Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite
SPAIN PAIN Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite
WHILE little can go wrong with a friendly "¡Hola!" to a waiter or "mañana" to a maid in Spain some Brit tourists are making paella of a mess of the Spanish language.
That's according to a language expert who has revealed his golden rules to spare the blushes of Brits abroad.
1
Don't try to be too polite or too posh when talking to the locals, says a language expert
Though most tourists from the UK think themselves the epitome of politeness on holiday their well-intentioned manners could well backfire on them.
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One of the biggest blunders is Brits trying to sound too polite – or too posh.
Language guru James Smith has spent more than a decade teaching Spanish and living across Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica.
He said the issue stems from a fundamental cultural misunderstanding.
'British tourists think they're being respectful by using elaborate politeness, but Spanish culture values directness,' he said.
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'What we consider courteous can actually make Spanish speakers uncomfortable because it sounds unnatural and forced.'
Here are James' golden rules for getting along with the locals:
Politeness doesn't translate
Never say "I'm terribly sorry to bother you" – it's too abstract in Spanish. Be direct.
'I've watched British tourists tie themselves in knots trying to be polite, and the Spanish person just looks bewildered,' said James.
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'They're wondering why this person is apologising so much for a simple request.'
Brits vow to defy anti-tourism zealots after 1000s of sunbeds across Majorca were scrapped
Don't sound like Shakespeare
Too often people try to sound posh. Don't.
'The phrase 'would you mind' doesn't really exist in Spanish the way we use it," said James, of Learn Spanish with James.
'You end up with these clunky translations that make you sound like you're performing Shakespeare in a café.'
With these points in mind, here are some everyday phrases James suggested Brits can try out on the streets of Spain.
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Ordering a drink
British way: 'Would it be possible to have a coffee, if that's not too much trouble?'
Spanish way: 'Un café, por favour' (A coffee, please)
Getting someone's attention
British way: 'Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt…'
Spanish way: 'Disculpe' (Excuse me)
Making requests in shops
British way: 'Would you mind if I had a look at that, please?'
Spanish way: 'Ese, por favour' (That one, please) - while pointing to the item.
'Even asking 'Can I see that?' sounds overly formal in Spanish,' James explained. 'Just point to what you want and say 'that one, please' - it's perfectly polite and completely natural.'
'The beauty of Spanish communication is its simplicity,' James added.
'You're not being rude by being direct. You're being clear. That's actually more respectful than making someone decode your overly complex politeness.'
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Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite
Ordering drinks can result in some Brits sounding like Shakespeare SPAIN PAIN Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite WHILE little can go wrong with a friendly "¡Hola!" to a waiter or "mañana" to a maid in Spain some Brit tourists are making paella of a mess of the Spanish language. That's according to a language expert who has revealed his golden rules to spare the blushes of Brits abroad. 1 Don't try to be too polite or too posh when talking to the locals, says a language expert Though most tourists from the UK think themselves the epitome of politeness on holiday their well-intentioned manners could well backfire on them. Advertisement One of the biggest blunders is Brits trying to sound too polite – or too posh. Language guru James Smith has spent more than a decade teaching Spanish and living across Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica. He said the issue stems from a fundamental cultural misunderstanding. 'British tourists think they're being respectful by using elaborate politeness, but Spanish culture values directness,' he said. Advertisement 'What we consider courteous can actually make Spanish speakers uncomfortable because it sounds unnatural and forced.' Here are James' golden rules for getting along with the locals: Politeness doesn't translate Never say "I'm terribly sorry to bother you" – it's too abstract in Spanish. Be direct. 'I've watched British tourists tie themselves in knots trying to be polite, and the Spanish person just looks bewildered,' said James. Advertisement 'They're wondering why this person is apologising so much for a simple request.' Brits vow to defy anti-tourism zealots after 1000s of sunbeds across Majorca were scrapped Don't sound like Shakespeare Too often people try to sound posh. Don't. 'The phrase 'would you mind' doesn't really exist in Spanish the way we use it," said James, of Learn Spanish with James. 'You end up with these clunky translations that make you sound like you're performing Shakespeare in a café.' With these points in mind, here are some everyday phrases James suggested Brits can try out on the streets of Spain. Advertisement Ordering a drink British way: 'Would it be possible to have a coffee, if that's not too much trouble?' Spanish way: 'Un café, por favour' (A coffee, please) Getting someone's attention British way: 'Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt…' Spanish way: 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) Making requests in shops British way: 'Would you mind if I had a look at that, please?' Spanish way: 'Ese, por favour' (That one, please) - while pointing to the item. 'Even asking 'Can I see that?' sounds overly formal in Spanish,' James explained. 'Just point to what you want and say 'that one, please' - it's perfectly polite and completely natural.' 'The beauty of Spanish communication is its simplicity,' James added. 'You're not being rude by being direct. You're being clear. That's actually more respectful than making someone decode your overly complex politeness.'
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