The Basque language, known as Euskara, is a language isolate spoken in the Basque Country, a region spanning northern Spain and southwestern France. Unlike most languages in Europe, Basque is not Indo-European and has a unique structure and vocabulary. This lesson covers essential phrases and questions for navigating various conversational scenarios in Basque.

Greetings

• Hello – “Kaixo”
• Good morning – “Egun on”
• Good afternoon – “Arratsalde on”
• Good evening – “Gau on”
• How are you? (informal/formal) – “Zer moduz?” / “Nola zaude?”
• I’m fine, thank you. And you? – “Ondo, eskerrik asko. Eta zu?”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Nire izena [izena] da.”
• This is [name]. – “Hau [izena] da.”
• I am from [country]. – “[Herrialde]tik nator.”
• I live in [city/place]. – “[Hiria/lekua]n bizi naiz.”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Non dago [lekua]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Nola iritsi [lekura]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Hau da bidea [lekura] joateko?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Mapan erakutsi al diezadakezu?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Barkatu, ez dut ulertzen.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Mesedez, errepikatu al dezakezu?”
• I mean… – “Esan nahi dut…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Zer esan nahi du [hitzak]?”

Farewell Expressions

• Goodbye – “Agur”
• See you later – “Gero arte”
• Take care – “Zaindu”
• Have a good day – “Egun on izan”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Gela bat erreserbatu nahi nuke.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Menua ikusi al dezaket, mesedez?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Barazkijalea naiz.”
• The bill, please. – “Eskerrik asko, faktura mesedez.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Zenbat balio du hau?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Baduzu hau beste neurri batean?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Begira soilik nago, eskerrik asko.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Txartelaz ordaindu dezaket?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. – “Zoragarria zaude.”
• I miss you. – “Falta zaitut.”
• I love you. – “Maite zaitut.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Nirekin irten nahi al duzu?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Laguntza!”
• Call the police! – “Deitu poliziari!”
• I need a doctor. – “Mediku bat behar dut.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Non dago hurbileneko ospitalea?”

Learning Basque requires patience and practice, especially given its unique status among world languages. Engage with native speakers whenever possible, and utilize resources such as language exchange apps, Basque media, and educational platforms to enhance your learning. Remember, immersion and regular practice are key to becoming proficient in any language, including Basque.