¡Hola! Spanish Basics to Help You Navigate Guatemala with Ease

Mar 11

Your ticket is bought, your bags are packed, and your plans are underway. You’re headed to Guatemala! What’s that, you say? You don’t speak Spanish?! Have no fear, we’re here to help! Let’s brush up on some key words and phrases and get you ready to go.

The best way to learn a language is in the moment during real life exchanges. However, a little studying beforehand can go a long way. Yes, there are fun apps like Duolingo. And, our personalized tours feature local, bilingual guides. To give you a head start, we’ve created this Naturally Smart Travel post, as a reliable Spanish language cheat sheet. Below, you’ll discover a practical guide to basic Spanish, including words and phrases that’ll help you navigate traveling to Guatemala with ease!

Greetings in Spanish

Let’s get started with the most frequently spoken words and phrases. When you get familiar and learn every day expressions, you’ll build confidence and get comfortable with a new language. Here are ways to say hello and goodbye in Spanish.

Basic phrases of how to say hello and goodbye in Spanish

Basic Introductions in Spanish

After “hello” and “goodbye”, it’s time to start having basic conversations. This includes introducing yourself and asking how someone is doing! Here’s a quick list of some words that’ll help you start the conversation!

How are you? = Cómo está?
I’m fine, thank you = Bien, gracias
What's your name? = ¿Cómo te llamas?
My name is = Me llamo
Nice to meet you = Mucho gusto
Do you speak English? = ¿Habla inglés?

General Questions & Responses in Spanish

Next are some regularly used questions and responses. One of the most important questions can be “how do you say?” And, it’s always good to have a little manners! Although gestures can go a long way, adding a “please” and “thank you” is always appreciated!

I’m sorry = Lo siento
Excuse me = Perdón or Disculpe
How do you say ___? = ¿Cómo se dice ___?
I don’t understand = Yo no entiendo
What’s the address? = ¿Cuál es la dirección?
What is the Wifi password? = ¿Cuál es la contraseña de Wifi?

Directional Phrases & Places

Being in a new place is exciting but sometimes we get turned around and need to ask for directions! Sure, your phone can always help you navigate, but what about when the WiFi isn’t working?! Or, maybe you’re feeling brave and want to practice your Spanish! Here are some phrases to help you get to where you need to go!

Asking for directions in Spanish, basic phrases and Leilani walking down a city Guatemalan street

Where is the bathroom? = Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bank? = Dónde está el banco?
Where can I get a taxi? = Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi?

A vibrantly painted bus is parked in Guatemala with some basic names for transportation places in Spanish — An airport = **un aeropuerto**
An airplane = **un avión**
A bus = **un autobús**
A train = **un tren**
A train station = **una estación de tren**
A subway = **un metro**
A taxi = **un taxi**

Important Spanish Words & Phrases for Ordering & Eating

A woman is cooking handmade tortillas in Guatemala

There’s so much delicious food to try in Guatemala! Eating is one of the best parts of traveling, of experiencing a new place, and learning about a new culture. So, when you’re hungry and it’s time to eat, these phrases will help you out.

How much is it? = ¿ Cuánto cuesta?
The bill, please = La cuenta, por favor
A table for two, three, four = Una mesa para dos, tres, cuatro
I have a reservation under the name of = Tengo una reserva a nombre de…
Do you accept credit cards? = ¿Aceptan las tarjetas?
Cash only = Solo se acepta efectivo

Coffee and plates of food are next to basic Spanish phrases used for eating

What do you recommend? = Qué me recomienda?
What’s in this dish? = ¿Qué hay en este plato?
Breakfast = desayuno
Lunch = almuerzo
Dinner = cena

Two glasses of cold beverages are next to basic words for food in Spanish

Hot = caliente
Cold = frío
Spicy = picante

A plate of handmade meat on a plate in Guatemala with the names of utensils listed in Spanish — **Utensils**

A spoon = **una cuchara**
A fork = **un tenedor**
A knife = **un cuchillo**
A glass = **un vaso**
A bowl = **un bol**
A plate = **un plato**
A napkin = **una servilleta**

Thanks for Reading Our Guide to Spanish Basics

We hope you’ve learned a few new phrases and words along the way! We’re wishing you fun and safe travels that are full of speaking Spanish! Feel free to bookmark this post to use it as a continual reference.

As always, you’re welcome to join us on a curated tour of Guatemala. When you book a tour with us, we provide a bilingual guide and host to accompany you every step of the way! Reach out today to find more and start planning the trip of a lifetime!

Elizabeth McGonagle

Writing, traveling, art, and cuisine are my greatest passions. Thanks to my lovely parents, I have a deep curiosity and love for all things food, so sharing a meal is my love language. Born and raised in the Green Mountain State of Vermont, I grew up with an appreciation for the outdoors and sustainable living. At 19, I moved to Hawaii and was lucky enough to call it home for 15 years. I bring five years of professional writing experience along with 16 years of creative content creation. I graduated with a BA in English, a BA in French, and a minor in Sociology from the University of Hawaii. My professional background includes teaching alongside two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. I am currently living in Lisbon, Portugal, and pursuing a Master’s Degree in Modern Art, Literature, and Culture.

https://mselizabethmcg.wixsite.com/website-1