If you are traveling to Barcelona it’s important to remember many locals identify as Catalan and not Spanish.
Instead of addressing people in castellano, a good way of making friends is to learn how to say a few phrases in Catalan. While no one is expecting you to study for months for a short visit to the city, these phrases will help you make a friendly introduction.
Anyone who has studied Spanish will notice the languages are similar, but making the distinction can go a long way in Barcelona.
Bon dia – Hello
Com et dius? – What’s your name?
Molt de gust – Nice to meet you
D’on ets? – Where are you from?
Qant costa això? – How much is this?
No ho entenc – I don’t understand
Parla anglès – Do you speak English?
Dispensi – Excuse me
Sisplau – Please
Mercès – Thank you
While no one can pretend this limited set of phrases will be good for holding long conversations, the main aim is to demonstrate a willingness to try and speak Catalan. The local people are incredibly proud of their history and culture, and a Catalan separatist movement has been growing in strength in recent years.
Given the attitude of many people toward Spain and the Spanish language, trying out these Catalan phrases could mean a lot!
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