Spanish Phrases

Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can make your experience in Panama smoother and more meaningful. While many people speak some English, making an effort to communicate in Spanish is appreciated and helps build connections with local communities.

Basic Greetings

Hola — Hello
(OH-lah)

Buenos días — Good morning
(BWEH-nos DEE-ahs)

Buenas tardes — Good afternoon
(BWEH-nahs TAR-des)

Buenas noches — Good evening / Good night
(BWEH-nahs NO-chays)

Being Polite

Por favor — Please
(por fah-VOR)

Gracias — Thank you
(GRAH-see-ahs)

De nada — You're welcome
(deh NAH-dah)

Disculpe / Perdón — Excuse me / Sorry
(dees-KOOL-peh / pehr-DON)

Helpful Travel Phrases

¿Habla inglés? — Do you speak English?
(AH-blah een-GLES)

¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
(KWAN-toh KWEH-stah)

¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?
(DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo)

La cuenta, por favor — The check, please
(lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)

Getting Around

¿Dónde está…? — Where is…?
(DON-deh es-TAH)

Necesito un taxi — I need a taxi
(neh-seh-SEE-toh oon TAK-see)

¿Puede ayudarme? — Can you help me?
(PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAR-meh)

Friendly Expressions

Mucho gusto — Nice to meet you
(MOO-choh GOOS-toh)

¡Qué bonito! — How beautiful!
(keh boh-NEE-toh)

¡Qué rico! — Delicious!
(keh REE-koh)

Cultural Tip

Even attempting a few Spanish phrases shows respect and curiosity about the local culture. Many people will happily help you practice or switch to English if needed.