Warning to tourists over ‘common’ Spanish phrases that could land them in serious trouble

EMBARRASSING LANGUAGE BLUNDERS

As millions embark on their annual summer holiday to Spain, tourists have been warned about making some seriously awkward language mistakes in their search for sun and sangria.Pic: David Ramos/Getty Images

MANY LEFT RED-FACED

Visiting other nations and trying to pick up local phrases can often be an enjoyable activity, broadening your language skills, but in Europe's most popular holiday destination, one simple slip of the tongue can leave many red-faced!Pic: Shutterstock

LOCALS SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS

Statistics show that millions of English-speaking tourists visited Spain in 2024, but some have left locals amused, while others were left scratching their heads after even the smallest of interactions. Pic: Zowy Voeten/Getty Images

HERE'S WHAT TO AVOID

Claudio Guasti, head of culture and communication at City Lit, has shared four common—and often hilarious—mistakes tourists make when speaking Spanish abroad. Here’s what to avoid, and what to say instead, on your next holiday. Pic: Shutterstock

ARROUSED OR JUST WARM?

With the extreme temperatures in Spain at the moment, you'll need the translation to let people know that you are warm... make sure you don't tell them that you are feeling a bit chilly instead. Pic: Cristina Quicler/AFP via Getty Images

'TENGO CALOR'

Yes, if you are feeling a bit hot and sweaty, avoid using the phrase 'estoy caliente'. While it directly translates to 'I'm hot,' it actually refers to feeling sexually aroused. The correct phrase to use is 'tengo calor,' which means, 'I have heat,' and is the appropriate way to say you feel hot due to the weather. Pic: Getty Images

MARRIED OR JUST TIRED?

Two very similar-sounding words can cause a LOT of confusion, and they are 'cansado' and 'casado'. 'Estoy cansado' (for men) or 'estoy cansada' (for women) means 'I am tired'. Pic: Getty Images

AVOID AWKWARD CONVERSATION

Meanwhile, 'estoy casado/casada' means 'I am married'. It's an easy mistake to make that can lead to some humorous confusion and awkwardness in conversation with locals at your local holiday spot.Pic: Shutterstock

PREGNANT OR JUST EMBARRASSED?

Another common Spanish language mistake that many will make while on holiday is assuming that 'embarazada' means 'embarrassed', but if you do use this word, you will be telling others that you are expecting! Pic: Getty Images

HELPFUL TO KNOW

To say you're embarrassed in Spanish, the correct phrase is 'estoy avergonzado' if you're a man or 'estoy avergonzada' if you're a woman. Using the wrong phrase could lead to confusion or misunderstanding, so it's helpful to memorise the correct expression.

HASTA LA VISTA... JUST NO!

Although 'hasta la vista' gained popularity through its use in famous movies, native Spanish speakers rarely use it in regular, everyday speech. Pic: Getty Images

TRY THESE INSTEAD...

When you're saying goodbye, try using more popular phrases like 'hasta luego' (see you later) or 'adiós' (goodbye). These phrases are widely understood and accepted in all Spanish-speaking regions. Pic: Csikiphoto/Shutterstock