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How To Ask For A Bathroom In Central America

By Jane Goodwin | April 18, 2007

If you’re planning a trip, whatever its length may be, to a Central American country, it stands to reason that knowing the language down there would be a very good thing indeed. I would advise you all to take a course or two in basic Spanish before you pack your suitcase. However, I also realize that not everyone has time to do that.

Therefore, please help yourselves to the following words and phrases, guaranteed to help smooth your way in any Spanish-speaking country.

Courtesy of “All About San Miguel, Mexico,” here are some useful conversation-boosters. I think the ones about ‘bathrooms’ might be especially handy.

Common Spanish Phrases

“Yes.” –> “Si.”
“No.” –> “No.”
“Hello.” –> “Hola.”
“Goodbye.” –> “Adios.”
“My name is…” –> “Me llamo…”
“How are you?” –> “¿Como estas?”
“How Much (does it cost)?” –> “¿Cuanto cuesta?”
“Where is…?” –> “¿Donde está?”
“I don’t understand.” –> “No entiendo”
“Do you speak English?” –> “¿Hablas inglés?”

Being Polite

“Bless you.” –> “Salud.”
“By your leave.” –> “Con permiso.”
“Excuse me.” –> “Perdon.”
“Good morning.” –> “Buenos dias”
“Good afternoon.” –> “Buenos tardes.”
“Good night.” –> “Buenas noches.”
“I’m Sorry.” –> “Lo siento.”
“Nice to meet you.” –> “Mucho gusto.”
“Pardon me.” –> “Disculpame.”
“Please.” –> “Por favor.”
“Thank you.” –> “Gracias.”
“No thank you.” –> “No gracias.”
“Thank you very much.” –> “Muchas gracias.”

Emergencies

“Help!” –> “Socorro!”
“I am lost.” –> “Ando perdido.”
“Be careful!” –> “Cuidado!”
“May I use the bathroom?” –> “¿Puedo usar el baño?”
“Where is the bathroom?” –> “¿Dónde está el baño?”
“Please call a doctor.” –> “Por favor, llame al médico.”
“Please call the police.” –> “Por favor, llame al policía.”
“Please help me.” –> “Ayúdeme, por favor.”

Eating Out

“Where is a good restaurant?” –> “¿Dónde hay un buen restaurante?”
“Check, please.” –> “La cuenta, por favor.”
“I am hungry.” –> “Tengo hambre.”
“I am thirsty.” –> “Tengo sed.”
“I would like to see the menu.” –> “Quiero ver la carta.”

Sphere It

Topics: Culture, Language, Travel / Relocation, Lifestyle |

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