Spanish is one of those useful languages that can unlock so much of the globe. Even if you only know a handful of phrases, you can wander through markets, order snacks on the street and show politeness to local communities. There are 21 places scattered across the world, and while each has its nuances and accent, these essential greetings and helpful phrase will help you connect – even if your own accent needs work!
How easy is it to learn Spanish?
Spanish is friendlier to beginners than most languages. Words sound almost exactly as they’re spelled and like English the language uses the Roman alphabet. Vowels behave themselves and grammar follows a steady logic (even if verbs are complicated). The trickiest part for English-speaking beginners learning Spanish is rolling your R and following full speed conversations. Still, you can pick up a few easy phrases – including please speak slower.
Which countries are Spanish-speaking countries?
Spanish stretches from the deserts of northern Mexico down to the glaciers of Patagonia. Here are the 20 countries and 1 region that speak Spanish.
- Europe: Spain
- North & Central America: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
- Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
- Africa: Equatorial Guinea
What are some useful Spanish greetings?
A few friendly greetings go a long way, especially when you’re stepping into cafés, markets or hotels in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Hola – Hello
- Buenos días – Good morning
- Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
- Buenas noches – Good evening or good night
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you
- Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
- ¿Qué tal? – A casual “How’s it going”
- Hasta luego – See you later
- Bienvenido / Bienvenida / Bienvenidos – Welcome (male / female / plural)
- Amigo / Amiga – Friend (male / female)
Polite expressions and cultural etiquette
These tiny phrases and helpful words will help smooth nearly any interaction and show locals you’re trying. Using these polite phrases and language will gain you some respect in conversations and interactions.
- Por favor – Please
- Gracias – Thank you
- De nada – You’re welcome
- Disculpe – Excuse me (to get attention politely)
- Perdón – Sorry (for small slip-ups)
- Con permiso – A gentle “coming through”
- ¿Puedo…? – May I…?
- ¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name
- Mi nombre es… – My name is…
READ NEXT: 25 best things to do in Spain in 2026
Essential Spanish travel vocabulary
Try to memorize these handy single words – it might save you from frantic gesturing or panicked pointing at maps! You’ll see them on signs, tickets, menus and more.
- Baño – Bathroom
- Entrada / Salida – Entrance / Exit
- Estación – Station
- Calle – Street
- Mapa – Map
- Hotel / Habitación – Hotel / Room
- Reservación – Reservation
- Cuenta – Bill
- Agua – Water
- Ayuda – Help
What are the most common Spanish phrases to know?
These everyday lines will help you navigate most simple situations in Spanish without fuss. These will come in handy whether you’re ordering food or checking into a hotel.
- ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…
- Necesito… – I need…
- No entiendo – I don’t understand
- ¿Puedes repetir? – Can you repeat
- ¿Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it
- Estoy buscando… – I’m looking for…
- Está bien – It’s okay
Spanish phrases for eating out
Ask for a table and actually get one when these simple phrases! Knowing how to order confidently, ask about ingredients or share dietary concerns, or compliment a dish may win over your waiter. It also helps you avoid awkward menu guesses or accidental surprises.
- Una mesa para dos, por favor – A table for two please
- ¿Qué me recomiendas? – What do you recommend
- Quisiera pedir… – I’d like to order…
- ¿Está picante? – Is it spicy
- Soy vegetariano / vegetariana – I’m vegetarian
- Sin gluten – Gluten free
- La cuenta, por favor – The bill please
- Está delicioso – It’s delicious
READ NEXT: Tipping in Spain: Beginner’s Guide
Spanish phrases for getting around
Useful for taxis, buses, metros so things don’t get lost in translation. If you get physically lost, pop into a nearby shop and ask for directions – rather than a stranger on the street.
- ¿Dónde está la parada? – Where is the stop
- ¿Va al centro? – Does this go to the center
- Una dirección, por favor – An address please (for taxis)
- Lléveme a… – Take me to…
- Baje aquí, por favor – Stop here please
- ¿Cuánto tarda? – How long does it take
- A la izquierda / a la derecha – To the left / to the right
- Cerca / lejos – Near / far
Spanish phrases for emergencies
We hope you won’t need these phrases, but keep them handy just in case something goes wrong. Knowing these phrases helps you stay calm and get the assistance you need.
- Necesito ayuda – I need help
- Llame a la policía – Call the police
- Estoy perdido / perdida – I’m lost
- Necesito un médico – I need a doctor
- Me siento mal – I feel unwell
- Perdí mi pasaporte – I lost my passport
- Es una emergencia – It’s an emergency
- ¿Dónde hay una farmacia? – Where is a pharmacy
READ NEXT: Spain packing list: essentials for your Spanish adventure
Numbers, time & money in Spanish
Basic essentials for paying, scheduling and understanding prices. Getting comfortable with basic numbers and phrases will help you navigate cities, get fed and sort logistics (without the headache).
- Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco – One, two, three, four, five
- Diez, veinte, cincuenta, cien – Ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred
- Hoy / Mañana / Ayer – Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday
- ¿A qué hora…? – At what time…
- Precio – Price
- Efectivo / Tarjeta – Cash / Card
- Cambio – Change
- ¿Me da un recibo? – Can I have a receipt
Slang and regional expressions in Spanish
Spanish has tonnes of regional slang – as you’d expect for a language spoken in 21 places on four continents. The best way to pick up local slang is to listen or ask a local guide. Each country has slightly different expressions and words, and we’ll share a handful of examples below.
You don’t need to master every regional twist. Even just sprinkling one or two region-specific words will earn smiles and signal your curiosity about their culture.
- ¿Qué onda? – What’s up (Mexico)
- ¡Qué chévere! – Cool / Awesome (Colombia, some other Latin American countries)
- Che – Hey / informal address (Argentina)
- Vale – Okay / Alright (Spain)
- ¡Ojo! – Watch out / Pay attention (Spain, general warning)
- Guay – Cool / Nice (Spain)
- Bacán – Cool / Awesome (Chile, Peru)
We think those are the most important Spanish phrases to know. Anything else we should add to our list? Leave your suggestions in the comments…