Spanish - Vocabulary and Phrases
General Phrases in Spanish
Ecuadorians don't have an accent, because of that it's the perfect country to study Spanish. By taking classes you will be able to have conversations with inhabitants after a couple of weeks. But before you come here, it might be a help if you practice a few very useful words and phrases.
¿Como? No entiendo.
Sorry, I didn't understand?
No hablo bien Español.
I don't speak Spanish very well
¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Could you repeat that, please?
¡Otra vez!
Once again!
¡(Mas) despacio, por favor!
A bit slower, please.
Quiero aprender Español.
I want to study Spanish.
¿Como se pronuncia esta palabra?
How do you pronounce out this word?
¿Que significa.?
What does . mean?
¿Hay alguien quien hable ingles?
Is there anybody, who speaks English?
¿Usted me podría traducir?
Could you translate this for me, please?
No tengo dinero.
I don't have money.
In the restaurant
There are a lot of traditional meals in Ecuador . You can find (in Spanish) "Llapingacho", "Chicha", "Choclo con queso", etc. If you want to save money, order the typical meal for lunch which is called "Almuerzo".
¿Qué recomienda?
What would you recommend me?
¿Que es eso?
What is that?
Yo quiero tomar vino.
I want to drink wine.
Yo quiero comer.
I want to eat...
Señor / Señora, la cuenta, por favor.
Could I get the bill, please!.
Shopping & Bargaining in Spanish
Are you used to a clear price structure? On the Ecuadorian markets it's tradition to bargain. But always think about this money is the only salary these people have.
¿Cuanto cuesta?
How much is it?
¿Cuanto cuesta este/ esta...?
How much is it for this.?
Quiero comprar algo.
I want to buy something...
¡Es muy caro!
It's very expensive!
Soy estudiante y no tengo dinero.
I'm a student and I don't have much money.
Quiero probar este/esta .
I want to try this/that.
¿Me lo da mas barato?
Will you sell it cheaper?
Donde esta hecho esto?
Where was this/that made?
Photos
Always be polite when taking photos. It's a good idea to ask people (especially at the countryside) if you can take a photo of them.
¿Permiso, puedo hacer un foto de su casa / de ti?
Would you mind if I take a photo of your house / of you?
Podría tomarnos una foto?
Could you take a photo of us?
Doctor & illness
Lot's of tourist have stomach problems the first weeks they in South America . Always wash the fruits before eating, then you will be able to enjoy the diversity of Ecuadorian fruits and vegetables!
Necesito una medicina para el dolor de.
I need a medicine for the ache in my...
¡Por favor, llame un medico!
Please call a doctor!
¿Donde le duele?
Where does it hurt?
¡Me duele aquí!
It's hurting here!
Necesito un recibo y un certificado de diagnostico para mi seguro.
I need a bill and a medical certificate for my insurance.
Police Station
Never forget to make an announcement in Spanish if you get robbed, you need it for your insurance company.
Me han robado.
I got robbed.
¡Por favor, ayúdame!
Please, help me!
¡Yo soy inocente!
I'm not guilty!
¡Yo no he hecho nada!
I didn't do anything!
At the bank
In general it's cheaper to get money from the cash machine than changing money in the country - ask your local bank for information before you come to visit Ecuador .
Quiero cambiar dinero.
I would like to change money
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