Do you speak Spanish? If you are planning to move to Madrid or Spain, better to have some basics, isn’t it? Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world: Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and many other countries speak this language. Of course there are some lexical variations from one country to the other, but, if you manage a standard Spanish, everyone will understand you perfectly.
Moving abroad doesn’t mean just a new start. It means communicate with locals, have a contact with their culture, being part of their society. The best way to do it? Learn their language. Furthermore, you will need to communicate in order to find a flat or a room, to open a bank account, to solve any issue connected withpapers and daily life. Many people underestimate the value of learning a new language, but, believe us, it will ease your life.
Imagine needing some information about a neighbourhood in Madrid. The natives or the people who work there know whether you should look for a room there or not, they know the prices and maybe some property owners, too. As some may not speak English, you need to manage at least some basics of their language in order to talk to them and collect this important info.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro of Spanish. The majority can speak English or at least they try to understand your needs. People in Madrid are extremely helpful and kind, even though you are not fluent in Spanish. Nonetheless, it may be interesting to learn some phrases and basics of this beautiful language. That’s why we have created this short list of expressions that you’ll use for sure during your stay in Madrid.
When you meet some new friend…
Como te llamas? >>> What’s your name?
Me llamo___ >>> My name is ___
Yo soy ___ >>> I’m ___
Encantad@ >>> Nice to meet you!
De donde eres? >>> Where are you from?
Soy de ___ >>> I’m from ___
Hablas español? >>> Do you speak Spanish?
… or when you meet an old acquaintance
Tanto tiempo! >>> Long time, no see!
Qué tal? >>> How are you?
Muy bien, gracias! Y tu? >>> Very well, thank you! And you?
Qué pasa? >>> What’s up?
Vamos! >>> Let’s go!
Suerte >>> Good luck
Some greetings…
Hola! >>> Hi!
Buenos días! >>> Good morning!
Buenas tardes! >>> Good evening!
Adios! >>> Bye!
Hasta luego! >>> See you soon!
… and some politeness expressions
Por favor >>> Please
Muchas gracias >>> Thank you very much
De nada >>> you’re welcome
De nada >>> It was nothing, really
Perdona >>> Excuse me
Lo siento >>> I’m sorry
To have a conversation…
Qué tiempo hace? >>> What’s the weather like?
Hace buen tiempo >>> It’s nice
Hay sol >>> It’s sunny
Hay niebla >>> It’s foggy
Está lloviendo >>> It rains
Está húmedo >>> It’s humid
… to express your needs
Tener frío >>> To be cold
Tener calor >>> To be hot
Tener hambre >>> To be hungry
Tener sed >>> To be thirsty
Tener sueño >>> To be sleepy
Tener miedo >>> To be afraid
When you ask for the time…
Qué hora es? >>> What time is it?
Son las cinco de la madrugada >>> It’s 5.00 AM.
Son las cuatro y media de la tarde >>> It’s 4.30 PM.
Son las seis menos cuarto de la tarde >>> It’s 5.45 PM.
… and when you don’t understand
No entiendo >>> I don’t understand
These are just few of the several expressions you may need during your stay, but it is a good start (let’s say that this is the lesson number 1!). However, if you manage to remember all these things, you’re in business! So, take note and start learning Spanish…
Once you’ve memorized all these phrases, you’ll be able to speak with your Spanish flatmates and colleagues, isn’t that amazing? If languages are not your cup of tea, here some tips to learn quicker and more:
- When you look for a room, opt for a shared flat. You may meet native people and international, too: great chance to train the language and improve your skills.
- Study the basics and start a tandem. It’s free and it’s useful: the easiest way to learn quickly and to know natives.
- Try to speak Spanish as much as possible. Even though you can use English to communicate, make an effort and try to speak the local language: you’ll make the most of your experience abroad.
It’s time to practice… Hasta luego!