The language of the Canaries is Spanish (Castilian), but the accent and dialect of Canarian people is more like the Spanish spoken in the Caribbean and South American countries which differs from the Spanish on mainland Spain. Canarians also use a lot of words, which are a living proof of the many links established through emigration between the islands and the Caribbean nations.
Canarian people often curtail certain words and drop the ‘s’ at the end, which can make the language difficult to understand. It is also worth bearing in mind that a ‘c’ before an ‘i’ or ‘e’ is pronounced ‘s’. In addition, many Guanche words have remained, particularly in place names. These often begin with the letters ‘gua’.
For holidaymakers, it is perhaps better to stick to mainland Spanish, although English and most western European languages, are widely understood.
Outside the main towns and resort areas, it's a good idea to take along a small dictionary or phrase book.
The travel experts Spain-Tenerife have put together a handy guide to some key words and phrases, which you may find useful.
| Desayuno – Breakfast Almuerzo – Lunch Cena – Dinner Camarero/Camarera – Waiter/Waitress No entiendo – I don’t understand Cuánto es?/Cuánto vale/Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it? Escríbamelo, por favor – Please write it down Sí – Yes No – No Buenos días – Good morning Buenas tardes – Good afternoon Buenas noches – Good night Por favor – Please Perdóneme – Excuse me Habla usted Inglés? – Do you speak English? Dónde está? – Where is? A qué distancia? – How far? De nada – You’re welcome Gracias – Thank you Adios – Goodbye Bienvenido – Welcome Bueno – Good Aeropuerto – Airport Cerrado – Closed | Abierto – Open Oficina de Correos – Post Office Farmacia – Chemist Finca – Rural Property Calle – Street Ciudad – Town Gasolina – Petrol Alquilar – to hire Alto/Pare – stop Camino cerrado – Road closed Ceda el paso - Give way Coche – Car Cruce – crossroads Cuidado – Warning Derecha – Right Izquierda – Left Arriba – Up Bajo – Down Malo – Bad Salida – Exit Semáforo – Traffic light |
