Seville

💬

Common Phrases

Sections

1. Greetings and Basic Phrases

Sevillanos are known for their warmth and friendliness, so greetings are an important part of social interactions. Always greet people when entering shops, restaurants, or even elevators.

  • Hola – Hello
  • Buenos días – Good morning (used until around 2 PM)
  • Buenas tardes – Good afternoon (used from 2 PM until sunset)
  • Buenas noches – Good evening/night (used after sunset)
  • ¿Qué tal? – How are you? (informal)
  • ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (slightly more formal)
  • Encantado/a – Nice to meet you (use "encantado" if you're male, "encantada" if you're female)
  • Gracias – Thank you
  • De nada – You're welcome
  • Por favor – Please
  • Perdón – Excuse me / Sorry
  • Disculpe – Excuse me (to get someone's attention, more formal)
  • Adiós – Goodbye
  • Hasta luego – See you later
  • Nos vemos – See you (informal)

Cultural Nuance: In Seville, people often use "¡Hasta luego!" instead of "Adiós," even if they don’t expect to see you again soon. It’s a casual and friendly way to say goodbye.


2. Dining and Ordering Food

Dining out is a big part of Sevillian culture, especially enjoying tapas. Here are some useful phrases for restaurants and bars:

  • ¿Me pone una tapa de…? – Can I have a tapa of…? (e.g., "¿Me pone una tapa de jamón?" – Can I have a tapa of ham?)
  • ¿Qué me recomienda? – What do you recommend?
  • La cuenta, por favor. – The bill, please.
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
  • Una caña, por favor. – A small beer, please.
  • Un tinto de verano, por favor. – A red wine with soda, please (a popular summer drink).
  • ¿Tienen opciones vegetarianas? – Do you have vegetarian options?
  • Está muy rico. – It’s very tasty.
  • ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Can I pay with a card?

Cultural Nuance: In Seville, it’s common to share food and drinks with friends. Don’t be surprised if people stand at the bar while eating tapas. Also, tipping is not obligatory, but leaving small change (5-10%) is appreciated for good service.


3. Transportation

Seville has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and bicycles. Here are some phrases to help you get around:

  • ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? – Where is the bus stop?
  • ¿Qué autobús va a…? – Which bus goes to…?
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta un billete? – How much is a ticket?
  • Un billete para el metro, por favor. – A metro ticket, please.
  • ¿Cuánto tarda en llegar? – How long does it take to arrive?
  • ¿Dónde puedo alquilar una bicicleta? – Where can I rent a bicycle?
  • ¿Me puede llamar un taxi? – Can you call me a taxi?

Cultural Nuance: Sevillanos often walk or cycle, especially in the city center, as many streets are narrow and pedestrian-friendly. Renting a bike through Sevici (the city’s bike-sharing system) is a great way to explore.


4. Social Interactions and Small Talk

Sevillanos are sociable and enjoy chatting. Here are some phrases to help you engage in small talk:

  • ¿De dónde eres? – Where are you from?
  • Soy de… – I’m from…
  • ¿Qué haces en Sevilla? – What are you doing in Seville?
  • Hace buen tiempo, ¿verdad? – The weather is nice, isn’t it?
  • ¿Te gusta Sevilla? – Do you like Seville?
  • ¡Qué bonito! – How beautiful!
  • ¡Qué guay! – How cool! (informal)
  • ¡Venga, vamos! – Come on, let’s go! (used to encourage someone)

Cultural Nuance: Sevillanos often use diminutives like "-ito" or "-ita" to make words sound more affectionate (e.g., "cervecita" instead of "cerveza" for beer). They also tend to drop the final "s" in words, so "gracias" might sound like "gracia."


5. Shopping and Markets

Seville has many local markets and shops where you can practice your Spanish. Here are some useful phrases:

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? – How much does this cost?
  • ¿Tiene esto en otro color/tamaño? – Do you have this in another color/size?
  • ¿Puedo probarlo? – Can I try it on?
  • ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito? – Do you accept credit cards?
  • Solo estoy mirando, gracias. – I’m just looking, thank you.

Cultural Nuance: Bargaining is not common in Seville’s shops, but it might be acceptable in flea markets like El Jueves (a famous Thursday market). Always be polite and friendly.


6. Emergency and Help

In case of emergencies, these phrases can be helpful:

  • ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? – Where is the nearest hospital?
  • Necesito ayuda. – I need help.
  • He perdido mi cartera. – I’ve lost my wallet.
  • ¿Puede llamar a la policía? – Can you call the police?
  • No entiendo. – I don’t understand.
  • ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

Cultural Nuance: While many younger Sevillanos speak some English, it’s always appreciated if you try to communicate in Spanish first.


Tips for Learning Phrases Effectively in Seville

  1. Immerse Yourself: Practice speaking with locals in markets, cafes, and shops. Sevillanos are generally patient and happy to help you learn.
  2. Language Exchange: Join a language exchange group like "Mundo Lingo Sevilla" or similar meetups where you can practice Spanish with locals while helping them with English.
  3. Apps and Resources: Use apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Tandem to practice phrases. For a more tailored experience, try Italki to connect with Spanish tutors.
  4. Watch and Listen: Watch Spanish TV shows or listen to Andalusian music (like flamenco) to get used to the accent. You can also follow local radio stations like Canal Sur Radio.
  5. Take a Class: Enroll in a Spanish language school in Seville, such as Clic International House or Giralda Center, which offer courses tailored to visitors.
  6. Be Patient: Andalusian Spanish can be challenging due to its fast pace and dropped consonants, but don’t get discouraged. Locals will appreciate your effort.

By using these phrases and tips, you’ll not only navigate Seville more easily but also connect with its people and culture on a deeper level. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)