SURVIVAL SPANISH is a set of essential words, expressions, and phrases that focuses on practical language needed to handle real-life interactions such as ordering food, asking for directions, checking into a hotel, shopping, or seeking help—without requiring full fluency in Spanish grammar.
New content is added to this section weekly. Stay tuned!
AT THE RESTAURANT OR CAFE
Ordering food, today’s special, expressing likes, paying the bill, an inexpensive restaurant
IN A TAXI OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Asking for prices or destinations (1), giving directions, asking about bus routes (1)
AT THE SUPERMARKET OR STORE
Asking for products, asking for quantities, buying clothes and checking out.
IN AN EMERGENCY OR AT THE PHARMACY
At the pharmacy, calling emergency services, at the clinic, buying medicine for someone else
ASKING FOR INFORMATION OR HELP
Asking about store hours, Requesting help with luggage, Asking for clarification
ON THE STREET: DIRECTIONS AND ORIENTATION
Asking for basic directions (1), Asking for basic directions (2), Asking for basic directions (3), Asking for info on transport (08/03)
AT THE BANK OR CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Exchanging money, asking about exchange rates, paying with a card (10/19), paying in cash, exchanging a larger amount
AT THE AIRPORT
Checking in luggage, going through security, finding the gate.
EVERYDAY SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
Greeting, introducing yourself, thanking, apologizing.
