Valencia

💬

Common Phrases

Sections

1. Greetings and Basic Phrases

Greetings are an essential part of Spanish and Valencian culture, as they reflect politeness and friendliness. Always greet people when entering shops, restaurants, or starting a conversation.

Spanish (Castellano):

  • 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)
  • ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (informal)
  • ¿Cómo está usted? – How are you? (formal)
  • Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
  • Adiós – Goodbye
  • Hasta luego – See you later
  • Por favor – Please
  • Gracias – Thank you
  • De nada – You’re welcome
  • Perdón/Disculpe – Excuse me (to get someone’s attention or apologize)

Valencian (Valencià):

  • Hola – Hello
  • Bon dia – Good morning
  • Bona vesprada – Good afternoon
  • Bona nit – Good evening/night
  • Com estàs? – How are you? (informal)
  • Com està vostè? – How are you? (formal)
  • Encantat/Encantada – Nice to meet you (masculine/feminine)
  • Adéu – Goodbye
  • Fins després – See you later
  • Per favor – Please
  • Gràcies – Thank you
  • De res – You’re welcome
  • Perdó/Disculpe – Excuse me

Cultural Nuances:

  • Valencians are generally warm and polite. A simple greeting like "Hola" or "Bon dia" goes a long way in making a good impression.
  • Use formal language (e.g., "¿Cómo está usted?" or "Com està vostè?") when addressing older people, professionals, or strangers in formal settings.
  • In casual settings, informal language (e.g., "¿Cómo estás?" or "Com estàs?") is perfectly fine.

2. Dining and Ordering Food

Valencia is famous for its cuisine, especially paella, and dining out is a social experience. Knowing how to order food and interact with waitstaff is crucial.

Spanish (Castellano):

  • ¿Tiene una mesa para dos? – Do you have a table for two?
  • La carta, por favor. – The menu, please.
  • ¿Qué recomienda? – What do you recommend?
  • Quisiera… – I would like… (polite)
  • Para mí, … – For me, …
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
  • La cuenta, por favor. – The bill, please.
  • Está delicioso. – It’s delicious.

Valencian (Valencià):

  • Té una taula per a dos? – Do you have a table for two?
  • La carta, per favor. – The menu, please.
  • Què recomana? – What do you recommend?
  • Voldria… – I would like… (polite)
  • Per a mi, … – For me, …
  • Quant costa? – How much does it cost?
  • El compte, per favor. – The bill, please.
  • Està deliciós. – It’s delicious.

Cultural Nuances:

  • In Valencia, lunch (comida) is the main meal of the day, typically eaten between 2 PM and 4 PM. Dinner (cena) is lighter and served later, around 9 PM or later.
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Leaving small change (5-10%) is common if the service was good.
  • When ordering paella, note that it’s traditionally a lunchtime dish, and locals rarely eat it for dinner.

3. Transportation

Valencia has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. Taxis and bike rentals are also popular.

Spanish (Castellano):

  • ¿Dónde está la estación de metro? – Where is the metro station?
  • ¿Qué línea debo tomar para ir a…? – Which line should I take to go to…?
  • Un billete, por favor. – One ticket, please.
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta el billete? – How much is the ticket?
  • ¿Este autobús va a…? – Does this bus go to…?
  • Pare aquí, por favor. – Stop here, please.

Valencian (Valencià):

  • On està l’estació de metro? – Where is the metro station?
  • Quina línia he d’agafar per a anar a…? – Which line should I take to go to…?
  • Un bitllet, per favor. – One ticket, please.
  • Quant costa el bitllet? – How much is the ticket?
  • Aquest autobús va a…? – Does this bus go to…?
  • Pare ací, per favor. – Stop here, please.

Cultural Nuances:

  • Public transportation is punctual and reliable. Validate your ticket before boarding the metro or tram.
  • Locals often use bicycles to get around, as Valencia is a bike-friendly city with dedicated lanes.

4. Shopping

Whether you’re exploring local markets like Mercado Central or shopping in modern malls, these phrases will help you navigate transactions.

Spanish (Castellano):

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? – How much does this cost?
  • ¿Tiene esto en otro color/talla? – Do you have this in another color/size?
  • ¿Puedo probarlo? – Can I try it on?
  • Voy a pensarlo. – I’ll think about it.
  • ¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito? – Do you accept credit cards?

Valencian (Valencià):

  • Quant costa això? – How much does this cost?
  • Té això en un altre color/talla? – Do you have this in another color/size?
  • Puc provar-m’ho? – Can I try it on?
  • Ho pensaré. – I’ll think about it.
  • Accepteu targetes de crèdit? – Do you accept credit cards?

Cultural Nuances:

  • Bargaining is not common in most shops, but it might be acceptable in flea markets or with street vendors.
  • Valencia is known for its ceramics, horchata (a local drink), and handmade goods, so consider buying these as souvenirs.

5. Practical Advice for Communication

  • Learn a few Valencian phrases: While Spanish is sufficient for most interactions, locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort to use Valencian, especially in smaller towns or traditional settings.
  • Speak slowly and clearly: If you’re not fluent, locals are usually patient and willing to help.
  • Use gestures and context: If you’re struggling to communicate, pointing or using gestures can help convey your message.
  • Download a translation app: Apps like Google Translate can be helpful, especially for reading signs or menus in Valencian.

By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and cultural tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Valencia and connect with its friendly locals. ¡Buena suerte! / Bona sort! (Good luck!)