You have just landed at the Cuenca airport and you are anxious to begin your Ecuador adventure.
But first, you wonder what you will say to people trying to help you. Everyone speaks Spanish, a language you are not familiar with.
So what will you say?
Here are a few simple phrases you need to know when you arrive at the airport.
Arriving at a Spanish airport? Here are the phrases you’ll need…
9 Spanish Expressions for the Airport
1. Donde está el baño? [Where is the bathroom] That is pretty important. We all want to know how to say that! It wouldn’t be very nice to be stranded at an airport and not be able to ask where the bathroom is.
2. Cuando sale el vuelo a ____? [When does flight to ____ leave?] That is also important! You would be in quite a pickle if you didn’t know when your flight left. All you have to fill in is the name of the place your going.
3. Quiero pedir ____. [I want to order___.] This is for when you want to order food at one of the little fast food booths You can’t go very long without a snack, at least I can’t!
4. Gracias [Thank you] You could use it after you order something. Then the employee might say “De nada” which means “your welcome”.
5. Puerta numero ____ [Gate number____.] You will hear this on the loudspeakers at the airport. The numbers one to ten are : uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez.
Arriving in a Spanish Country
6. Disculpe [Excuse me.] This is very important for asking someone something and not sounding like a rude gringo.
7. Puede Ayudarme? [Can you help me?] This is also important!
8. Donde puedo recojer mis maletas? [Where can I pick up my baggage?]
9. Que hora es? [What time is it?]
Well, I hope that will help you some. I will be doing these Spanish phrases every month. You can print them off and keep them in your pocket. I hope they help! Sometimes a couple of travel tips can make a good trip great!
Happy travels!
P.S. – What phrases would you add to the list? Please add them in the comments below!
- About the Author
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Drew Haines is an animal enthusiast and travel writer. She loves to share her passion through her writing.
Drew runs two popular animal sites: EverywhereWild and JustBirding. She lived in Ecuador for 6 years and explored the Galapagos Islands. Currently based in N.S., Canada.
Drew is a contributor to Storyteller Travel.
Svetlana
Monday 2nd of April 2018
Hola! ) Check my video. I have collected 55 useful phrases referring to airport and travelling by plane. https://youtu.be/_grRKp-jFEU
Russ Younger
Monday 31st of March 2014
If anyone has access to Apps you can download one of the "translators". You say the word in English and it responds in the language you have chosen(Japanese, Spanish, etc). You could even say the word or phrase and have the Ecuadorian listen to the question or statement. All you need is an iPhone or iPad and an internet connection.
Robert Pogue
Saturday 8th of March 2014
Thank you for the phrases. I know it would be extra work for you but would you be able to include some typical responses? For example after I ask for the bathroom, I don't know if I would be able to understand what I am told. Also is it polite to ask if the Ecuadorian speaks or understands English?
Valentine Dumoulin
Thursday 26th of September 2013
Thank you we will use those phrases when we get to the airport in quito and cuenca
Joyce Uzcategui
Wednesday 25th of September 2013
So people can hear the way to say your Spanish phrases, you could video tape you saying them or there may be a way to just add sound to your blog so you could say the phrase. Do a video like, I think it is called "Man on the Street" where you can ask an Ecuadorian to say your phrase with the correct accent. Just a thought.