¿Dónde está la recogida de equipajes?
Where is the baggage claim?
DON-deh es-TAH lah reh-koh-HEE-dah deh eh-kee-PAH-hes
Disculpe, ¿dónde está la recogida de equipajes?
Excuse me, where is baggage claim?
Essential Spanish phrases for travel and everyday conversation
Spanish phrases for travel and everyday conversation are ready-to-speak sentences for real situations — arriving, asking directions, ordering food, checking into a hotel, shopping, and handling emergencies. This guide groups 70+ essential Spanish phrases by situation with English translations and formal/informal notes, so you can speak from day one. To build the single words behind them, see our Spanish words guide.
Phrasebooks help you speak immediately; stories help the patterns stick. Use the situational tables below before a trip, then read A1–A2 Spanish stories where the same expressions appear in context with native audio and line-by-line English support.
Last updated:
- Entries
- 79 entries
- Topics
- 9 topics
- Level
- A1–A2 focus
Definition
Essential Spanish phrases are short, fixed expressions and full sentences — greetings, polite requests, and situational lines — that let A1–A2 learners communicate before mastering grammar, such as Quería un café (I’d like a coffee) or ¿Dónde está la estación? (Where is the station?).
Offline phrasebook
Keep the complete Spanish phrase list with you
Download a clean, categorized study sheet for travel, quick review, or lessons without an internet connection.
PDF travel sheet
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79 phrases · 9 topics · A4 format
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What you will practice
- Speak full sentences for travel, dining, and shopping situations
- Switch between formal (usted) and informal (tú) registers
- Ask for directions, help, and clarification with confidence
- Handle emergencies and health needs in Spanish
- Recycle whole phrases inside graded Spanish stories — not isolated drills
Real-life scene
Arrival & the airport
The first phrases you need after landing — customs, baggage, and getting out of the airport.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
¿Dónde están los taxis?
Where are the taxis?
DON-deh ehs-TAHN lohs TAK-sees
Mini conversation
At passport control
Officer
Buenos días. ¿Motivo del viaje?
Good morning. Purpose of the trip?
Traveler
Estoy aquí de vacaciones.
I’m here on vacation.
Officer
Muy bien. Que tenga buen viaje.
Very well. Have a good trip.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Estoy aquí de vacaciones | I'm here on vacation | — |
| Estoy aquí por trabajo | I'm here for work | — |
| No tengo nada que declarar | I have nothing to declare | — |
| ¿Dónde está la recogida de equipajes? | Where is the baggage claim? | DON-deh es-TAH lah reh-koh-HEE-dah deh eh-kee-PAH-hes |
| He perdido el vuelo | I missed my flight | — |
| ¿Cuál es la puerta de embarque para Madrid? | Which gate is for Madrid? | — |
| ¿Dónde están los taxis? | Where are the taxis? | DON-deh ehs-TAHN lohs TAK-sees |
| ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús? | Where is the bus stop? | — |
Real-life scene
Directions & getting around
Ask for directions and buy transport tickets. Pair these with question words like dónde (where) and cuándo (when).
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
¿Dónde está la estación?
Where is the station?
DON-deh es-TAH lah ehs-tah-SYON
Disculpe, ¿dónde está la estación?
Excuse me, where is the station?
Un billete para Sevilla, por favor
A ticket to Seville, please
oon bee-YEH-teh pah-rah seh-BEE-yah, por fah-BOR
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Dónde está la estación? | Where is the station? | DON-deh es-TAH lah ehs-tah-SYON |
| ¿Cómo llego al centro? | How do I get to the city center? | — |
| ¿Está lejos de aquí? | Is it far from here? | — |
| Gire a la derecha / a la izquierda | Turn right / left | Formal (usted) |
| Todo recto | Straight ahead | todo derecho in Latin America |
| Un billete para Sevilla, por favor | A ticket to Seville, please | oon bee-YEH-teh pah-rah seh-BEE-yah, por fah-BOR |
| ¿A qué hora sale el tren? | What time does the train leave? | — |
| ¿De qué andén sale? | Which platform does it leave from? | — |
| Estoy perdido / perdida | I'm lost | Masc. / fem. |
Real-life scene
At the hotel
Check in, ask about your room, and sort out practical details.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Tengo una reserva
I have a reservation
TEN-goh OO-nah reh-SEHR-bah
Buenas tardes, tengo una reserva a nombre de García.
Good afternoon, I have a reservation under García.
¿El desayuno está incluido?
Is breakfast included?
el deh-sah-YOO-noh es-TAH een-kloo-EE-doh
Mini conversation
Checking in at reception
Reception
Buenos días. ¿Tiene una reserva?
Good morning. Do you have a reservation?
Guest
Sí, tengo una reserva.
Yes, I have a reservation.
Reception
¿A nombre de quién?
Under what name?
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Tengo una reserva | I have a reservation | TEN-goh OO-nah reh-SEHR-bah |
| ¿Tienen una habitación libre? | Do you have a room available? | — |
| Quería una habitación doble | I'd like a double room | — |
| Quería quedarme dos noches | I'd like to stay two nights | — |
| ¿A qué hora es la salida? | What time is check-out? | — |
| ¿El desayuno está incluido? | Is breakfast included? | el deh-sah-YOO-noh es-TAH een-kloo-EE-doh |
| ¿Hay wifi? | Is there Wi-Fi? | — |
| ¿Puedo dejar las maletas aquí? | Can I leave my luggage here? | — |
| La llave, por favor | The key, please | — |
Real-life scene
At a restaurant or café
Order, ask for recommendations, and pay — the most-used phrases on any Spanish trip.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Quería un café
I'd like a coffee
keh-REE-ah oon kah-FEH
Quería un café y una tostada, por favor.
I’d like a coffee and toast, please.
La cuenta, por favor
The check, please
lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-BOR
Mini conversation
Ordering at a café
Server
Buenos días. ¿Qué le pongo?
Good morning. What can I get you?
Traveler
Quería un café, por favor.
I’d like a coffee, please.
Server
Claro. ¿Algo más?
Of course. Anything else?
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Una mesa para dos, por favor | A table for two, please | — |
| La carta, por favor | The menu, please | la carta = menu; el menú = set menu |
| Quería un café | I'd like a coffee | keh-REE-ah oon kah-FEH |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? | Formal (usted) |
| Soy vegetariano / vegetariana | I'm vegetarian | Masc. / fem. |
| Para mí, agua, por favor | Water for me, please | — |
| La cuenta, por favor | The check, please | lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-BOR |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay by card? | — |
| Estaba todo buenísimo | It was all delicious | — |
Real-life scene
Shopping & paying
Browse, compare prices, and check out in shops and markets.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah
¿Cuánto cuesta esta camisa?
How much does this shirt cost?
¿Me lo puedo probar?
Can I try it on?
meh loh PWEH-doh proh-BAHR
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah |
| Es demasiado caro | It's too expensive | — |
| ¿Lo tienen en otra talla? | Do you have it in another size? | — |
| Solo estoy mirando, gracias | I'm just looking, thanks | — |
| ¿Me lo puedo probar? | Can I try it on? | meh loh PWEH-doh proh-BAHR |
| ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito? | Do you accept credit cards? | — |
| ¿Me da un recibo, por favor? | Can I have a receipt, please? | — |
| ¿A qué hora cierran? | What time do you close? | — |
Real-life scene
Emergencies & health
The phrases you hope not to need — but should know before you travel.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Necesito un médico
I need a doctor
neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh
Es urgente: necesito un médico.
It’s urgent: I need a doctor.
¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
DON-deh es-TAH lah fahr-MAH-syah mahs sehr-KAH-nah
Mini conversation
At a pharmacy
Traveler
Buenos días. No me siento bien.
Good morning. I don’t feel well.
Pharmacist
¿Dónde le duele?
Where does it hurt?
Traveler
Me duele aquí.
It hurts here.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| ¡Socorro! / ¡Ayuda! | Help! | — |
| ¡Llame a una ambulancia! | Call an ambulance! | Formal (usted) |
| Necesito un médico | I need a doctor | neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh |
| No me siento bien | I don't feel well | — |
| Me duele aquí | It hurts here | — |
| ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? | DON-deh es-TAH lah fahr-MAH-syah mahs sehr-KAH-nah |
| He perdido el pasaporte | I lost my passport | — |
| ¡Llame a la policía! | Call the police! | Formal (usted) |
| ¿Hay un hospital cerca? | Is there a hospital nearby? | — |
Real-life scene
Greetings & introductions
Open and close conversations, and introduce yourself. Choose usted (formal) with strangers and tú with friends.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Buenos días, ¿cómo está?
Good morning, how are you?
BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs, KOH-moh es-TAH
Me llamo…
My name is…
meh YAH-moh
Me llamo Maya. ¡Encantada!
My name is Maya. Nice to meet you!
Mini conversation
Meeting someone for the first time
Lucas
Hola, me llamo Lucas.
Hello, my name is Lucas.
Maya
Encantada, soy Maya.
Nice to meet you, I’m Maya.
Lucas
Encantado.
Pleased to meet you.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos días, ¿cómo está? | Good morning, how are you? | BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs, KOH-moh es-TAH Formal (usted) |
| Hola, ¿cómo estás? | Hi, how are you? | Informal (tú) |
| Me llamo… | My name is… | meh YAH-moh |
| ¿Cómo se llama? | What's your name? | Formal (usted) |
| Encantado / Encantada | Pleased to meet you | Masc. / fem. |
| ¿De dónde eres? | Where are you from? | Informal (tú) |
| Soy de… | I'm from… | — |
| Muy bien, gracias | Very well, thank you | — |
| ¡Hasta pronto! | See you soon! | — |
Real-life scene
Polite essentials & small talk
The courtesy phrases that smooth every interaction in Spanish.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Muchas gracias
Thank you very much
MOO-chahs GRAH-syahs
Muchas gracias por su ayuda.
Thank you very much for your help.
Disculpe
Excuse me
dees-KOOL-peh
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Por favor | Please | — |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | MOO-chahs GRAH-syahs |
| De nada | You're welcome | — |
| Disculpe | Excuse me | dees-KOOL-peh Formal; perdón also works |
| Lo siento | I'm sorry | — |
| No hay problema | No problem | — |
| Está bien | OK / all right | — |
| ¡Qué día tan bonito! | What a beautiful day! | — |
| ¡Que tenga un buen día! | Have a good day! | Formal (usted) |
Real-life scene
Understanding & being understood
When you need someone to slow down, repeat, or switch to English.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
No entiendo
I don't understand
noh ehn-TYEHN-doh
Lo siento, no entiendo.
I’m sorry, I don’t understand.
¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Can you repeat, please?
PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER, por fah-BOR
Mini conversation
When the answer is too fast
Local
La parada está después de la plaza.
The stop is after the square.
Traveler
No entiendo. ¿Puede repetir?
I don’t understand. Can you repeat?
Local
Claro, más despacio.
Of course, more slowly.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| No entiendo | I don't understand | noh ehn-TYEHN-doh |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | Formal (usted) |
| ¿Puede repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat, please? | PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER, por fah-BOR Formal (usted) |
| ¿Puede hablar más despacio? | Can you speak more slowly? | Formal (usted) |
| ¿Cómo se dice… en español? | How do you say… in Spanish? | — |
| ¿Qué significa? | What does it mean? | — |
| No lo sé | I don't know | — |
| ¿Puede escribirlo, por favor? | Can you write it down, please? | Formal (usted) |
| Entiendo un poco de español | I understand a little Spanish | — |
How to learn Spanish phrases with stories
Phrasebooks give you lines to repeat; graded stories show you when to use them. MeloLingua Spanish readers recycle the same expressions inside café scenes, train rides, and hotel check-ins — with tap-to-gloss English support so the phrases stick in context.
- Pick a situation before a trip (restaurant, hotel), then read an A1 Spanish story set in that scene.
- Say each phrase aloud with native audio so rhythm and stress come naturally.
- Note the register — usted (formal) with strangers, tú with friends — as characters switch in dialogue.
- Move to A2 stories when A1 feels easy, where the same phrases appear in longer exchanges.
Related Spanish hubs & story collections
Spanish words
Core vocabulary by theme — the nouns, verbs, and adjectives behind these phrases.
A1 Spanish stories
Beginner vignettes with glossed vocabulary — cafés, markets, and daily routines.
Spanish reading practice
Graded passages by CEFR level with audio and comprehension support.
Spanish short stories for beginners
Editorial guide with sample scenes and a path into the full story library.
Answers
Essential Spanish phrases — FAQ
Q01What are the most useful Spanish phrases for travel?
What are the most useful Spanish phrases for travel?
Start with greetings (hola, gracias), polite requests (quería…, por favor), and high-frequency situational lines: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much is it?), ¿Dónde está la estación? (Where is the station?), La cuenta, por favor (The check, please), and ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?). These cover most everyday interactions.
Q02How do I say "excuse me" politely in Spanish?
How do I say "excuse me" politely in Spanish?
Use disculpe (formal, with the usted form) or perdón to get someone's attention or apologize. For "I'm sorry" in the sense of regret, say lo siento. To ask someone to repeat, add ¿puede repetir, por favor?
Q03What is the difference between formal and informal Spanish phrases?
What is the difference between formal and informal Spanish phrases?
Spanish distinguishes usted (formal) from tú (informal). With strangers, officials, and older people, use usted: ¿Cómo está? (How are you?). With friends and peers, use tú: ¿Cómo estás? Many phrases on this page show both registers so you choose the right one.
Q04How many Spanish phrases do I need before a trip?
How many Spanish phrases do I need before a trip?
Around 50–70 situational phrases cover arrival, directions, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and emergencies — enough to handle most travel interactions. Combine them with core Spanish words so you can swap nouns into patterns like Quería… (I'd like…) and ¿Dónde está…? (Where is…?).
Q05What is the difference between Spanish phrases and Spanish words?
What is the difference between Spanish phrases and Spanish words?
This page lists full, ready-to-speak sentences grouped by situation, like ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? (Can I pay by card?). For the single nouns, verbs, and adjectives behind them, see our Spanish words guide, which groups core vocabulary by theme.
Q06Where can I practice Spanish phrases for free?
Where can I practice Spanish phrases for free?
Use this situational guide, then read free graded Spanish stories on the MeloLingua website — beginner and intermediate collections with inline glosses and English line support. The same phrases reappear in dialogue, which is how they move into long-term memory.
Apply what you learned
Essential phrases in Spanish stories
Read graded Spanish stories that recycle this grammar pattern — native audio, line-by-line English support, and a quick comprehension check after each story.