Language Basics
In addition, in 2003, the Government passed the Law on Linguistic Rights, recognizing 62 indigenous languages as co-official national languages. It also develops bilingual education and encourages attempts to perpetuate the diverse languages and dialects present in Mexico.
Unfortunately, this attempt to conserve and support the indigenous languages of Mexico is failing. This is partly due to the fact that younger generations are more open to Spanish and English through global contact.
In today's fast-paced and multicultural culture, many prefer to set aside the vocabulary of their ancestors, so if you're planning a trip to Mexico, the ability to speak Spanish is likely to help, particularly in tourist areas.
| English | Spanish |
| Basics | |
| Yes | Si |
| No | No |
| Please | Por favor |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| Sorry | Lo siento |
| Greetings | |
| Hello | Hola |
| Good morning | Buenos días |
| Good afternoon | Buenas tardes |
| Good evening/night | Buenas noches |
| Goodbye | Adiós |
| Bye | Chao |
| See you | Nos vemos |
| How are you? | ¿Como está? |
| Fine, thanks | Bien, gracias |
| Language | |
| Do you speak english? | ¿Habla inglés? |
| I don't understand | No entiendo |
| Please speak slowly | Hable lento por favor |
| Questions | |
| Where is/are...? | Donde esta/están...? |
| When? | ¿Cuándo? |
| Who? | ¿Quien? |
| Why? | ¿Por qué? |
| What? | ¿Que? |
| Which | ¿Cual? |
| How long? | ¿Cuánto tiempo? |
| How much (price)? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? |
| Can you help me? | ¿Me puede ayudar? |
| What time is it? | ¿Qué hora es? |
| Useful phrases | |
| I like/I don't like it | Me gusta/No me gusta |
| Just a minute | Un minuto |
| Too expensive | Muy caro |
| It's hot (weather) | Hace calor |
| It's cold (weather) | Hace frío |
| A little | Un poco |
| A lot | Mucho |
| Food | |
| Tea | Té |
| Coffee with milk | Café con leche |
| Ice | Hielo |
| Mineral water | Agua mineral |
| Wine (White/Red) | Vino (Blanco/Tinto) |
| Beer | Cerveza |
| Juice | Jugo |
| Eggs | Huevos |
| Scrambled eggs | Huevos revueltos |
| Fried eggs | Huevos fritos |
| Cheese | Queso |
| Bacon | Tocino |
| Beef | Carne vacuna |
| Chicken | Pollo |
| Pork | Cerdo |
| Rice | Arroz |
| Boiled potatoes | Papas cocidas |
| Chips (Fries) | Papas fritas |
