Learn a little Spanish - It is the official language of Panama. In Panama City you will find many people speaking English, especially the workers at the airport, hotels and in some restaurants. Outside of the big city (Boquete, for example) the Locals speak Spanish almost exclusively (the exception may be your hotel, and some eateries). Learn a little Spanish, and give it your best try - it will be appreciated. Do not expect Panama to adjust to you. Remember, we’re leaving the “ugly” ones behind!
Here are a couple of “truths” regarding Panama and the Spanish language…
Truth #1: It is very important to show respect to our Panamanian hosts by having at least a basic understanding of the Spanish language before visiting their country.
Truth #2: If you are over 12 years old, it is not an easy task to master a new language.
Fear not - we're here to help! Below you will find some basic hints to help you during your visits to Panama, a few handy words and phrases that you’ll want to learn, and a couple of helpful links to take you further into that learning process, if you desire.
While there are many common components of Spanish, there are subtle variations depending on whether you are in Mexico, Central America or Spain. We are going to concentrate on Central American/Panamanian Spanish, and you will learn that there are also formal and informal words and phrases.
First and foremost, Politeness Matters! The decline in manners and respect that surrounds us on a daily basis in the States has, thankfully, not yet come to Panama. Let’s keep it that way! While the more formal greetings are listed below, out in the “countryside” of Boquete, you will be greeted everywhere by the simple word “Buenas”. It is the informal “Hello” and you should say it, while smiling, dozens of times a day!
Aprendamos el Español
Let's Learn Spanish
Please 
Thank you
Thank you very much
You’re welcome
No thank you
Sorry
Excuse me
I’m sorry
Never mind
My pleasure
How are you?
Very good, and you?
Por favor (poor fah-vohr)
Gracias
Muchas gracias
De nada
No, gracias
Perdon
Perdoneme / Disculpeme
Lo siento
No importa
Encantado / Mucho gusto
Como esta / Que tal
Muy bien, y tu?
Places & Things
Hello
Good Morning
Good Afternoon
Good Night
See you / Bye
See you soon
See you tomorrow
Buenas or Hola
Buenos dias
Buenas tardes
Buenas noches
Hasta la vista / Adios
Hasta luego
Hasta manana
~
Courtesy
Greetings
Helpful Spanish Phrases and Terms:
The check - La cuenta
Hello - Buenas
Toilets
Public toilets
Museum
Pharmacy
Market
Supermarket
Police
Bakery
Bookstore
Taxi
Los servicios
Los banos publicos
El museo
La farmacia
El mercado
El supermercado
La policia
La panaderia
La libreria
El taxi
Food / Dining
Food
Eat
Drink
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
White Wine
Red Wine
The menu
Check, please
Fried eggs
To Go
Comida
Comer
Beber
Desayuno
Almuerzo
Cena
Vino blanco
Vino tinto
El menu (meh-new)
La cuenta, por favor
Huevos fritos
Para llevar (yey-var)
Where is a hotel?
I have a reservation
Can I see a room?
How much per night?
It's good, I'll take it
Do you have a phone?
Bed
Fan
Air Conditioning
Pool
Key
Reception
Donde hay un hotel?
Tengo una reservacion
Puedo ver una habatacion?
Cuanto cuesta por noche?
Es bueno, la aquilo
Tiene un telefono? (teh-leh-phono)
Cama
Ventilador
Aire acondicionado
Piscina (pee-seena)
Llave (yah-veh)
La recepcion
At The Hotel
Reception - La recepcion
Learn to speak Spanish - Official language of Panama
Days of the Week and Months of the Year
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Today
Yesterday
Tomorrow
Next Week
Next Month
Next Tuesday
Last Week
Last Month
Last Tuesday
Lunes
Martes
Miercoles
Jueves
Viernes
Sabado
Domingo
Enero
Febrero
Marzo
Abril
Mayo
Junio
Julio
Agosto
Septiembre
Octubre
Noviembre
Deciembre
Hoy
Ayer
Manana
Semana proxima
El mes proximo
El martes proximo
La semana posada
El mes posada
El martes posada
~
Page 1 - Learning Spanish
Located in the heart of beautiful Boquete, Panama, Habla Ya Language Center is dedicated to using language to bring both Locals and Residents (newcomers) together. They have designed special English & Spanish courses to help new arrivals and Retirees become comfortable and proficient in Latin America Spanish. Visit their website, or stop by the school, to learn more about their varied language lessons.
The calendar - La calendario
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