surviving a day in latin america?

Question

Im learning spanish....what do you think are the most essential phrase/words to survive a day in a latin american country?

Answer 1

To survive on day all you need is, "Do you speak English?" That's in English of course. But you can say, "¿Habla inglés?
For one day, you don´t need much at all.

Answer 2

There is no single most important phrase. A better question would be what is the bare minimual number of survival phrases? The single most important internationally accepted thing that cross all languages is a smile on your face and an attitude that says I may not understand but I want to try to.

If you are interested in trying your skills out I would suggest you start in Panama. There´s a lot of Spanlish spoke here, for instance 'Que Sopa' is slang for 'what's up'. Since the US was here until 12/99 midnight is much easier to communicate than some of the other latin American nations.

If you are interested in more information about Panama please see http://www.panamaexpertos.com/

Answer 3

A few phrases isn't enough, especially if you're in parts where there aren't a lot of English speakers. You've really got to know the language to get around. A few months ago I watched an American woman with hardly any conversational Spanish (she knew what the words meant, but couldn't speak or hear it) cross the border from El Salvador to Guatemala. I was the only one on the bus who could speak English and explain to her the forms she had to fill out. If you are planning to travel Latin America, make sure you've got enough Spanish to get yourself through situations like that.

I would suggest one of the many language schools down there. I've seen people go for a couple of months and come out knowing a lot, plus they get a homestay.

Answer 4

It really depends on where you are going. Some countries stress English language in the schools more. Some are insulted if you aren't even trying.
Buy a good Spanish/English dictionary and remember to smile.

Answer 5

Well, of course to start of
Good Morning: Buenos Dias.

At the airport be careful with cabs, andgot to an official cab person, and tell him
TAXI para mi hotel : name of the hotel...

Thanks: muchas gracias...

in case you accidentally bump someone..
im sorry: perdon (then check to see if you still have your wallet)

if youre hungry...
donde queda el mcdonalds mas cercano
that would be were the nearest mcdonalds...

If you dont have a travel itinerary my friend it is better to get a tour guide most countries have one...

If your coming to venezuela ill show you around...

Answer 6

No Habla Espanol

Answer 7

If it is for only 1 day.........then dont worry.
As Quietwalk said........the only u'll need is to ask if someone speaks english, or to say it in spanish.... "habla inglés?"


Good luck..............and..............
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Donde esta el Baño Where is the toilet
Una cerveza por favor 1 beer please

Answer 9

I have Dollar