Galician is a European language that is closely related to Spanish and Portuguese. It is widely spoken in the regions and villages along the Camino de Santiago.
We’ll get the main worry out of the way first. What if you’re going to Galicia and are terrified that your Spanish won’t be useful? Don’t worry—everyone in Galicia speaks Spanish as well as Galician.
But learning a little of the language can help you connect with locals, establish friendships, and most importantly, read menus! Uwalk has put together this crash course in Galician Phrases and greetings to help get you started.
Greetings
Learning a few Galician greetings makes it easier to communicate with locals on the route of the Camino.
Whether you’re stopping at your accomodation, ordering food, or passing fellow pilgrims on the trail, these simple phrases help you connect and show appreciation for Galician culture. They are:
- Ola = Hi
- Bos días = Good morning
- Boas tardes = Good afternoon
- Boas noites = Good night
- Ata logo/ata loguiño = See you later
- Ata mañá = See you tomorrow
- Chau = Bye
- Adeus = Goodbye
- Si = Yes
- Non = No
Basic Questions
Basic questions are very useful when asking for directions on the Camino routes. They can also help you build rapport with a local when striking up a friendly chat. Some of the most common questions are:
- Como estás? = How are you?
- Moi ben, e ti? = Fine, and you?
- Como te chamas? = What’s your name?
- Chámome… = My name is…
- Por favor = Please
- Grazas/graciñas = Thank you
- De nada = You’re welcome
- Síntoo = I’m sorry
- Desculpa = Excuse me (trying to get attention)
- Que hora é? = What time is it?
At a Café or Bar
A well-earned break calls for good food and drink. These phrases help you order like a local in cafés and bars along the Camino. Whether in a busy town or a quiet village, knowing how to ask in Galician is always helpful. They are:
- Posme un café, por favor = Can I have a cup of coffee, please?
- Quería… = I’d like…
- Está riquiño = It’s really good
- A conta, por favor = The check, please
- Cóbrasme? = What do I owe you?
- Onde están os servizos? = Where’s the toilet?
- Homes = Men
- Mulleres = Women
- Está aberto = It’s open
- Está pechado = It’s closed
Prepare for the Camino with UWalk
Speaking a few words of Galician adds to the experience of walking the Camino de Santiago. Using these simple phrases will help when ordering at a café, asking for directions, or chatting with locals.
Ready to plan your journey? UWalk offers guided Camino tours and self-guided Camino experiences to make your pilgrimage unforgettable. Start your adventure today by getting in touch.
