Dominican Republic Country Info.: Language
Spanish Song
There is nothing more exciting for local villagers when a team is able to speak a few words in their language. It is quite something else if a team is able to sing in the local language! Here is one of the worship songs that teams have learned to sing on past trips. SPANISH SONG
Language Pointer
Don’t ask questions with ‘yes/no’ answers. Rather, phrase your questions in order to get full answers. E.g. “Does this road lead to La Ceiba?” (Yes/No answer.) Rather, ask, “Where does this road lead?” To make sure someone has understood, you can ask them to repeat what you said.
Greetings
- Good morning (good day)--Buenos dias
- Good afternoon--Buenas tardes
- Good evening (good night)--Buenas noches
- Hello--Hola!
- Pleased to meet you!--Mucho gusto!
- Goodbye--Adios
- See you later--Hasta luego
- See you tomorrow--Hasta mañana
Introductions
- What is your name?--Cómo te llamas?
- I am called (Mary)--Me llamo (Maria)
- How are you?--Cómo estás? (Qué tal?)
- Well, thank you--Bien, gracias
- Not well--Mal!
- OK--Así, Así
General Questions/Phrases
- Where do you live?--Dónde vives?
- I am English (Scottish/Irish)--Soy Inglés (Escocés/Irlandés)
- How much does it cost?--Cuanto cuesta? (Cuanto es?)
- I'm sorry--Lo siento
- Where is the hotel (beach)--Dondé está el hotel (la playa)?
- Is it far?--Está lejos?
- What time is it?--Qué hora es?
- What do you want?--Qué desea?
- What do you want to buy?--Qué quieres comprar?
- 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10--Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, sies, siete, ocho, nueve, diez
- It is hot today--Hace calor ahora
- What do you want to eat?--Qué quieres comer?
- What do you want to drink?--Qué quieres beber?
- I want ...a coffee with milk--Quiero...café con leche
- I want a glass of water--Quiero un vaso de agua
- Can you give me?--Puedes dame?
- Can you write it please?--Puedes escribir, por favour?
- Please, thank you--Por favour, gracias
- Cheap, expensive--Barato, caro