiendo – I don’t understand
If you’re struggling to follow what someone is saying, this phrase will be very helpful. It signals that you need them to speak more slowly or repeat themselves.
8. ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
When shopping in local markets or paying for services, use ¿Cuánto cuesta? to ask for the price of an item. It’s a simple and direct way to manage your purchases.
9. Me llamo… – My name is…
This is how you introduce yourself in Spanish. For example, you could say, Me llamo John (My name is John). It’s a friendly and polite way to start a conversation.
10. ¿De dónde eres? – Where are you from in Spanish
When meeting new people, this is a great icebreaker. It’s the Spanish way to ask someone where they are from. You might hear this phrase from locals who are curious about your background, and you can respond with Soy de [country or city] (I’m from [country or city]).
11. ¿Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English?
While it’s always good to try to speak the local language, sometimes you may need to ask if someone speaks English. This phrase will come in handy when you’re struggling with communication.
12. Una mesa para dos, por favor – A table for two, please
When dining out, this is a useful phrase to know. Whether you’re with a friend or a group, you can adjust the number to fit your needs (e.g., una mesa para cuatro – a table for four).
13. ¿Puedo tener la cuenta? – Can I have the check?
When you’re ready to pay after a meal, use this phrase to ask for the check. It’s polite and commonly used in restaurants throughout Spanish-speaking countries.
14. ¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?
If you need to ask for the time, this phrase will help you out. It’s a simple but useful question for everyday interactions.
15. Adiós – Goodbye
Finally, adiós is the perfect way to say goodbye. Whether you’re leaving a shop, a restaurant, or just parting ways with new friends, it’s a word you’ll use frequently.
Mastering Common Spanish Phrases
By memorizing these common Spanish phrases, you’ll be better prepared to navigate everyday situations during your travels. You don’t have to be fluent to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable—just learning a few of these easy phrases can make a big difference.
If you plan on spending more time in Spanish-speaking countries, whether for travel or volunteer work, expanding your vocabulary and practicing basic conversations will be incredibly beneficial.
Volunteering in Spanish-Speaking Countries
If you’re considering volunteering abroad, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will be invaluable. Smiles Movement offers volunteer trips in several Spanish-speaking countries, where you’ll have the chance to practice your new language skills while making a real difference in the communities you serve.
For example, our dental Service Learning Trips (SLT) allow you to work alongside local professionals while contributing to healthcare projects. You don’t need to speak Spanish fluently to participate, but knowing a few phrases can help you connect with patients and locals.
To learn more about how you can give back through volunteer work, check out our post on the role of volunteer dentistry abroad.
Why Learning Spanish Matters
Learning easy Spanish phrases to learn before you travel is about more than just making your trip easier—it’s about showing respect for the local culture. By putting in the effort to learn their language, even at a basic level, you’re signaling that you care about the people and their way of life. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or making small talk, locals will appreciate the effort, and it will enrich your travel experience.
If you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country for a volunteer opportunity, knowing these phrases is even more essential. You’ll be interacting with locals, and speaking even a little bit of Spanish will make your experience more meaningful.
For more tips on contributing to healthcare and dental education in underserved communities, take a look at our blog on the importance of dental education.
Join the Smiles Movement to Promote Oral Health
Want to put these easy Spanish phrases to learn to good use? Join the Smiles Movement and participate in a dental Service Learning Trip (SLT). It’s a great way to travel, contribute to oral health education, and learn more about the Spanish language and culture. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, gain valuable experience, and help improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Ready to get started? Download our brochure to learn more about our programs and how you can join the Smiles Movement today!
