Useful Spanish and Catalan Phrases

Two Languages in One City

Barcelona is a bilingual city. Catalan is the primary language of daily life, government, and signage. Spanish (Castellano) is also widely spoken and understood by everyone. Most signs, menus, and announcements appear in Catalan first, with Spanish second.

In tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions, English is widely spoken. However, knowing a few key words in both languages will help you in smaller shops, medical settings, and when using accessibility services where staff may have limited English.

Essential Accessibility Words

Asking for Help

These phrases will help you ask for accessibility-related assistance. Spanish versions are listed first, with Catalan alternatives in parentheses.

• Es accesible para silla de ruedas? (Es ak-seh-SEE-bleh PAH-ra SEE-ya deh RWEH-das?) -- Is it wheelchair accessible?
• Donde esta el ascensor? (DOHN-deh es-TAH el ah-sen-SOR?) -- Where is the elevator?
• Hay una rampa? (EYE OO-na RAHM-pa?) -- Is there a ramp?
• Necesito ayuda. (neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-da.) -- I need help.
• Uso silla de ruedas. (OO-so SEE-ya deh RWEH-das.) -- I use a wheelchair.
• Puede ayudarme? (PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAR-meh?) -- Can you help me?
• Donde esta el aseo accesible? (DOHN-deh es-TAH el ah-SEH-oh ak-seh-SEE-bleh?) -- Where is the accessible toilet?

In Catalan:

• Es accessible per a cadira de rodes? (Es ak-se-SEE-ble pehr a ka-DEE-ra deh ROH-des?)
• On es l'ascensor? (On es lah-sen-SOR?)
• Necessito ajuda. (ne-se-SEE-to ah-ZHOO-da.)

Transport Phrases

• Parada (pa-RAH-da) -- Stop (bus/metro)
• Estacion (es-ta-thee-ON) -- Station
• Metro (MEH-tro) -- Metro/subway
• Autobus (ow-toh-BOOS) -- Bus
• Taxi adaptado (TAK-see ah-dap-TAH-doh) -- Adapted taxi
• Hay espacio para silla de ruedas? (EYE es-PAH-thee-oh PAH-ra SEE-ya deh RWEH-das?) -- Is there space for a wheelchair?

At Restaurants

• Tiene acceso para silla de ruedas? (tee-EH-neh ak-SEH-so PAH-ra SEE-ya deh RWEH-das?) -- Do you have wheelchair access?
• Hay terraza? (EYE teh-RAH-tha?) -- Is there a terrace?
• La cuenta, por favor. (la KWEN-ta, por fa-VOR.) -- The bill, please.
• Tiene carta en letra grande? (tee-EH-neh KAR-ta en LEH-tra GRAHN-deh?) -- Do you have a large print menu?

Medical and Emergency Phrases

• Emergencia (eh-mer-HEN-thee-a) -- Emergency
• Hospital (os-pee-TAHL) -- Hospital
• Farmacia (far-MAH-thee-a) -- Pharmacy
• Medico (MEH-dee-ko) -- Doctor
• Necesito un medico. (neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-ko.) -- I need a doctor.
• Tomo medicacion. (TOH-mo meh-dee-ka-thee-ON.) -- I take medication.
• Soy alergico/a a... (SOY ah-LEHR-hee-ko/ka ah...) -- I am allergic to...
• Llame a una ambulancia. (YAH-meh ah OO-na am-boo-LAHN-thee-a.) -- Call an ambulance.

Pronunciation Tips

A few key rules for Spanish pronunciation:

• "c" before "e" or "i" sounds like "th" in "think" in Spain (not "s" as in Latin America)
• "z" always sounds like "th" in "think"
• "j" sounds like a strong "h" (as in "loch")
• "ll" sounds like "y" in "yes"
• "rr" is a rolled "r"
• "h" is always silent
• Vowels are consistent: a=ah, e=eh, i=ee, o=oh, u=oo

For Catalan, note these differences from Spanish:

• "x" often sounds like "sh" (as in "Eixample," pronounced ay-SHAHM-pluh)
• "ny" sounds like "ni" in "onion"
• "ig" at the end of a word sounds like "tch"
• Final consonants are often silent or softened