While here in Sevilla, you will learn more and more Spanish everyday. It can be frustrating at times, and I am sure that you will sometimes get stressed, but here are some important phrases that you will want to know. You may already know them, but if not, they will help you make your life easier.
Asking for directions
Excuse me, can you please tell me the directions to….
¿Perdón, puede decirme la dirección a (any place) por favor?
Excuse me, do you know the direction to…
Perdón, usted sabe la dirección a (any place)
Greetings
Though you have probably learned these throughout your Spanish classes, it is important to know when to use them, and to avoid being laughed at for not understanding their time difference.
Hi, good morning = Hola, buenos días
(This can be used anytime up until noon)
Hi, good afternoon = Hola, buenas tardes
(This can be used anytime from noon until as late as 9 p.m., this is the one that throws many people off, because it used even when it is dark outside)
Hi, good night = Hola, buenas noches
(This is only used at night, and many times is a way of saying goodbye. It is also used to indicate that you are leaving or going to bed for the night.)
Things to say while having problems during a conversation
There will probably be times when you do not fully understand what someone is saying to you. Here a few options you can use.
I do not understand, please speak slower
No comprendo, por favor habla más despacio
I am sorry, please say that again
Perdón, repítelo una vez más por favor
Phrases to use in a restaurant
To get the attention of a waiter or waitress
Oiga!
The check please!
La cuenta por favor!
On a side note, there may be times when people are trying to sell you things in the street or asking you to fill out applications for something bogus.
These are good times to simple respond with: Perdón, pero no comprendo español, or just tell them in English that you do not understand what they are saying. If you speak to them in English, more than likely they will have no idea what you are saying and will simple give up on their desired transaction.
Frequent errors of conversation
Todas las expresiones de esta página se usan cotidianamente, pero se usan mal a pesar de que a los españoles les suenan fatal. Aprende esta lista de errores por que son muy habituales entre los estudiantes extranjeros y procura corregírtelos, si es que los cometes.
INCORRECT: Es no importante CORRECT: No es importante
INCORRECT: Un otro problema CORRECT: otro problema; un problema
INCORRECT: Me gusto la música CORRECT: Me gusta la música
INCORRECT: Me lavo mi cabeza CORRECT: Me lavo la cabeza
INCORRECT: Tengo una grande casa CORRECT: Tengo una casa grande
INCORRECT: ¿Cómo estás? Muy bueno/a CORRECT: ¿Cómo estás? Muy bien
INCORRECT: El libro que he leido es muy bien CORRECT: El libro que he leido está muy bien
INCORRECT: Estoy a Sevilla CORRECT: Estoy en Sevilla
INCORRECT: Voy en Madrid CORRECT: Voy a Madrid
INCORRECT: ¿Quién es Julia? Mi CORRECT: ¿Quién es Julia? Yo
INCORRECT: Mañana en la mañana CORRECT: Mañana por la mañana
INCORRECT: Prefiero de estudiar esta tarde CORRECT: Prefiero estudiar esta tarde
INCORRECT: No me recuerdo CORRECT:: No me acuerdo
WORDS TO KNOW
Signs to Recognize:
Aduana Customs
Entrada Entrance
Exit Salida
Prohibido el paso No entry
Prohibido fumar No smoking
Prohibido aparcar No parking
Los servicios Toilets
Free of charge Gratis
Izquierda Left
Derecha Right
Abierto Open
Cerrado Closed
Llegada Arrival
Salida Departure
Words and Phrases to Learn
Hola Hello
Adios Goodbye
Quizas Maybe
Gracias Thank You
De nada You are welcome
Por favor Please
Perdon Excuse me
Lo siento I am sorry
Vale OK
Me llamo My name is...
Mucho gusto Pleased to meet you
Que tal? How are you? How are things?
Quiero / No quiero I want / I don't want
Cuanto cuesta? How much does this cost?
Me gusta/ No me gusta I like it / I don't like it
Mas despacio Speak more slowly
No entiendo I don't understand
Billete Ticket for transportation
Entrada Ticket for museums or sporting events
La cuenta The bill
Donde esta...? Where is...?
Dónde nos reuniremos? Where should we meet?
Claro que sí That´s correct
Sabes lo que te digo? You know what I mean?
Entiendo I understand
Dime otra vez Tell me again
Ya está That´s it