Spain · Language · 2026
Talking your way around Ibiza
Castilian Spanish is universal. Catalan is the co-official language in Catalonia (Barcelona); Basque in the Basque country; Galician in Galicia. In Catalonia, locals speak Catalan to each other and switch to Spanish for visitors — both are appreciated.
English level: Tourist-staff English is good in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Mallorca/Ibiza. Outside those, expect basic English at most. A few Spanish words go a long way; nobody minds your accent.
Phrases worth memorising
Hello
/OH-lah/
Hola
Thank you (very much)
/(MOO-chas) GRA-thee-as/
(Muchas) gracias
Please
/por fah-VOR/
Por favor
Excuse me / Sorry
/per-DOH-nah / loh see-EN-toh/
Perdona / Lo siento
'Perdona' for 'excuse me to get past'; 'lo siento' for actual apology.
The bill, please
/lah KWEN-tah/
La cuenta, por favor
Won't arrive until you ask. They're not pushing turnover.
Do you speak English?
/AH-blah een-GLAYS/
¿Habla inglés?
How much is it?
/KWAN-toh KWES-tah/
¿Cuánto cuesta?
Where is the bathroom?
/DON-deh es-TAH el BAN-yoh/
¿Dónde está el baño?
I'd like... (ordering)
/keh-REE-ah/
Quería...
'Quería' (literally 'I'd like') is softer than 'quiero' (I want). Locals use 'quería' to order.
Cheers!
/sah-LOOD/
¡Salud!
Goodbye / See you later
/ah-dee-OS / AS-tah loo-EH-go/
Adiós / Hasta luego
What's polite, what's a trap
In Catalonia, locals appreciate even a basic 'Bon dia' (good morning) or 'Gràcies' (thanks) in Catalan. Switching back to Spanish for the rest of the conversation is normal.
Spanish 'z' and soft 'c' are pronounced 'th' (Castilian lisp). Latin American 's' pronunciations are understood but read as foreign.
Tu / usted: 'tú' is the default everywhere except formal business + addressing the elderly. Don't overthink it — using tú is rarely insulting; using usted is rarely necessary.
Direct translation 'Estoy excitado' (excited) means sexually aroused. Use 'tengo ganas' or 'estoy emocionado' instead.
Last reviewed . Phonetic guides are approximate; native pronunciations are worth listening to before deploying.
See also: etiquette & customs · visa & entry.