Not Just Buenas Tardes: More Must-Know Spanish Phrases for Travelers

 

One of the most intimidating parts of traveling to Spanish-speaking countries is the language barrier. The good news? It’s easier to learn a few basic phrases than you might think, and doing so can make all the difference in your travels! Whether you’re going on vacation or planning your next business trip, consider these tips on how to say Good Afternoon in Spanish or other common foreign language phrases as you navigate new environments and cultures. These simple Spanish phrases will get you far with your hosts and help you enjoy your travels more!

 

If you’re visiting another country, it’s always a good idea to know how to say good morning. This is one of those phrases that actually vary by country. In Spain, for example, Buenos días (good days) is used in both formal and informal settings. In other countries, such as Argentina and Mexico, Buenos días is only used formally; in Mexico and Argentina, Buenas tardes (good afternoons) or Buenas Noches (good evenings) are used informally. When traveling in Latin America, remember to use buenas días at all times—this will make you seem polite and well-educated. 

 

The phrase ¿Cómo estás? is commonly used to ask how someone is doing. It translates literally to How are you?, but it doesn’t really make sense in English. (If I asked, How are you? I wouldn’t expect an answer that included your medical history.) Instead, think of it as a greeting—similar to asking What’s up? or What have you been up to lately? You can then respond with Estoy bien, Estoy mal, Estoy bien gracias/mucho gusto (I am well/not well/well thanks), etc.

 

If you’re learning a new language, it’s always helpful to know how to ask for someone’s name in their native tongue. In Mexico, ¿Cómo se llama usted? or ¿Cómo se dice...? is a common way of asking someone their name (not to mention a surefire way to make an impression). In Latin American countries, ¿Podría repetir, por favor? is often used by locals and tourists alike to ask someone politely to repeat themselves. It literally translates to Could you repeat that please? It can be used in any situation where someone might not understand what was said or when something is not clear.

 

Adiós is what you say to leave your friends, family, or co-workers. ¡Hasta luego! is a good phrase to use when parting ways with someone. If you are saying goodbye to someone special, try Hasta la vista or Till next time. No matter what language you speak, taking a few minutes to learn some phrases that will make people smile and help them feel more connected is always worth it. If you visit a country in which these phrases are part of their native language, you’re already off to a good start. To show respect when speaking to someone older than you or someone with whom you have a formal relationship, use usted instead of tu. For example, usted es maestro (you are teacher) instead of tu eres maestro (you are teacher).