10 Spanish phrases that would be understood anywhere in the world

Certain Spanish phrases have become so popular that most people throughout the world understand their meanings, even if they do not speak the language. Many things have caused these phrases to become popular over the years. Movies and advertising campaigns utilize certain phrases, while other Spanish phrases are known simply because they are used on a very regular basis.

Spainish is the language of the world

One of the most easily recognizable expressions in the Spanish language is “hola, como estas?” This phrases is translated as “Hello, how are you?” Most travellers visiting Spanish speaking countries will want to understand at least this phrase. Even without knowing another Spanish word, being able to offer a simple greeting to the people you encounter will be rewarding. The people will also likely appreciate your attempt to converse, even if you do not fully comprehend their response to your greeting!

Spanish phrases used in basic conversations are easily recognized by people from around the world. Most people will recognize “Mucho gusto” as “Pleased to meet you!” If you know you will be introduced to a number of Spanish speaking people, make sure to rehearse this line a few times as it might just come in handy.

As you are wrapping up a Spanish conversation, there are a number of farewell greetings that will likely come to mind. One of the most popular phrases is “buenos noches!” This basic phrase means “good night.” A modified version of this Spanish phrase, “buenos dias,” is also easily recognisable. This phrase is used as a greeting to say “good day.”

Good night!

Another easy Spanish expression that will come in handy when travelling through Spanish speaking countries is “habla Ingles?”  The meaning of this phrase is simply “Do you speak English?” If you are in a bind and need something translated for you, this is one expression that you will want to know well. In this expression, Ingles can be substituted for other languages, which most people will be able to identify easily.

We can thank the 1991 movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day for forever immortalizing the expression “hasta la vista.” When John Connor tried to make the Terminator cool, he taught it this expression, which loosely translates as “see you later!” The full quote, “hasta la vista, baby,” used in Terminator 2 was recognized by the American Film Institute in 2005 as being one of the most memorable movie quotes of the last century.

The Spanish phrase “Feliz Navidad” entered the mainstream during the 1970s with the help of a Puerto Rican songwriter named Jose Feliciano. “Feliz Navidad” means “Merry Christmas” in the Spanish language. The song that Feliciano released under this name has grown widely popular over the years and is still played today. Several musicians have also covered “Feliz Navidad” including Celine Dion, The Three Tenors, David Hasselhoff, The Jonas Brothers, and Jon Secada.

If you do not speak any Spanish, but you find yourself lost in the middle of a Spanish conversation, one easy phrase will make that very clear. It is easy to remember, it is easy to understand: “no comprendo.” This Spanish phrase is so similar to English that most of us will have no trouble saying “I don’t understand” when the time justifies it. If you are worried about not being able to understand people during your travels, being able to use this Spanish phrase to alert others that you do not understand will be very useful. Being able to state that you do understand, “comprendo” is also a commonly recognised expression.

I. Don’t. Understand.

Many people are able to recognise the Spanish word for “thank you” as “gracias.” If you want step up the degree of your thanks, simply say “muchas gracias!” This translates as “thank you very much.” Being able to give a proper thank you will go a long way with the Spanish speaking people you may encounter. The Spanish phrase for “you’re welcome” is also easily recognized as “de nada.”

Along the lines of “thank you” and “you’re welcome,” most people will also recognize the Spanish phrase for “excuse me.” When you hear “perdone,” you will probably instinctively look around to see if someone needs your assistance or if you might be standing in the middle of someone’s way. This Spanish phrase can also be used if you accidentally bump into someone and you want to acknowledge the incident politely.

If you hear the Spanish phrase “no me gusto,” you know someone is not happy. This phrase, which means “I don’t like,” can be used to in any number of situations from telling someone that they are unhappy with the service at a restaurant or that they did not like the movie that they just saw.

Not happy

Half of the reason that some Spanish phrases are so well known is because they are extremely similar to their English translations. A great example of this would be “no problema.” Even if you have never heard the phrase before, and you do not speak any Spanish, you will still likely understand the meaning of this phrase. If you want to tell someone that you are up to the challenge, this is a fun way to do it. Translated, this phrase simply means “no problem.”

Even if you do not know the exact translation of many common Spanish phrases, chances are that you have a pretty good understanding of what they mean. Often these phrases are complemented by a certain tone of the voice or facial expression that will help to guide you in the right direction. If someone says to you “no comprendo” and throws their hands in the air with a confused look on their face, it probably will be easy to determine what they are trying to communicate.

With the help of a few popular Spanish phrases, you will find it possible to navigate through basic conversations. In the worst case scenarios where simple phrases aren’t getting you anywhere, remember “habla Ingles.” Perhaps it is possible to overcome the language barrier altogether.

I’m English, don’t you know?

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