One of the pleasant things about the Camino is the lack of infiltration of English. Sure you’ll find some waiting staff and receptionists with a decent command of the language, but local people won’t automatically switch into English in the way they do in other modern tourist destinations. You might find that challenging, but at least it brings authenticity to the experience and puts the onus on you to brush up on your Spanish.
Below is a list of words and expressions that will get you pretty far along the Camino.
1. THE BASICS
Buen Camino! – The standard greeting to all fellow pilgrims. You’ll say it and hear it spoken to you over and over.
Hola – Hi
Buenos días – Good morning
Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
Buenas noches – Good night
Sí – Yes
No – No
Por favor – Please
Gracias – Thank you
De nada – You’re welcome
Perdone – Excuse me
De dónde eres? – Where are you from?
Cómo te llamas – What is your name?
Adiós – Goodbye
Hasta luego – See you later
2. ORDERING (BREAKS)
We’re talking here about the breaks you’ll take during your walking stage, when you’ve just put down 10 or 15 km and want to recharge your batteries with a cup of tea or coffee. Remember, the Spanish don’t tend to bother with formalities when ordering. None of this ‘Could I have..’ or ‘When you’re ready…’ Straight up, shoot from the hip, they won’t mind.
Café – Coffee
Café con leche – White Coffee/Latte/Coffee with mil
Café americano – Black Coffee/Americano
Té (prounounced tay) – Tea
Té negro – Black Tea
Té verde – Green tea
Cerveza – Beer
Caña – A small glass of beer
Zumo de naranja – Orange juice
Caliente – Warm
Frío(a) – Cold
Hielo – Ice
Agua con gas – Sparkling Water
Agua natural / Agua sin gas – Still Water
Una botella – A bottle
Grande – Large
Pequeño(a) – Small
Mucho – A lot
Un poco – A little
3. ORDERING (MEALS)
Cena – Dinner
Desayuno – Breakfast
Almuerzo – Lunch
Desayuno – Breakfast
Quiero/Quisiera – I want / I would like…
Por favor – Please
Soy vegano(a) – I’m vegan
Soy vegetariano(a) – I’m vegetarian
Soy celíaco/celíaca – I’m celiac
Sin gluten – Gluten-free
Vino blanco – White Wine
Vino rojo – Red Wine
Pan – Bread
La cuenta por favor – Could I have the bill please?
4. OTHER USEFUL PHRASES
These are more to do with straightforward logistical challenges like buying goods, checking in to your hotel or just getting around.
¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it?
¿A qué hora? – What time is?
¿A qué hora recogéis las maletas? – What time do you collect our bags?
¿Dónde dejamos las maletas por la mañana? – Where do we leave our bags in the morning?
Me llamo John Murphy y tengo una reserva con CaminoByTheWay – My name is John Murphy and I have a booking with CaminoByTheWay
No hablo español – I don’t speak Spanish
¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
Supermercado – Supermarket
Banco – Bank
Parada de autobús – Bus stop
Farmacia – Pharmacy
Me duele aquí – It hurts here
Soy un peregrino – I am a pilgrim
Sello – stamp
Agua potable? – Drinking water
Codigo/Contraseña del Wifi – WiFi Code/Password?
Ampolla – Blister
So give it a go. Knowing a few key phrases will make your Camino that little bit easier.
Want to find out more about the Camino? Contact us at hello@caminobytheway.com.
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