If you are thinking about traveling to learn Spanish in Spain, let us tell you that it is an ideal opportunity to discover typical phrases in Spanish, experience the culture, delicious food, varied landscapes, and improve your language skills.

If you are planning your vacation in Spain to try jamón serrano and tapas, here are some typical phrases in Spanish to make your stay more enjoyable. In addition, in Spain you will learn many expressions that do not appear in textbooks and vocabulary that is perfect Spanish for travelers.

Everyday Spanish phrases

When you arrive in Spain, if you are not used to it, you may find that the way the locals speak is very fast. Many use nuances and expressions that are not learned in intensive Spanish courses. That's why we've put together a list of phrases you're likely to hear while traveling around Spain:

• Perdona, una cosa (Excuse me, just one thing): This typical Spanish phrase is used to get someone's attention before asking a question. It's more natural and informal than saying “excuse me”.
• ¿Sabes si por aquí hay un cajero? (Do you know if there's an ATM around here?): An informal and very typical way to ask for an ATM or directions.
• Esto está petado (This is crazy): this common Spanish phrase means that there are a lot of people in a place. You'll hear it in different contexts, such as at the beach or in a bar.
• Voy tirando: if you ask someone how they are, this is a common response that means “I'm getting by.” You may also hear “voy tirando yo,” which in this context means that someone is going ahead or continuing their own.

In bars and restaurants

In Spain, eating out or having a drink on a terrace is part of the culture, especially in the summer. Here are some common phrases in Spanish that will make you sound more local in casual conversation with friends or colleagues:

• Una caña, por favor (A beer, please): used to order a small draft of beer from waiters.
• ¿Tenéis algo fuera de carta? (Do you have anything off the menu?): to ask if they have any dishes of the day that aren't on the menu.
• Vamos a hacer el café aquí (Let's take coffee here): means that you're going to stay and drink it there, rather than taking it away.
• ¡Está de muerte! (It’s awesome): if something is delicious, this is a very typical way of saying so.

In shops and markets

If you like shopping or visiting local markets, Spain has a wide variety in all its cities and towns. Enjoy a fun experience among the locals, where you can hear typical Spanish phrases such as:

• ¿Esto cómo va de precio? (How much does this cost?): a very colloquial way of asking the price of something.
• ¡Venga, va! Me lo llevo (Come on! I'll take it): An informal way of saying that you've decided to buy something.
• ¿No tendrás algo más apañado? (Will you have something more suitable?): Ask for something cheaper than the item you're interested in.
• ¿Me haces precio? (Can you give me a price?): A friendly way of asking for a small discount, typical in street markets.

Common Spanish phrases

In addition to all the common Spanish phrases you have learned so far, Spaniards use many colorful expressions. Some very common ones that you can hear and use if you dare are:

• Está tirado (It’s very cheap): refers to something that is very easy or cheap.
• Menuda pasada (What a blast): used in many contexts to indicate that something is impressive or great.
• Ni fu ni fa (It makes no difference): an expression used for something that is neither good nor bad, but completely neutral.
• Me estoy quedando sopa (To conk out or To drop off): when you are tired and falling asleep anywhere, you can use this expression, which means you are very sleepy.
• No me rayes (Don't bother me or Don't annoy me): a very popular expression used to say, “don't bother me” or “don't make things difficult for me.”
• Estoy hecho polvo (I'm exhausted): means to be very tired.

To meet up or make plans

If you make friends or meet someone during your stay in Spain, these Spanish typical phrases will be very useful:

• Nos vemos en un rato (See you in a little while): informal way of saying that you will meet up soon.
• Quedamos donde siempre (Let's meet where we always do): very common among locals; it implies that both of you already know the place.
• Vamos a tomar algo (Let's go for a drink): an open invitation that can mean anything from a coffee to a few drinks.
• ¿Nos vamos de terraceo? (Shall we go out to a terrace bar?): this expression is very colloquial and means to have a drink, usually in the afternoon, at a terrace.

However, not all phrases are typical expressions. There are many pet words and phrases that are used in every conversation and are very common. Learning them will help you fit in better:

• ¡Vaya tela! (What a mess): expresses surprise or resignation during a conversation.
• ¡No me digas! (No way!): used when someone tells you something surprising.
• ¡Madre mía! (Oh my god!): another expression of surprise, annoyance, or enthusiasm, depending on the context.
• En plan...: a very commonly used filler to explain something with examples.
• Tú verás: used in a warning tone or to leave the decision to someone else.

Of course, to end any conversation, there are thousands of ways that are more familiar than a simple “adiós”:

• Venga, ¡nos vemos! (Come on, see you later!)
• ¡Cuídate mucho! (Take care!)
• ¡Un abrazo! (Hugs!)
• ¡Dale recuerdos de mi parte! (Say hi to everyone for me!)
• Chao, hasta mañana (Bye, see you tomorrow)
• Te veo mañana, cuídate (See you tomorrow, take care)

Examples with typical phrases

Here are some examples to clarify the typical phrases in Spanish that we have explained above:

1. Hola, perdona, ¿sabes si por aquí hay un cajero que no cobre comisión? (Hello, excuse me, do you know if there is an ATM around here that doesn't charge a fee?)
2. ¡Buah, esto está petado! No hay ni sitio para sentarse (Wow, this place is packed! There's nowhere to sit!)
3. ¿Qué tal vas con el curro? Bueno, voy tirando, no me puedo quejar (How's work going? It's okay, I'm getting by, I can’t complain)
4. Me apetece pescado. ¿Tenéis algo fuera de carta hoy? (I feel like eating fish. Do you have anything special today?)
5. ¿Te apetece moverte o hacemos el café aquí? (Do you want to go somewhere or have coffee here?)
6. Prueba esta tarta... ¡está de muerte! (Try this cake... it's awesome!)
7. Me gusta, pero se me va un poco de precio... ¿no tendrás algo más apañado? (I like it, but it's a little pricey... Do you have anything else that's more affordable?)
8. Si me llevo dos, ¿me haces precio? (If I take two, can you give me a discount?)
9. ¡Oye, este vuelo a Mallorca está tirado! Solo 20 euros (Hey, this flight to Mallorca is very cheap! Only €20)
10. ¿Te ha gustado la peli? Sí, pero ni fu ni fa. Esperaba más (Did you like the movie? Yeah, but it was okay. I was expecting more)
11. Necesito un café, me estoy quedando sopa (I need a coffee, I'm falling asleep)
12. No salgo hoy, estoy hecho polvo después de la caminata (I'm not going out today, I'm exhausted after the walk)
13. ¿Te parece a las 8? Quedamos donde siempre (How about 8 o'clock? Same place as usual)
14. Hace un día espectacular... ¿nos vamos de terraceo? (It's a beautiful day... shall we go to a terrace?)
15. Madre mía, cómo ha crecido tu hijo (Oh my goodness, your son has grown!)

Although you don't need to master all these phrases before getting on the plane, we do recommend that you at least familiarize yourself with some of them. You're sure to hear many of these typical Spanish phrases and even use them during your time in Spain. What's more, using these expressions will open doors, bring smiles to people's faces, and make you feel like a local, even if it's only for a few days.

Want to have an unforgettable experience while improving your Spanish? A language trip to Cádiz is the perfect place for it. This Andalusian city combines history, beaches, culture, good food, and warm people.

The oldest city in Western Europe will make you feel at home from the first day of your language trip to Cádiz. Because a language adventure is more than just learning Spanish in Spain, it means immersing yourself in a cheerful, relaxed, and authentic environment.

Advantages of a language trip to Cádiz

One of the great attractions of a language trip to Cádiz is its welcoming and safe atmosphere. Unlike large cities, the pace of life in Cádiz is more relaxed, which makes it easier to integrate into local life. In addition, the people of Cádiz are known for their friendliness and for talking a lot, which turns any walk or casual conversation into an opportunity to practice your Spanish.

As in the rest of the country, don Quijote has an accredited Spanish school in Cádiz, located in the heart of the city. We offer programs tailored to your needs, dynamic and personalized classes, as well as after-class activities, including cultural activities, excursions, sports, and workshops.

Another key advantage is the accent. Although Andalusian Spanish has its own peculiarities, the accent in Cádiz is very distinctive, and understanding it will help you improve your listening comprehension quickly. Once you understand someone from Cádiz, you can understand anyone in the Spanish-speaking world!

Finally, Cádiz is an affordable destination compared to other more touristy cities in Spain, making it an accessible option for longer stays.

Fiestas and festivals in Cádiz

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the language and culture is through fiestas. And a language trip to Cádiz is the best way to do this. For example, the Cádiz Carnival, probably the most famous in Spain, is held in February and fills the streets with music, costumes, chirigotas (satirical songs sung in groups), and good humor. It's a unique opportunity to experience the humor of Cádiz, practice the language in a real-life context, and understand how language can also be fun.

Another notable festival in Cádiz is Holy Week, a deeply rooted tradition in Andalusia. Although more subdued than in Seville, Holy Week in this city has a special atmosphere: processions through narrow streets, saetas sung from balconies, and a moving mixture of contemplation and beauty.

If you decide to take a language trip to Cádiz in the summer, the Night of San Juan (June 23) is celebrated with bonfires on the beach, concerts, and fireworks. It's an ideal opportunity to meet people, practice what you've learned in class, and enjoy the nightlife by the sea.

Gastronomy during your language trip to Cádiz

The cuisine of Cádiz reflects its history and coastal location. Yes, fried fish is a classic, but there is much more to discover. Have you tried tortillita de camarones? A crispy delicacy made with tiny shrimp and chickpea flour. How about bluefin tuna caught using traditional methods? In towns such as Barbate and Zahara de los Atunes, it is prepared in a thousand different ways, all of them delicious.

You can also enjoy traditional stews such as Cadiz-style cabbage or potatoes with cuttlefish, perfect for cooler days. And if you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the pestiños (honey-coated fritters) or tortas de aceite (olive oil cakes).

What's more, eating out in Cádiz is not as expensive as you might think. Many bars offer generous tapas at very affordable prices, and sitting on a terrace facing the sea with a beer and a tapa is an essential part of the experience.

Excursions and places to visit

A great advantage of a language trip to Cádiz is the possibility of taking day trips or weekend excursions to incredible places that are very close by. Here are some places we recommend visiting:

- Jerez de la Frontera. Just 30 minutes by train from Cádiz. This place is known for its wine (the famous Jerez or Sherry), flamenco, and Andalusian horses. Visiting a winery, seeing an authentic flamenco show, or strolling through the old town are perfect ways to improve your language skills and learn about the culture.

- El Puerto de Santa María. Across the bay, El Puerto de Santa María offers quiet beaches and an interesting tapas route. You can get there by boat from Cádiz, which is a little adventure.

Another option is to visit the white villages in the mountains, such as Vejer de la Frontera or Arcos de la Frontera. In these places you will find cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and spectacular viewpoints. Visiting these places gives you another view of rural Spanish, which is more relaxed and fuller of local expressions.

And if you have a free weekend, you can travel a little further afield and visit cities such as Granada, Seville or Malaga. Experience the contrast of Andalusian cities and let yourself be carried away by the language, the locals and the surroundings.

Much more than a language trip to Cádiz

A language trip to Cádiz is a complete immersion in the Spanish language, culture, and way of life. Of course, you'll improve your Spanish, but you'll also learn to see the sea with new eyes, understand jokes that used to escape you, and feel part of a unique and welcoming city.

So, if you're looking for a place to truly master Spanish, have fun, eat well, and feel at home, a language trip to Cádiz is just what you're looking for! Are you up for it?

A language trip to Granada is synonymous with visiting a magical city, ideal for learning, living an authentic and enriching cultural experience. Imagine learning the language while admiring the Alhambra, strolling through Moorish streets and trying all the tapas you can find. All this and much more is offered by a language trip to Granada!

Live, savor, and enjoy every moment of your language trip to Granada. Still not convinced? Here are some advantages, places to visit, and dishes to try in Granada to help you decide when to start your Spanish adventure.

Advantages of a language trip to Granada

Still not sure whether to choose Granada or another city to start your Spanish adventure? Don't worry, at don Quijote we know it's not an easy decision, so here are seven advantages that will answer all your questions about Granada:

1. A vibrant university city. If Granada stands out for one thing, it's for being a young city full of life, all thanks to its famous university, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Spain. This creates a dynamic, multicultural, and lively atmosphere where there are always activities, meetings, workshops, and events where you can practice Spanish in real-life situations with local and international people.
2. Affordable lifestyle. Granada is also one of the most affordable cities in Spain. From accommodation to food, prices are quite reasonable compared to other larger Spanish cities. It is also famous for its tradition of free tapas with every drink, which makes any outing an adventure.
3. Diversity of accents and pronunciation. Being an Andalusian city, learning Spanish in Granada can be quite a challenge due to the accent and pronunciation of the locals. However, the city attracts students from all over Spain and other countries, allowing you to be exposed to different accents and ways of speaking the language.
4. Great educational opportunities. don Quijote has a Spanish school in Granada right in the city center with programs tailored to all levels and objectives. In addition to classes, we also offer cultural activities and excursions so you can practice the language outside the classroom.
5. Historical and cultural heritage. The Arab, Christian, and Jewish history can be felt in every street. During your free time, visit places such as the Alhambra or the Albaicín. Let your senses soak up everything around you while you continue to learn vocabulary, history, and cultural expressions on your language trip to Granada.
6. Close to nature. Just half an hour from Granada, you can ski in the Sierra Nevada or swimming at the beaches of the Costa Tropical. This allows you to combine your studies with weekend getaways without having to travel far.
7. Relaxed lifestyle and friendly people. The hospitality of Granada is genuine. You will find that the people are open, friendly, and always willing to help you if you need it. Practicing Spanish with locals is easy and very enriching.

Fiestas and festivals in Granada

In addition to studying the language, in Granada you can discover a city that knows how to celebrate, with festivities of all kinds. Its popular festivals are a window into Andalusian tradition and joy that will infect you the entire time you're there.

One of the most important is Día de la Cruz (May 3), when the squares and streets are filled with flowers, music, and colorful altars. It's a perfect opportunity to integrate and practice the language in a fun context.

Another highlight is the Corpus Christi Fair, held in June. There are marquees, flamenco costumes, lanterns, concerts, and parades. For a week, the city vibrates with music, dance, and local culture.

In February, the Granada International Tango Festival turns the city into a meeting point for music and dance lovers from all over the world. And in autumn, the city hosts the International Jazz Festival, one of the oldest in Europe.

Not to mention Holy Week, when processions wind their way through the city with overwhelming solemnity and beauty. Participating in or simply observing these celebrations gives you a better understanding of the religious, historical, and emotional language of the country.

Gastronomy during your language trip to Granada

Your language trip to Granada can be full of flavor if you decide to try dishes such as tortilla, serrano ham, or piononos (a typical sweet). Granada's cuisine is a mixture of Arabic and Castilian influences, with fresh products from the Vega, the Mediterranean Sea, and the mountains.

What's more, the best thing about Granada is that you can try lots of things without spending much, as bars serve a free tapa with every drink. The tapas are generous and varied, depending on the bar, ranging from eggplant with honey to croquettes, salmorejo, or paella. Each bar has its own specialty, making tapas almost a cultural ritual.

In the Albaicín neighborhood, you can try Moorish teas and Arabic sweets in tea rooms with exotic décor and views of the Alhambra. And if you're vegetarian or vegan, the city also has many healthy and tasty options.

Nearby cities and towns to visit

Another advantage of Granada is its strategic location. From here you can organize day trips or weekend getaways to places that look like something out of a fairy tale.

• The Alpujarra region of Granada is an area of small white villages such as Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira, located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Its landscapes, tranquility, and traditional architecture will transport you to another era.
• Montefrío, with its church perched on top of a rock and its impressive landscape, was chosen by National Geographic as one of the villages with the best views in the world.
• Guadix, famous for its cave houses, is another nearby and interesting destination. You can visit one of these dwellings carved into the mountainside and learn how their inhabitants live.
• And if you feel like going to the sea, in less than an hour you can reach the Costa Tropical, with beaches such as Salobreña and Almuñécar, perfect for relaxing and practicing Spanish in a relaxed environment.

In Granada, Spanish comes to life

A language trip to Granada is more than just studying and going to class. It's living it in every conversation, on every cobbled street and at every sunset over the Alhambra. It's letting yourself be carried away by a city that blends tradition and youth, history and modernity, mountains and sea.

Don't think twice, you have a thousand and one reasons to take a language trip to Granada and discover an authentic, accessible place, full of culture and friendly people. Not only will you learn and improve your Spanish, but you'll also discover an ideal destination that you'll fall in love with every day.