Yesterday I asked my students for two things: a book to add to my summer reading list and a word or a phrase in Spanish that they thought I would need when I travel to Cordoba and Granada next week.  The book list will be up soon, but here is what they think I should know for my trip:

Universally, the first word that they suggested was, Hola – followed closely with Adios.

Often the next suggestion was, Por favor and Gracias (“Remember the th sound is an s Mrs. T.”) Then on to necessary functions –

• ¿Puedo ir al baño? (Can I go to the bathroom. – though I am aware that in Spain you refer to the “servicio” or “aseo” instead)
• Donde esta el baño/servicio/aseo? (Where is the…)
• Yo quiero comer. (and its cousin) Yo necessito comer. (I want to eat – no, I NEED to eat)
• Quiero dormir. (I want to sleep)
• ¿Donde esta el restaurante? (Where is the restaurant)
• Galletas (cookies or crackers)
• Agua (water)
• Carne (meat)

Then, they remembered the whole conversation, give and take, thing –

• ¿Como estas? (How are you?)
• Yo tambien! (Me too!)
• ¿Que tal? (what’s happening….)

Shopping? They gave me excellent phrases that I need to know;

• Muy caro (expensive)
• que ganga (what a bargain)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (how much does it cost?)
• dólares (though I reminded them that in España it is Euros)
• la cuenta (the bill)
• No tengo dinero. (I don’t have money)

And then general  stuff

• Tengo ganas de … (I have wanted to …)
• ¿Donde esta …. ? (Where is…)
• Yo no hablo Español.
• ¿Que tiempo hace… ? (How long ago)
• Claro que si… (Of course, if…)
• ¿Como se dice…? (How do you say…)
• ¿Que hora es… ? (What time is…)
• Encanta (love)
• Superbien
• Amor (love)
• Hace calor, frio o sol. (I’m hot, cold, sunny)

And because I am the pale skinned, freckled blonde teacher: La crema protector solar (at least SPF 30).

And when all else fails, one student suggested that I ask them: “Please speak English with me.”

Image is of the market in Granada by Baer Tierkel