Galician, a Romance language spoken in the autonomous community of Galicia in Spain, shares similarities with Portuguese due to their common origin from the medieval language known as Galician-Portuguese. Learning Galician can be a rewarding experience, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of Galicia. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Galician for various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello – “Ola”
• Good morning – “Bos días”
• Good afternoon – “Boas tardes”
• Good evening/night – “Boas noites”
• Goodbye – “Adeus”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Chámome [nome].”
• This is [name]. – “Este é/Esta é [nome].”
• I am from [country]. – “Son de [país].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Vivo en [cidade/lugar].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Onde está [o lugar]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Como chego a [o lugar]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “É este o camiño para [o lugar]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Podes mostrarme no mapa?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Síntoo, non entendo.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Podes repetilo, por favor?”
• I mean… – “Quero dicir…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Que significa [palabra]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Ata logo”
• Take care – “Coidate”
• Have a good day – “Que teñas un bo día”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Gustaríame reservar unha habitación.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Podo ver o menú, por favor?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Son vexetariano/a.”
• The bill, please. – “A conta, por favor.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Canto custa isto?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Tes isto noutra talla?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Só estou a mirar, grazas.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Podo pagar con tarxeta?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Estás fermosa.” / “Estás fermoso.”
• I miss you. – “Bótasme de menos.”
• I love you. – “Ámote.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Gustaríache saír comigo?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Axuda!”
• Call the police! – “Chama á policía!”
• I need a doctor. – “Necesito un médico.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Onde está o hospital máis próximo?”

These phrases offer a solid basis for basic communication in Galician. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Galician media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a process—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Galician.