Spanish experts share the key phrases that will help you sound like a local, and the ones that can leave you embarrassed on holiday
- Rosetta Stone’s language report found that nearly half of Brits (48%) said that if they could be fluent in one language, it would be Spanish
- Almost half of Brits (48%) do not learn even basic language phrases before travelling abroad
- Phrases like “estoy caliente” have innocent translations, but can actually leave Brits embarrassed
With many Brits choosing not to learn even basic language phrases before travelling abroad, language experts at Rosetta Stone have revealed the key expressions that can help holidaymakers get on with locals and avoid potentially awkward mistakes.
Research from YouGov shows that almost half of Brits (48%) do not learn even basic language phrases before travelling abroad. Despite this, Brits do have a willingness to learn, with Rosetta Stone’s language report finding that nearly half of Brits (48%) said that if they could be fluent in one language, it would be Spanish.
The openness to learning is linked to Spain’s popularity as a holiday destination. TravelSupermarket recently reported that searches for Mallorca increased by 168% in the first three weeks of March 2026 compared to the previous three weeks.
To help travellers make the most of their trips, Spanish language and cultural experts at Rosetta Stone have put together a list of phrases to help you sound like a local, as well as highlighting the phrases to avoid.
Spanish phrases to sound like a local
- “Que vaya bien” – I wish you well (You can say it when leaving a shop or saying thank you and bye to someone)
- “¿Me cobras, por favor?” – Can I pay please?
- “Me pones un café con leche por favor” – Can I have a latte please? (Asking the barista)
- “Vale” – Okay, got it
- “¡Venga!” – Come on (When your friend is being slow and you want them to hurry up)
- “¡Qué fuerte!” – How crazy
- “Buenísimo” – Really good (When the waiter asks how the food is)
- “Perdona / Perdón” – Excuse me / sorry
- “Una caña, por favor” – A small beer, please (A caña is a common drink people order, it’s basically a half pint draft beer)
- “Estoy lleno/a” – I’m full
Spanish phrases that can get you in trouble
“Estoy caliente”
- What Brits think it means: I’m hot (temperature)
- What it actually means: I’m aroused
- Say instead: “Tengo calor”
“In Spanish, ‘caliente’ is commonly used to describe the temperature of something, such as food, drinks, etc. Learners often confuse it with ‘calor’, which refers to heat (e.g. “hace calor” – it’s hot) or the sensation of feeling hot (e.g. “tengo calor” – I am hot). Many learners make the mistake of using ‘caliente’ to describe feeling hot, but when used to describe yourself, it takes on a much more suggestive meaning,” shares Imma Caboti Figueras, Spanish language expert at Rosetta Stone.
“Although less common, you could use ‘caliente’ for people as well, which can make it tricky for Spanish learners to remember. For example, we use caliente when talking about a fever: “Este niño no está bien, lo noto caliente”, which means “This child is not well – he’s warm to the touch”. ‘Caliente’ is an adjective and ‘calor’ is a noun, and we use a noun to express heat or the sensation of feeling hot.”
“Embarazada”
- What Brits think it means: Embarrassed
- What it actually means: Pregnant
- Say instead: “Estoy avergonzado/a” or simply “¡qué vergüenza!”
“Constipado/a”
- What Brits think it means: Constipated
- What it actually means: To have a cold
- Say instead: “Estoy estreñido/a” if you’re really feeling blocked up
“Compromiso”
- What Brits think it means: Compromise
- What it actually means: Commitment, engagement, or to be married, and it can also mean predicament or complication, depending on context
Jason Brickey, language expert at Rosetta Stone, said: “Language plays an essential role in how travellers connect with local people when on holiday. Even a bit of effort, like learning simple greetings, polite expressions, or essential phrases, can transform a trip from a tourist experience into something more authentic and enriching. Being aware of what not to say is just as important, helping you avoid awkward or embarrassing moments.
“Ultimately, making the effort to communicate in the local language can open the door to deeper cultural exchanges, build genuine goodwill with residents, and give you greater confidence when navigating unfamiliar surroundings.”
