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![Basic Spanish for a Trip To Mexico
When traveling to Mexico for work or leisure you can benefit hugely from learning some basic
Spanish phrases. Spanish is used by more than a hundred million Mexicans at homes, schools,
businesses, healthcare institutes, restaurants, tourist attractions, and all kinds of organizations
across all type of industries.
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world and 25% of the native speakers live in
Mexico.[1] Interestingly, Spanish is not registered as the official language in Mexico!
That is because the Mexican government recognizes Spanish along with 68 other indigenous
tongues as the national language.[2] But despite the ethnic diversity, Spanish is spoken by the
vast majority of the Mexican population for both public and private matters.[3]
Basic Spanish phrases:](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/basicspanishforatriptomexico-200204032852/85/Basic-Spanish-for-a-Trip-to-Mexico-1-320.jpg)
![How to order food in Mexico:
Traditional Mexican cuisine encompasses farming practices of native crops, spiritual rituals, and
ancestral cooking techniques. No wonder the UNESCO has acknowledged it as an Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity![4]
Staple foods include corn and corn-based products such as tortillas, endless varieties of chilies,
zucchini, and beans. A veritable bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits are found across the nation.
Even tropical cacao beans, aromatic coffee beans, and exotic vanilla pods are cultivated in
Mexico.
Mexican geography is extremely diverse, thus the gastronomy changes along with the landscape.
Always go for local delicacies to maximize your culinary experience. Popular dishes include
chilaquiles, mole, pozole, aguachile, barbacoa, chiles rellenos, and cochinita. However
discerning your pallet Mexico’s cuisine will have you licking your fingers for more.
It is common practice to leave a tip ranging from 10% to 15% in most food establishments.
Speaking of tips, to ensure you get attended be sure to use the word Joven when addressing your
male waiter and Señorita for a female waitress.
So, whether it´s humble tacos from a street stall or a sophisticated dish from a high-end
restaurant, the following phrases will help you get your fill.
I would like to make a booking Quisiera hacer una reservación
Table for two please Mesa para dos por favor
To eat in Para comer aquí
To take away Para llevar](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/basicspanishforatriptomexico-200204032852/85/Basic-Spanish-for-a-Trip-to-Mexico-3-320.jpg)
![To drink Para beber
Sparkling water Agua mineral
Beer Cerveza
Wine Vino
Soda pop Refresco
Coffee Café
Milk Leche
Cheers ¡Salud!
Bon appetit Buen provecho
Only half portion Solamente media porción
With or without cheese Con o sin queso
On the side A un lado
I am vegan/vegetarian/celiac Soy vegano/vegetariano/celíaco
My food is cold/hot Mi comida está fría/caliente
Salt and pepper Sal y pimiento
How much is it? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
The bill please La cuenta por favor
How to ask for the bathroom in Mexico
The lack of legislation for public sanitation design allows Mexicans to apply their creativity and
resourcefulness in even the most functional of spaces. Curiously enough, the pictorial and
colorful chaos of Mexican folk attitudes towards life can be appreciated even in the toilets and it
has been documented by Kurt Hollander, who has spent years photographing bathrooms in
Mexico City.[5] In any case, being familiar with the vocabulary necessary to use the restroom is
a must!
Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the nearest public toilet? ¿Dónde se encuentra el baño público más cercano?
Gentlemen/Men Caballeros/Hombres
Ladies/Women Damas/Mujeres
Toilet roll Papel de baño
Handwash Jabón de manos
Hand towel Toalla de manos
Engaged/In use Está ocupado
How to ask for directions in Mexico](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/basicspanishforatriptomexico-200204032852/85/Basic-Spanish-for-a-Trip-to-Mexico-4-320.jpg)
![You will find that most Mexicans are warm and hospitable and will offer you directions and
assistance without hesitation. It is, however, advisable to use registered taxi services and airport
shuttles to avoid disappointments.
General directions and common places:
Straight on Derecho
Left Izquierdo
Right Derecha
Ahead Adelante
Behind Atrás
Airport Aeropuerto
Taxi service Servicio de taxi
Bus station – Train station Estación de autobús – Estación de tren
Bike rental Alquiler de bicicletas
Asking for guidance:
Where is located? ¿Dónde se ubica?
How far is it to the beach? ¿Qué tan lejos está de la playa?
Can you please repeat that? ¿Puede repetirlo por favor?
Can you please take me? ¿Puede llevarme por favor?
Is it within walking distance? ¿Se puede ir caminando?
Where can I get a town map? ¿Dónde puedo obtener un mapa del pueblo?
Is there a tourist information office nearby? ¿Hay una oficina de información turística cercana?
What does that sign say? ¿Qué dice el letrero?
I am lost Estoy perdido
I need help Necesito ayuda
It is an emergency Es una emergencia
In many ways, Spanish has shaped the identity of the country.[6] An “albur”, for instance, is a
double-meaning pun generally used by men and is characteristic of Mexican humor. Thus,
communicating in the local language will enable you to further enjoy Mexico´s rich cultural
heritage and really engage in a unique traveling experience.
Live Lingua is proud to offer a free SPANISH SURVIVAL CRASH COURSE, where we'll send
you free audio files and PDFS to help you speak Spanish fast!](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/basicspanishforatriptomexico-200204032852/85/Basic-Spanish-for-a-Trip-to-Mexico-5-320.jpg)
![Sources:
[1] https://www.proceso.com.mx/383868/la-lengua-oficial-en-mexico-no-es-el-espanol
[2] https://www.gob.mx/cultura/articulos/lenguas-indigenas?idiom=es
[3] https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/por-que-en-mexico-no-existe-una-lengua-
oficial/1244925
[4] https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-mexican-cuisine-ancestral-ongoing-community-
culture-the-michoacan-paradigm-00400
[5] https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/nov/12/tour-mexico-city-quirky-toilets
[6] https://www.academia.org.mx/](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/basicspanishforatriptomexico-200204032852/85/Basic-Spanish-for-a-Trip-to-Mexico-6-320.jpg)
Uploaded byLive Lingua
Basic Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
Learning basic Spanish phrases is highly beneficial when traveling to Mexico, where Spanish is widely spoken despite not being the official language. The document provides essential phrases for greetings, ordering food, asking for directions, and other interactions to enhance the travel experience. Additionally, it highlights the rich culinary traditions and encourages engaging with the local culture through language.
Basic Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
- 1. Basic Spanish fora Trip To Mexico When traveling to Mexico for work or leisure you can benefit hugely from learning some basic Spanish phrases. Spanish is used by more than a hundred million Mexicans at homes, schools, businesses, healthcare institutes, restaurants, tourist attractions, and all kinds of organizations across all type of industries. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world and 25% of the native speakers live in Mexico.[1] Interestingly, Spanish is not registered as the official language in Mexico! That is because the Mexican government recognizes Spanish along with 68 other indigenous tongues as the national language.[2] But despite the ethnic diversity, Spanish is spoken by the vast majority of the Mexican population for both public and private matters.[3] Basic Spanish phrases:
- 2. These basic Spanishphrases will help you to greet people, be polite, and start small talk. Greetings and good manners: Hello Hola Good bye Adiós Good morning Buenos días Good afternoon Buenas tardes Good evening Buenas noches Good night Hasta mañana Thank you Gracias You´re welcome De nada Excuse me Disculpe Sorry Lo siento – Perdone Very kind Muy amable Conversation starters: How are you? ¿Cómo estás? What is your name? ¿Cuál es tu nombre? Where are you from? ¿De dónde eres? What time is it? ¿Qué hora es? Weather as an ice-breaker: What is the weather like? ¿Cómo es el clima? - ¿Qué tiempo hace? Rainy Lluvioso Sunny Soleado Windy Airoso Cloudy Nublado Hot Caluroso It seems like it´s going to rain Parece que va a llover What is the weather forecast? ¿Cuál es el pronóstico del tiempo?
- 3. How to orderfood in Mexico: Traditional Mexican cuisine encompasses farming practices of native crops, spiritual rituals, and ancestral cooking techniques. No wonder the UNESCO has acknowledged it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity![4] Staple foods include corn and corn-based products such as tortillas, endless varieties of chilies, zucchini, and beans. A veritable bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits are found across the nation. Even tropical cacao beans, aromatic coffee beans, and exotic vanilla pods are cultivated in Mexico. Mexican geography is extremely diverse, thus the gastronomy changes along with the landscape. Always go for local delicacies to maximize your culinary experience. Popular dishes include chilaquiles, mole, pozole, aguachile, barbacoa, chiles rellenos, and cochinita. However discerning your pallet Mexico’s cuisine will have you licking your fingers for more. It is common practice to leave a tip ranging from 10% to 15% in most food establishments. Speaking of tips, to ensure you get attended be sure to use the word Joven when addressing your male waiter and Señorita for a female waitress. So, whether it´s humble tacos from a street stall or a sophisticated dish from a high-end restaurant, the following phrases will help you get your fill. I would like to make a booking Quisiera hacer una reservación Table for two please Mesa para dos por favor To eat in Para comer aquí To take away Para llevar
- 4. To drink Parabeber Sparkling water Agua mineral Beer Cerveza Wine Vino Soda pop Refresco Coffee Café Milk Leche Cheers ¡Salud! Bon appetit Buen provecho Only half portion Solamente media porción With or without cheese Con o sin queso On the side A un lado I am vegan/vegetarian/celiac Soy vegano/vegetariano/celíaco My food is cold/hot Mi comida está fría/caliente Salt and pepper Sal y pimiento How much is it? ¿Cuánto cuesta? The bill please La cuenta por favor How to ask for the bathroom in Mexico The lack of legislation for public sanitation design allows Mexicans to apply their creativity and resourcefulness in even the most functional of spaces. Curiously enough, the pictorial and colorful chaos of Mexican folk attitudes towards life can be appreciated even in the toilets and it has been documented by Kurt Hollander, who has spent years photographing bathrooms in Mexico City.[5] In any case, being familiar with the vocabulary necessary to use the restroom is a must! Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the nearest public toilet? ¿Dónde se encuentra el baño público más cercano? Gentlemen/Men Caballeros/Hombres Ladies/Women Damas/Mujeres Toilet roll Papel de baño Handwash Jabón de manos Hand towel Toalla de manos Engaged/In use Está ocupado How to ask for directions in Mexico
- 5. You will findthat most Mexicans are warm and hospitable and will offer you directions and assistance without hesitation. It is, however, advisable to use registered taxi services and airport shuttles to avoid disappointments. General directions and common places: Straight on Derecho Left Izquierdo Right Derecha Ahead Adelante Behind Atrás Airport Aeropuerto Taxi service Servicio de taxi Bus station – Train station Estación de autobús – Estación de tren Bike rental Alquiler de bicicletas Asking for guidance: Where is located? ¿Dónde se ubica? How far is it to the beach? ¿Qué tan lejos está de la playa? Can you please repeat that? ¿Puede repetirlo por favor? Can you please take me? ¿Puede llevarme por favor? Is it within walking distance? ¿Se puede ir caminando? Where can I get a town map? ¿Dónde puedo obtener un mapa del pueblo? Is there a tourist information office nearby? ¿Hay una oficina de información turística cercana? What does that sign say? ¿Qué dice el letrero? I am lost Estoy perdido I need help Necesito ayuda It is an emergency Es una emergencia In many ways, Spanish has shaped the identity of the country.[6] An “albur”, for instance, is a double-meaning pun generally used by men and is characteristic of Mexican humor. Thus, communicating in the local language will enable you to further enjoy Mexico´s rich cultural heritage and really engage in a unique traveling experience. Live Lingua is proud to offer a free SPANISH SURVIVAL CRASH COURSE, where we'll send you free audio files and PDFS to help you speak Spanish fast!
- 6. Sources: [1] https://www.proceso.com.mx/383868/la-lengua-oficial-en-mexico-no-es-el-espanol [2] https://www.gob.mx/cultura/articulos/lenguas-indigenas?idiom=es [3]https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/por-que-en-mexico-no-existe-una-lengua- oficial/1244925 [4] https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-mexican-cuisine-ancestral-ongoing-community- culture-the-michoacan-paradigm-00400 [5] https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/nov/12/tour-mexico-city-quirky-toilets [6] https://www.academia.org.mx/