Spanish Basics - All you need to know!
A Quick Crash Course in Mexican Spanish for Newcomers to Monterrey
Welcome back to th Good Blog!
If you’re new here as an international student, you’ll find a warm welcome, especially around campus areas like Tec and UDEM, where English is common. But outside the “student bubble,” most people mainly speak Spanish, and here’s the thing: knowing a bit of Spanish goes a long way. Not only will it help you navigate the city with ease, but it’s also a fantastic way to connect with locals.
Mexicans love when you try out their language, even if it’s just a few words. It shows you’re making an effort, and people are usually more than happy to help you out with a smile.
So here’s your crash course in Mexican Spanish essentials, covering phrases you’ll use daily and even a few bits of local slang to get you into the groove of Monterrey life. Let’s dive in!
1. Everyday Basics
Start with these essentials for simple interactions. Whether you’re ordering at a café, meeting someone new, or asking for help:
Hola – Hello
Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches – Good morning / afternoon / evening
¿Cómo estás? / ¿Cómo está? – How are you? (Informal / Formal)
Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? – Good, thank you. And you?
Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
Perdón / Disculpa – Sorry / Excuse me
Sí / No – Yes / No
Por favor / Gracias / De nada – Please / Thank you / You’re welcome
Even if you start with just a few of these, you’ll make interactions warmer. Mexicans genuinely appreciate the effort and often respond even more warmly if you’re trying out Spanish.
2. Getting Around
Once you start exploring the city, these phrases will come in handy for directions, shopping, and basic needs:
¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
¿Cuánto tiempo toma para llegar a…? – How long does it take to get to…?
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Can I pay by card?
Una botella de agua, por favor – A bottle of water, please
Necesito ayuda – I need help
No hablo mucho español – I don’t speak much Spanish
Even if you don’t understand the response word-for-word, locals often slow down or gesture to help. They love that you’re giving it a go!
3. Eating Out and Ordering Food
Dining out is a big part of the Monterrey experience! Here are some phrases to get you started:
Un menú, por favor – A menu, please
¿Qué recomienda? – What do you recommend?
Sin picante, por favor – Without spice, please (useful if you’re not a fan of spicy food!)
Quisiera… – I would like…
Una cerveza, por favor – A beer, please
La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please
Está delicioso – It’s delicious
People will appreciate you trying to speak Spanish, and don’t worry about getting everything right—mistakes are just part of the fun!
4. Local Slang and Expressions
Mexican Spanish has a unique flavor, and a few local expressions can make conversations a lot more fun. Here’s a taste of slang you’ll hear a lot:
¡Qué padre! – That’s cool!
No manches – No way! (a casual way to express surprise or disbelief)
Chido – Cool (similar to "qué padre")
¿Qué onda? – What’s up?
Órale – Wow / Alright! (can show surprise or agreement)
Ahorita – Right now / in a bit (depends on the context)
Güey – Dude / Bro (casual, use it only among friends)
Buena onda / Mala onda – Good vibe / Bad vibe
These phrases help you sound more natural and will make it easier to keep up in social settings. Just remember, context matters!
5. Must-Know Phrases for Daily Situations
These phrases cover everyday needs, from finding the bathroom to asking for directions:
¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?
Tengo hambre / Tengo sed – I’m hungry / I’m thirsty
No entiendo / ¿Puedes repetir? – I don’t understand / Can you repeat that?
¿Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English?
Estoy perdido – I’m lost
¿A qué hora…? – At what time…?
¿Me puedes ayudar? – Can you help me?
These basics can get you out of a sticky situation and make it easier to ask for help when you need it.
6. A Little Cultural Etiquette
To wrap up, here are a few tips for connecting with locals:
Politeness is key: Simple courtesies like “por favor” and “gracias” make a big difference.
Warm greetings: A quick “hola” or “buenos días” goes a long way when you enter a room or store.
Expressiveness: Mexicans are generally warm and friendly, so be open to handshakes or light hugs with friends.
Trying out even a bit of Spanish can open up your Monterrey experience in unexpected ways. Locals love when newcomers give the language a shot, and you’ll often find yourself rewarded with smiles, patience, and maybe even a little extra help. So go ahead, make mistakes, laugh a little, and dive into the language. It’s all part of the adventure!
And remember, the Goodlife Monterrey team is always here to support you. Whether you’re in need of translation, navigating a tricky situation, or just want someone to practice your Spanish with, we’re just a call or text away and happy to assist however we can.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
