Essential Spanish Phrases for Travel: 24 Phrases You'll Actually Use
Spanish is spoken in Spain and in almost all of Latin America, from Mexico to Argentina. Even a few words make a big difference: people are warm and patient when you try, and menus, buses and markets are much easier with the right phrase ready.
Updated October 2026
Basics and greetings
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Hello | Hola |
| Goodbye | Adiós |
| Please | Por favor |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| Yes | Sí |
| No | No |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Perdón / Disculpe |
| I don't understand | No entiendo |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? |
At the restaurant
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| A table for two, please | Una mesa para dos, por favor |
| The menu, please | La carta, por favor |
| Water, please | Agua, por favor |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor |
| It's delicious | Está delicioso |
Getting around and shopping
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Where is the toilet? | ¿Dónde está el baño? |
| Where is the station? | ¿Dónde está la estación? |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? |
| Can you write it down? | ¿Puede escribirlo? |
Emergencies and health
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Help! | ¡Ayuda! |
| I need a doctor | Necesito un médico |
| Where is the pharmacy? | ¿Dónde está la farmacia? |
| Call the police! | ¡Llame a la policía! |
| I'm lost | Estoy perdido / perdida |
Practical tips
- In Spain, lunch is often around 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm. Restaurants may be closed at "normal" times.
- Spanish is mostly pronounced as written. The "j" sounds like a strong "h" ("jamón" = ha-MON), and "ll" sounds like "y".
- Use "usted" (polite you) with older people and staff; "tú" is for friends and younger people.
- In Latin America, words change: a phone is "móvil" in Spain but "celular" in most of Latin America.
Too many phrases to remember?
With OIEM Translator you can simply talk. Choose English and Spanish, tap the microphone once and speak normally: the translation appears in about half a second and is spoken out loud in Spanish. When the other person answers, OIEM detects their language automatically and translates back — no need to tap again.
- Hands-free two-way conversation
- Text translation also works offline
- Photo translation for menus and signs
Free to download with free voice translations to try. The weekly plan includes a 3-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spain Spanish different from Latin American Spanish?
A little: accent, some words and the plural "you" (vosotros in Spain, ustedes in Latin America). The phrases on this page work everywhere.
Can my phone speak Spanish for me?
Yes. With a voice translator like OIEM Translator you speak in English and your iPhone says it out loud in Spanish, then translates the answer back. It is useful when a phrase list is not enough.
Do these phrases work offline?
This page works offline if you save it or take screenshots before your trip. In OIEM Translator, text translation works offline; voice translation needs an internet connection.