Latest news with #ClaudioGuasti
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Tourists in Spain warned against using 'common' Spanish phrases that could get them in trouble
As millions of Brits head to Spain this summer in search of sun and sangria, language experts are urging holidaymakers to brush up on their Spanish to avoid making some seriously awkward mistakes. Visiting another country and learning local phrases can be a fun and fulfilling experience, but in Spain, a number of linguistic slip-ups are causing red faces. According to Statista, over 18 million Brits visited Spain last year - and many may have left locals scratching their heads - or smirking when their back is turned. Claudio Guasti, head of culture and communication at City Lit, has shared four of the most common - and hilarious - mistakes Brits make when speaking Spanish abroad. Here's what to watch out for - and what to say instead - when visiting the popular holiday hotspot this year: 1. Avoid accidentally telling people you are aroused if you are warm If you're feeling warm and want to express that in Spanish, avoid saying 'estoy caliente.' While this might seem like a direct translation of 'I'm hot,' it actually refers to feeling sexually aroused in Spanish when describing a person. 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. 'Caliente' can still be used to describe food or drinks, for example: 'Quiero un té caliente', which means 'I'd like a hot tea', and 'El café está muy caliente', which means 'coffee is very hot'. 2. Avoid accidentally telling people you're married, instead of tired Two similar-sounding Spanish words can cause confusion are 'cansado' and 'casado'. 'Estoy cansado' (for men) or 'estoy cansada' (for women) means 'I am tired'. Meanwhile, 'estoy casado/casada' means 'I am married'. It's an easy mix-up that could lead to confusion and awkwardness in conversation, so take care to use the correct term, especially when discussing how you feel. 3. Avoid accidentally saying you are pregnant, instead of embarrassed A common language mistake is assuming 'embarazada' means 'embarrassed' because of the similarity in spelling. In fact, 'embarazada' means 'pregnant'. To say you're embarrassed in Spanish, the correct phrase is 'estoy avergonzado' if males or 'estoy avergonzada' if female. Using the wrong word in this case may lead to confusion or misunderstanding, so it's helpful to memorise the correct expression. 4. Avoid using 'hasta la vista' when saying goodbye - no one says this! While the phrase 'hasta la vista' is recognised due to its appearance in popular films, it is not commonly used by native Spanish speakers in everyday conversations. More appropriate and natural phrases for saying goodbye include 'hasta luego' (see you later) or 'adiós' (goodbye).
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Spanish tourists warned to avoid saying these two words when on holiday
Many travellers attempt to brush up on the country's language as a sign of courtesy and respect. British holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer are being warned not to say two words when in the country. To avoid embarrassment, tourists should think twice before attempting to speak the language without proper preparation. ahead of a trip to another country, many of us attempt to brush up on the language used as a sign of courtesy and respect, as well as to prepare us for any emergencies which may arise. It can also help you avoid making any embarrassing mistakes, as certain phrases have different connotations in different languages and cultures. According to Claudio Guasti, City Lit's Head of School Culture and Communication, Brits might accidentally say they're aroused, rather than warm. Sharing some of the most common Spanish language mistakes Brits make when travelling. Guasti said: "Using 'Estoy caliente' as a literal translation of 'I am hot' in English may cause you some embarrassment, as this phrase means 'I am aroused'. "Instead, you should say 'tengo calor' (I have heat). Avoid using 'soy cálida/cálido' (I am warm). In this context, it refers more to someone's personality, like being a warm or kind person, rather than physical temperature." Sharing examples of when to use the word caliente, he said for example 'me gustaría un té caliente', meaning "I would like a hot tea". Additionally, saying "el café está muy caliente", meaning "the coffee is very hot", is also okay. Another common mistake is saying you're pregnant rather than embarrassed. Guasti added: "Lots of Spanish words sound very similar to their English translation, for example, café for coffee, tren for train, or plato for plate. "It can be easy when following this pattern to assume the word 'embarazada' might mean 'embarrassed', but it actually means 'pregnant', which could raise a few eyebrows and cause a few smirks if used in the wrong context. "To really say you are feeling embarrassed or sheepish, say 'estoy avergonzado/a'." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Arguably the most famous Spanish phrase ironically comes from an American movie - the Terminator sequel, T2: Judgement Day. Arnold Schwarzenegger's titular character says 'hasta la vista', meaning 'until I see you (again)', though it's a phrase that is almost never used in Spain. Guasti says: "Instead, try saying the much more commonly used 'hasta luego' or 'adiós' instead, which mean 'see you later' and 'goodbye' respectively." To help Brits stay safe and prepared abroad, language experts at online Spanish classes platform Preply recently shared the top Spanish phrases every traveller should know before jetting off. ¡Ayuda! English definition: Help! "Ayuda" is arguably the most crucial Spanish word you should know before your holiday. Shouting this in an emergency will alert those nearby that you're in distress and need assistance. This word is pronounced 'Ah-yoo-dah', with the 'ah' pronounced like the 'a' in 'dark', and the 'dah' pronounced like the 'da' in 'dad'. Llama a la policía English definition: Call the police Nobody anticipates the need for police assistance on holiday, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you're in danger or have witnessed a crime, this phrase will help you get help swiftly. Necesito un doctor English definition: I need a doctor Being able to communicate that you need medical help is just as important as purchasing travel insurance for your safety and well-being. Approximately 3,000 Brits require urgent medical treatment while on holiday abroad every week, so knowing how to ask for a doctor could be life-saving.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Spain holidaymakers told not to say these two words this summer
People on holiday in Spain could find themselves embarrassed People heading to Spain this summer are being urged to avoid a seemingly innocent two-word phrase. The European country has long been the favourite for Brits jetting off abroad, with millions from the UK visiting Spain each year. And with industry experts predicting one of the busiest summers on record for international travel, it's anticipated that many, many UK holidaymakers will be heading to Spain over the coming months. Before going abroad, some holidaymakers like to brush up on a few word, so they can speak to the locals in their own language. But people are being warned over a simple phrase. City Lit's Head of School Culture and Communication, Claudio Guasti, has highlighted some of the most common Spanish language mistakes Brits make when travelling. Firstly, he warns people may accidentally tell others they are aroused, when they really just mean they're warm. He explained: "Using 'Estoy caliente' as a literal translation of 'I am hot' in English may cause you some embarrassment, as this phrase means 'I am aroused'. "Instead, you should say 'tengo calor' (I have heat). Avoid using 'soy cálida/cálido' (I am warm). In this context, it refers more to someone's personality, like being a warm or kind person, rather than physical temperature." It is fine to use the word caliente in other contexts, he added, for example 'me gustaría un té caliente', meaning "I would like a hot tea", is appropriate. Similarly saying something like "el café está muy caliente", meaning "the coffee is very hot", is also okay. People may also accidentally say they are pregnant instead of embarrassed, Claudio added. He said: "Lots of Spanish words sound very similar to their English translation, for example, café for coffee, tren for train, or plato for plate. "It can be easy when following this pattern to assume the word 'embarazada' might mean 'embarrassed', but it actually means 'pregnant', which could raise a few eyebrows and cause a few smirks if used in the wrong context. To really say you are feeling embarrassed or sheepish, say 'estoy avergonzado/a'." Finally, he says a phrase made popular by a 90s film, because nobody really says it. Translated 'until I see you (again)', 'hasta la vista' became iconic after being uttered by Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in Terminator 2. But, Claudio says, it's not a phrase Spanish people would use when saying goodbye. He added: "Instead, try saying the much more commonly used 'hasta luego' or 'adiós' instead, which mean 'see you later' and 'goodbye' respectively." If you do make a mistake, don't let this put you off Most importantly, laugh it off and still feel proud for trying. Most people you speak to will greatly respect your attempts to speak their native tongue, and will be kind about any errors.
