Useful Spanish Phrases I: Everyday Uses

I have always been interested in learning new languages, so I have picked up Spanish recently. Two months ago, I started self studying Spanish prior visiting Isla Mujeres in Mexico, those two months of studying paid off. I was able to order in Spanish and had very simple conversations with the local people. I enjoyed talking and getting to know friendly Mayan locals. That experience fueled me to become a permanent student of Spanish.

So here is my attempt in teaching you some useful phrases. These lessons are actually a selfish method for me to refresh my learning.

*Italic fonts are pronunciations

1. ¡Hola! - o-la

This simply means hello. You can say this on the phone or to anyone (informal and formal). H is silent.

2. Gracias - glah-cee-as

This means thank you or thanks.

3. Me llamo... - mee-yaa-moe...

This means my name is....

4. No comprendo - no com-phreen-doh

This means I don't understand.

5. Lo siento - low-sien-toh

This means sorry.

6. ¿Cuánto cuesta?- kwan-doh-que-sta

This means how much does it cost?

7. ¿Cómo estás? - com-moe-es-tas

This means how are you in the informal way, and I was able to get away with this in casual conversation with most people. If you like to be a little more formal, you can add usted at the end.

8. Bien - bee-enh

This means good or fine.

9. ¡Discúlpe! - dees-kuu-pey

This means excuse me. I used this many times when I needed to pay bills.

10. Yo queiro dos cervezas - yo geh-roh doh-s zerh-vey-za

This means I would like two beers. This was used lots of times during our holiday, I'm saving the best and useful phrase for last. ;)

Please come back again soon for lesson 2. Adios (ay-dee-ohs)! It means good bye.