Catalan Phrases for Travellers in Girona

When you visit Girona, you’ll hear two languages; Catalan and Spanish. Both are official in Catalonia, but Catalan is what you’ll hear most in daily life: at the café, in the market, or chatting in the street.

While most people in Girona speak Spanish (and many understand English), learning a few Catalan words is one of the easiest ways to connect. It shows curiosity, respect, and a love for local culture; and it always earns a smile.

To help you get started, we’ve gathered a few useful Catalan phrases you can use during your stay.

Greetings & Politeness

You’ll hear these every day - start your morning like a local.

English	Catalan	Pronunciation	Use
Hello	Hola	OH-lah	Universal greeting
Good morning	Bon dia	BON DEE-ah	Morning
Good afternoon	Bona tarda	BOH-nah TAR-dah	Afternoon
Good evening / night	Bona nit	BOH-nah NEET	Night
Please	Si us plau	SEE oos PLOW	Polite request
Thank you	Gràcies	GRAH-syus	Gratitude
You’re welcome	De res	deh RES	Reply to thanks
Excuse me / Sorry	Perdó	pehr-DOH	Get attention or apologise
Goodbye	Adéu	ah-DEH-oo	Common farewell

Getting Around Girona

Navigating Girona’s winding, cobbled streets is part of the adventure. These phrases help you ask for directions.

English	Catalan	Pronunciation	Use
Where is the Cathedral?	On és la catedral?	ON es lah kah-teh-DRAL	Directions
How do I get to the train station?	Com arribo a l’estació de tren?	KOM ah-REE-boo ah les-tah-SEE-oh deh tren	Directions
Is it far?	És lluny?	es LYUN	Asking distance
Left / Right / Straight ahead	Esquerra / Dreta / Tot recte	es-KEH-rah / DREH-tah / tot REK-teh	Orientation
I’m lost	M’he perdut	meh pehr-DOOT	Asking for help
Near / Far	A prop / Lluny	ah PROP / lyun	Distances

Ordering at a Café or Restaurant

Whether you’re in La Comuna Café or a local tapas bar, these phrases are all you need to sound confident.

English	Catalan	Pronunciation	Use
I’d like a coffee, please	Voldria un cafè, si us plau	vol-DREE-ah oon kah-FEH see oos PLOW	Ordering
With milk / Without milk	Amb llet / Sense llet	ahmp LLYET / SEN-seh LLYET	Coffee orders
Water / Wine / Beer	Aigua / Vi / Cervesa	EYE-gwah / vee / sehr-VEH-sah	Drinks
The bill, please	El compte, si us plau	el KOM-teh see oos PLOW	Paying
Delicious!	Boníssim!	boh-NEE-seem	Compliment food
Do you have a vegetarian option?	Teniu opció vegetariana?	teh-NEH-oo op-SEE-oh veh-jeh-tah-ree-AH-nah	Dietary request

At the Market or in a Shop

Perfect for exploring Mercat del Lleó or La Devesa market.

English	Catalan	Pronunciation	Use
How much does it cost?	Quant costa?	kwant KOS-tah	Price
Can I pay by card?	Puc pagar amb targeta?	pook pah-GAR ahmp tar-JEH-tah	Payment
It’s beautiful / I like it	És preciós / M’agrada	es preh-see-OHS / mah-GRAH-dah	Appreciation
A little / A lot	Una mica / Molt	OO-nah MEE-kah / molt	Quantities
I’m just looking	Només miro	noh-MES MEE-roo	Polite browsing

Connecting with Locals

Girona people are kind and curious — a simple conversation can open doors.

English	Catalan	Pronunciation	Use
How are you?	Com estàs?	KOM es-TAHS	Greeting
Very well, thank you	Molt bé, gràcies	molt BEH GRAH-syus	Reply
What a beautiful city!	Quina ciutat més bonica!	KEE-nah see-oo-TAT mes boh-NEE-kah	Compliment
I love Girona	M’encanta Girona	men-KAHN-tah jee-ROH-nah	Connection
See you soon	Fins aviat	feens ah-bee-AHT	Farewell
Cheers!	Salut!	sah-LOOT	Toast

Everyday Essentials

For travel, emergencies, or simply getting by.

English	Catalan	Pronunciation	Use
Do you speak English?	Parles anglès?	PAR-les ang-LES	Language check
I don’t understand	No ho entenc	noh oon-TENK	Clarifying
Help!	Ajuda!	ah-JOO-dah	Emergency
Where is the bathroom?	On és el lavabo?	ON es el lah-VAH-boo	Practical!
Open / Closed	Obert / Tancat	oh-BEHR / tan-KAHT	Shop signs
Today / Tomorrow	Avui / Demà	ah-VOO-ee / deh-MAH	Time words

Local Insight: Language & Culture

• Catalan is distinct from Spanish — think of it as a cousin, not a dialect.

• “Bon dia” is the go-to greeting in Girona (more common than “Hola” before midday).

• Locals appreciate effort — even a “Gràcies” can make someone’s day.

• Menus, signs, and announcements often appear in both Catalan and Spanish.

• Girona locals speak clearly and are patient — great for beginners.

Bonus: Take Catalan With You

We’ve created a free, printable mini phrase card:📄

CATALAN PHRASES FOR TRAVELLERS ENG.pdf

Download PDF • 3.17MB

Download it, fold it into your pocket or save it on your phone.