Attempting a new language can sometimes be a daunting experience, but it doesn`t need to be so. The emphasis on these pages is on the development of the popular language which is used in everyday situations, which can be fun learning situations. In any language there are a relatively small number of words which account for 80 per cent of all conversations.
Predicting what words you will need on holiday is fun. Prepare a little before you go, and enjoy the satisfaction of communicating in Spanish. A few hours spent learning some key words and phrases will make all the difference. Hopefully, our useful vocab and phrases pages and our fun learning situations will help along the way. |
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| AT THE CAR HIRE - AL ALQUILER DE COCHE |
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At-a-glance useful CAR HIRE vocab:
Excuse me, could you tell me where the car rentals are?
Perdone, ¿me puede indicar adónde puedo alquilar un coche?
I will just go with the standard insurance thanks.
Tomaré sólo el seguro estíndar gracias. |
| AT THE AIRPORT CAFE - AL CAFE EN EL AEROPUERTO |
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At-a-glance useful CAFE vocab:
Two coffees and a coke please.
Dos cafés con leche y una coca-cola por favor.
Do you have any small cakes?
¿Tiene pasteles pequeños? |
| AT THE PETROL STATION - A LA GASOLINERA |
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Re-fuelled, you and the family set off to your holiday resort. After an hour driving, how many families have at least one member who forgot to make that final toilet visit. You have also noticed that the car fuel is low, so a motorway stop is required. If you are lucky, it`s self-service and you don`t need to summon your language skills. Don`t rely on it: be ready for that non self-service petrol station, with some simple but effective language. View the Petrol station Useful vocab/phrases page
View the Petrol station Fun learning dialogues page
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At-a-glance useful PETROL STATION vocab:
Do you take credit cards?
¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito?
Yes we take all the major cards. Please type in your PIN please.Thank you.
Sí aceptamos todas las tarjetas principales.Por favor, marque su contraseña.Gracias.
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| AT THE HOTEL - AL HOTEL |
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You finally reach your hotel, and everyone`s excited. The hotel receptionist will almost certainly speak English. If you use your spanish they will almost certainly reply in the same. You are paying them, their country and language the utmost respect. Keep it simple, be armed with the obvious phrases and words for this situation. You will glide through the dialogue exchanges with effortless grace. View the Hotel Useful vocab/phrases page
View the Hotel Fun learning dialogues page
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At-a-glance useful HOTEL vocab:
I would like a single room - Quisiera una habitación individual.
I would like a double room - Quisiera una habitación doble
I reserved a room in the name of Paul - He reservado una habitación a nombre de Paul. |
| AT THE RESTAURANT - AL RESTAURANTE |
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Once unpacked and refreshed, if it`s evening, you need to eat. The good restaurant tip from the hotel reception will now be tested. After review of a small number of other menus on the way, you find the recommended eatery. The displayed menu appears to cater for everyone`s tastes including the vegetarian daughter. The language needed in the restaurant situation is very predictable. Learn a few likely phrases and culinary words, and you will feel confident. However don`t worry; the menus are invariably in English as well as Spanish. So you always have direct translations at your finger tips.
View the Restaurant Useful vocab/phrases page
View the Restaurant Fun learning dialogues page
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At-a-glance useful RESTAURANT vocab:
Quiero reservar una mesa para tres personas - I would like to order a table for three people
Quiero ver el menú por favor - I would like to see the menu please
La cuenta, por favor - Can we have the bill please? |
| AT THE BEACH - A LA PLAYA |
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Following the journey and a great first night meal, sleeping is never a problem. After a quick breakfast, the nearest beach is the next target. First task is to secure some sun-loungers in a good position for the day. Find some available beds, and the attendants will find you almost as quickly, so just be ready to to ask the right questions.Then relax and start the holiday, but get your fair share of ice creams.
View the Beach Fun learning dialogues page
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At-a-glance useful BEACH vocab:
How much are the sun-loungers and parasols?
¿Cuánto es para las hamacas y las sombrillas?
What flavours of ice cream do you have?
¿Qué sabores de helado tiene?
What types of sandwiches do you sell?
¿Qué tipos de bocadillos vende? |
| AT THE SUPERMARKET - AL SUPERMERCADO |
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At-a-glance useful SUPERMARKET vocab:
How much would you like?
¿Cuínto le gustaría?
Could I also have some of that tortilla española?
Me gustaría también un trozo de tortilla española.
Have a good day.
¡Qué tenga un buen día!
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| AT THE LOCAL CAFE - AL CAFE VECINO |
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At-a-glance useful CAFE vocab:
Buenos días - Good day/Good morning
¿Qué pasa? - What`s up? (what`s happening?)
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| IN THE PHARMACY - EN LA FARMACIA |
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Unfortunately sometimes when you are on holiday, you need some medical help. Whether you have sunburn or have cut your foot on the beach, you need to visit the local Pharmacy or doctor. Being able to tell them which bit hurts, will help you get the right treatment.
View the Pharmacy Useful vocab/phrases page
View the Pharmacy Fun learning dialogues page |
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At-a-glance useful PHARMACY vocab:
I am looking for/I need a doctor - Busco/Necesito un médico
I don`t feel well - No me siento bien
I have sunburn - Tengo una quemadura del sol |
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