Beyond Hola: Common Expressions Every Costa Blanca Visitor Should Know

You’ve got sunscreen, a beach towel, and the ideal spot on the sand. You might even have a phrasebook with some key words. To truly immerse yourself in Costa Blanca culture, however, you must go beyond the basics.

Spanish is a rich language with expressions that convey emotion, humour, and a relaxed attitude. Mastering a few of these will not only help you navigate your daily life but will also earn you a few grateful smiles from the locals.

Here’s a list of common expressions to help you sound less touristy. and much more like a local.

1. Vale! This is probably the most common and versatile word you’ll hear. Its literal meaning is “okay”, “alright”, or “got it”. It can be used to express agreement with someone, confirm a plan, or simply acknowledge what someone said.
2. Que tal? While “como estas?” is the standard way to ask “how are you?”, “que tal?” is much more common in casual conversation. It’s a pleasant and relaxed way to greet someone.
3. Venga: This one is a true chameleon. Depending on the context, it may mean “come on” or “let’s go”. or “alright”, is frequently used to encourage someone or to conclude a conversation.
4. Hombre or Mujer: These words literally mean “man” and “woman”, but they’re commonly used as an exclamation to express surprise, disagreement, or familiarity, similar to “mate” or “blimey” in English.
5. Claro: This word means “of course” or “obviously”. It’s used to express certainty and agreement with conviction.

6. No pasa nada: Literally, “Nothing happens”. This is a common phrase that means “no problem,” “it’s fine,” or “don’t worry about it”. It’s a wonderful response when someone apologises for a minor inconvenience.

7. Madre Mia! This expression means “my goodness” or “oh my god!” and is used to express a wide range of emotions, including surprise and shock, frustration, and admiration.

By adding these phrases to your vocabulary, you’ll not only communicate more effectively but also connect more genuinely with the people and culture of the Costa Blanca. Venga, a practicar! (Come on, let’s practice!)