16-07-2025
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'."
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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.
