Useful Catalan phrases for your trip
Sorted by where you'll need them. Learn the first few in each box and you're sorted.
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| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Parla anglès? | Do you speak English? | PAR-luh un-GLESS |
| No parlo català, però ho intento | I don't speak Catalan, but I'm trying | noh PAR-loo kuh-tuh-LAH, puh-ROH oo een-TEN-too |
| No ho entenc | I don't understand | noh oo un-TENK |
| Ho pot repetir? | Can you say that again? | oo pot ruh-puh-TEE |
| Més a poc a poc, si us plau | Slower, please | mez uh POK uh POK, see oos PLOW |
| Com es diu ... en català? | How do you say ... in Catalan? | kom uz DEE-oo ... un kuh-tuh-LAH |
In a café or bar ☕
| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Un cafè amb llet, si us plau | A white coffee, please | oon kuh-FEH um YET |
| Un tallat | A small coffee with a dash of milk | oon tuh-YAT |
| Un cafè sol | An espresso | oon kuh-FEH SOL |
| Una aigua sense gas | A still water | OO-nuh EYE-gwuh SEN-zuh GAS |
| Una canya | A small beer | OO-nuh KAH-nyuh |
| Una altra, si us plau | Another one, please | OO-nuh AL-truh |
| Quant és? | How much is it? | kwan ESS |
In a restaurant 🍽️
| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Una taula per a dos, si us plau | A table for two, please | OO-nuh TOW-luh pur uh DOSS |
| La carta, si us plau | The menu, please | luh KAR-tuh |
| Què em recomana? | What do you recommend? | keh um ruh-koo-MAH-nuh |
| Sóc vegetarià / vegetariana | I'm vegetarian (man / woman) | sok buh-zhuh-tuh-ree-AH / buh-zhuh-tuh-ree-AH-nuh |
| Sóc al·lèrgic a... | I'm allergic to... | sok uh-LER-zheek uh |
| Està boníssim! | It's delicious! | us-TAH boo-NEE-seem |
| El compte, si us plau | The bill, please | ul KOM-tuh |
| Puc pagar amb targeta? | Can I pay by card? | pook puh-GAH um tur-ZHEH-tuh |
The dishes and menu words are on the Catalan food and drink page.
Shopping 🛍️
| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Quant costa? | How much does it cost? | kwan KOS-tuh |
| Només estic mirant | I'm just looking | noo-MESS us-TEEK mee-RAN |
| Ho prenc | I'll take it | oo PRENK |
| Té una bossa? | Have you got a bag? | teh OO-nuh BOS-suh |
| És massa car | It's too expensive | ess MAS-suh KAR |
Getting about 🗺️
| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| On és...? | Where is...? | on ESS |
| On és el lavabo? | Where's the toilet? | on ESS ul luh-BAH-boo |
| És lluny? | Is it far? | ess YOONY |
| Com hi vaig? | How do I get there? | kom ee BATCH |
| a la dreta / a l'esquerra | on the right / on the left | uh luh DREH-tuh / uh lus-KEH-ruh |
| tot recte | straight on | tot REK-tuh |
| Em pot ajudar? | Can you help me? | um pot uh-zhoo-DAH |
If something goes wrong
| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Ajuda! | Help! | uh-ZHOO-duh |
| Necessito un metge | I need a doctor | nuh-suh-SEE-too oon MED-juh |
| On és la farmàcia? | Where's the chemist? | on ESS luh fur-MAH-see-uh |
| He perdut el mòbil | I've lost my phone | eh pur-DOOT ul MOH-beel |
In an emergency anywhere in Spain, ring 112.
Phrases the locals use
| Català | English | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Som-hi! | Let's go! / Let's do it! | SOM-ee |
| No passa res | No worries / it's fine | noh PAS-suh RESS |
| Déu n'hi do! | Wow! / Blimey, that's a lot! | DEH-oo NEE doh |
| Ostres! | Wow! / Blimey! | OS-trus |
| Quina calor! | It's so hot! | KEE-nuh kuh-LOR |
| Bon profit! | Enjoy your meal! | bon proo-FEET |
Keep going: Greetings · Food and drink words · Pronunciation · All the free Catalan guides, flashcards and games.
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Questions people ask
What are the most useful Catalan phrases?
Bon dia (good morning), si us plau (please), gràcies (thank you), adéu (bye) and no parlo català, però ho intento (I don't speak Catalan, but I'm trying).
Can I just use Spanish in Barcelona?
Yes, nearly everyone in Barcelona speaks Spanish. But a few words of Catalan are a nice touch and people appreciate it.
How do you say cheers in Catalan?
Salut! (suh-LOOT). It means health, and it's what you say when you clink glasses.
How do you ask for the bill in Catalan?
El compte, si us plau (ul KOM-tuh, see oos PLOW).
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