Spanish is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world and Castilian (the version spoken in Spain) charms expats and tourists as faster as the country’s narrow cobblestoned streets and tasty tapas. Planning about going to Spain? Make certain you learn these Spanish expressions and use them on anyone and everyone who will listen – it will simply impress the locals and ensure that you will have a lot easier time making friends and mingling in.
¡Qué guay!
How to say it? “Gwai”
What it means and how is it used? It literally means cool, awesome or great. Young people pepper their conversations using this adjective, responding to their friends’ conversation with a chorus of ¡Qué guay! (“How cool!”).
Hombre
How to say it? “Ombre” (the H is silent)
What it means and how is it used? It actually means “man”, and is also used to affirm or strengthen what you are saying; typically to mean no, yes or of course, to greet/to plead.
Tío/Tía
How to say it? “Tio/Tia”
What it means and how is it used? While it literally means “uncle,” and “aunt,” they are also used informally to normally refer to another person. In the same manner, English speakers use “dude” or “guy” (“Look at those guys over there!” or “Who said that?” “I don’t know, simply some dude.”) Spaniards say tío or tía. You can also use these words to seek the attention of a friend, as in “Tío/tía, come here!”).
Vale
How to say it? “Bale” (the V turns into a B)
What it means and how is it used? It is quite a part of the Spaniards’ vocabulary, meaning OK, alright, sounds good, I understand or no problem. It comes through the verb valer (to be worth, as in ¿cuánto vale? – How much is it?) but means so much more. It is used as a manner of agreeing or affirming what someone has said. After a while, in Spain you will notice that people tend to use it twice in reply (vale, vale) which is charming!
Puente
How to say it? “Puente”
What it means and how is it used? Every employee’s favorite – and a typical of life in Spain, is the puente, or 3-day weekend. Mostly due to a Saint’s feast day, these bridges, become the best Mondays and Fridays of the year.
Buenas
How to say it? “Buenas”
What it means and how is it used? Begin your sunny Spanish morning off with a cheerful Buenos días, then continue with buenas tardes in the evening and finish with buenas noches when it is time to bid goodbye or good night. Or, simply stick to the sweet and simple “Buenas!” to say hello at any given time of the day. You will receive a chipper “Buenas!” in return and can move on to more essential considerations – such as how much tortilla and patatasbravas are you going to order for lunch?