Do you want to learn basic Catalan phrases for your next trip to Barcelona? You may be thinking that you can just get by with Spanish or English, but if you really want to impress and get to know the locals, these essential Catalan words and phrases will go a long way.
Why not use your time at home over the next few weeks to brush up your language skills in one of Spain’s official languages and add some of these useful phrases to your repertoire.
Whether you’re greeting a friend, ordering food or buying souvenirs, we’ve definitely got you covered. Preparats (ready)?
Basic Catalan phrases to use around Barcelona
Bon dia (bon dee-ah) / Bona tarda (bon-ah tard-ah)
Good morning / Good afternoon
When strolling along the streets of Barcelona, you’ll definitely hear this phrase used again and again. Put a smile on any local’s face with this common greeting (used more than “hola”). Remember, the afternoon starts around lunchtime and lasts all the way until just before dinnertime – which is around 10 pm – so don’t be surprised if someone greets you with “bona tarda” at 8 pm!
Si us plau (see oos plow) & Merci (mehr-see)
Please & thank you
If you’ve visited Barcelona several times and have heard the Catalan language being spoken, you may have noticed that it has some similarities with the French language. These two phrases will go a long way during your stay, so use them abundantly.
With “merci”, remember to put emphasis on the first syllable “mer–”as opposed to on the final syllable, like in French.
Note: “merci” is used a lot more than “gràcies” but please take into account it is colloquial.
De res (deh res)
You’re welcome
If it makes it a little easier to remember, you can literally translate this phrase as “of nothing”. What’s more it’s just like the French (de rien) and Spanish (de nada).
Adéu (ah-deh-ou)
Goodbye
Whether your waving farewell to your new Catalan friends or simply saying goodbye to the owners of your new favorite restaurant, be sure to do so with a friendly and heartfelt “adéu”.
Bon profit! (bon pro-feet)
Bon appetit!
The Catalans are a very courteous bunch, so don’t be surprised if you get total strangers declaring “bon profit” as you tuck into your meal at a local restaurant.
Quant costa – ? (kwant coh-sta)
How much is –?
The chances are during your stay at some point you’ll be buying souvenirs, tickets for the museum or a little treat for yourself. Use this phrase and simply add whatever it is you’re asking for or point and say “això” (ay-shoh), which means “this”.
El compte, si us plau (el com-teh see oos plow)
The bill, please.
Show off your language skills and impress your friends by asking for the bill in Catalan at the end of your meal. If you really want to blend in with the locals, try switching this phrase for “Em cobres” (um cub-ras), which literally means “charge me” and is used much more frequently by Catalans.
Parles anglès? (par-las ang-less)?
Do you speak English?
Whilst the majority of locals speak very good English, this polite question is sure to make you many a new friend in the city. Not only will they be impressed with your Catalan skills, they’ll be grateful you are trying to learn their language.
While we’ve got you covered for the basics, we encourage you to download a learning app or grab a dusty phrase book from your shelf and get studying so you can really blend in with the locals in Barcelona!
See you soon! Ens veiem aviat!
Some more bites
P.S. Below is a small list of other some additional vocabulary and Catalan phrases we’re sure will come in useful!
| CATALAN | ENGLISH |
| Bona nit | Good night |
| Perdó | Sorry |
| Esmorzar | Breakfast |
| Dinar | Lunch |
| Sopar | Dinner |
| Esquerra | Left |
| Dreta | Right |
| Obert | Open |
| Carrer | Street |
| Plaça | Square |
We hope you you found this mini guide to Catalan phrases useful and: ens veiem in Barcelona aviat! (See you soon in Barcelona) 🙂
