Common Spanish phrases to know for your next tropical getaway
Over the last year, plenty of us have picked up new hobbies and projects to pass the time in lockdown – from baking bread to playing new instruments and gardening, we’ve gotten creative when it comes to staying busy. If you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches and sunny skies, why not add a tropical twist to your pandemic hobbies? We put together some of the most useful Spanish phrases to learn for your next getaway in paradise. By the time we can head south again, you’ll be a natural!
Hello, please and thank you
Hola, por favor, gracias
Phonetic pronunciation: [Oh-lah] [pohr fah-bohr] [grah-syahs]
First things first – you want to know the basics. Whether you’re saying hi to workers around the resort, ordering a drink at the beach bar or thanking a server for bringing you your delicious meal as you dine al fresco on the patio, these phrases will go a long way on your future getaway. Plus, your fellow travel buddies will be impressed by your knowledge of the local lingo.
Which way is the beach?
¿En dónde está la playa?
Phonetic pronunciation: [ehn dohn-deh ehs-tah lah plah-yah]
If you upgraded to a beachfront or oceanview room, it won’t be hard to find the beach – just head out your front door! That being said, if you’re staying at a sprawling resort complex or your room is closer to other amazing amenities, this phrase will definitely come in handy on your first day. Have one of the staff at Royalton Splash Punta Cana Resort and Spa point you in the direction of the beach and soak up the sun on the world-famous shores of Bavaro Beach!
Another margarita, please!
¡Otra margarita por favor!
Phonetic pronunciation: [oh-trah mahr-gah-ree-tah pohr fah-bohr]
We can’t wait to be sipping frosty margaritas on a shaded Bali bed again. Picture yourself cooling off in the pool at Riu Dunamar and ordering your favourite drink from the swim-up bar or grabbing another margarita from the beach bar overlooking the white-sand shores of Playa Mujeres. You can also replace margarita with your beverage of choice like a cerveza or a Coca.
What’s your favourite dish?
¿Cuál es tu platillo favorito?
Phonetic pronunciation: [kwhal ez too plah-tee-yoh fah-boh-ree-toh]
Can’t decide what to order at your resort restaurant? One of our top tips is to ask the server or restaurant workers what their favourite dish is so you can get the inside scoop. This phrase is especially useful if you’re dining at a venue that serves local cuisine and authentic dishes, like La Cocina at the brand-new Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun which features a menu of delicious Mexican specialties.
Is this lounge chair taken?
¿Este camastro está ocupado?
Phonetic pronunciation: [ehs-teh kah-mahs-troh ehs-tah oh-koo-pah-doh]
Every vacationer knows the quest of finding the perfect lounge chair – one that’s not too shady, not too sunny and just the right distance between the pool and the bar. When you finally do find your ideal spot, make sure you’re following proper poolside etiquette and not snatching up someone else’s chair! You’ll have plenty of options to choose from at the newly renovated Tropical Deluxe Princess, with two sprawling pool areas.
