How to Learn Key Phrases in Spanish

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Even if you don't speak a word of Spanish, it will only take a few minutes to learn some basic phrases that will help you communicate. Locals will appreciate even the most rudimentary attempts to speak their language.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Foreign Language Phrase Books
Travel Guides

Step 1

Use "hola" (pronounced "OH-la") for "hello" and "adios" (ah-dee-OSE) for "goodbye."
Step 2

Introduce yourself by saying "Mi nombre es" (mee NOME-bray ess) and then your name.
Step 3

Make copious use of "por favor" (pore fah-VORE) and "gracias" (GRAH-see-ahs) to say "please" and "thank you."
Step 4

Say "sí" (SEE) for "yes," and "no" (NOH) for "no." Or just nod or shake your head.
Step 5

Say "donde" (DONE-day), which means "where," if you're looking for something.
Step 6

Use "yo quisiera" (yo kee-see-YARE-uh), which means "I would like," in many situations. Just point to whatever you want, remembering to tack on a "por favor" at the end.
Step 7

If all of the above fails, ask "Habla ingles?" (AH-bla een-GLASE), or "Do you speak English?" If your new Spanish-speaking friend doesn't, he or she can probably find someone who does.

Tips & Warnings

If you carry around a small phrase book or dictionary, you can look up words you don't know - and even point to them if you can't pronounce them.
Use the power of body language: Pointing, drawing, gesturing and pantomiming will all help you get your point across.

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Comments

poetthom said

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on 7/5/2009 Print out on small index cards the addresses of places you want to go. Look up the address on the Net, before leaving, along with phone numbers. You're ready for the taxis and the people whom you'll meet on the streets!