Basic Words

1. Sí

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Si us plau

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   The standard form understood across the Catalan-speaking area; "per favor" is also heard, but "si us plau" is the standard

4. Gràcies

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Perdoni

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The polite "vostè" form; use "perdona" with friends

6. Ho sento

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Està bé

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Also expressible as "Cap problema" (no problem)

8. No ho entenc

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Ho entenc

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. He acabat

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    Present perfect formed with "haver"

11. Esperi, si us plau

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Esperi" is the "vostè" imperative

12. Un moment

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Un adult, si us plau

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. No tinc reserva

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Negation puts "no" before the verb

15. Tinc una reserva

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Ajudi'm, si us plau

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Socors!"

17. Una altra vegada, si us plau

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Parli a poc a poc, si us plau

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Parlo una mica de català

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Una mica" means "a little"; the phrase is warmly received in Catalonia

20. Parla anglès?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The polite "vostè" form; Spanish is also universally understood in Catalonia

21. això

    This / that (near)

    Usage

    Points at something at hand or in front of you; combine as "Això, si us plau" over a menu or a product

    Grammar Note

    Neuter demonstrative. Central Catalan does not split "this" and "that (near)" — "això" covers both; Valencian keeps a separate "açò"

22. allò

    That (over there)

    Usage

    Points at something further away — a dish at the back of a stall, a building across the street

    Grammar Note

    The distal neuter demonstrative: away from both speaker and listener

23. aquí

    Here

    Usage

    Where you are; use it on a map or to mark where a taxi should drop you

24. allà

    There (over there)

    Usage

    A place away from you. Central Catalan does not distinguish "there" from "over there" — "allà" covers both, and "allí" is an equivalent variant

25. jo

    I / me

    Usage

    The pronoun for yourself; point at your own chest while showing it

26. vostè

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite "you" for strangers, staff, and officials; use "tu" with people you know

27. junts

    Together

    Usage

    Ask to sit, stay, or be billed together; an all-female group says "juntes"

28. ara mateix

    Right now

    Usage

    Conveys urgency — show it in a medical or emergency situation

29. una persona

    One person

    Usage

    States the size of your party at a restaurant or tour desk

30. dues persones

    Two people

    Usage

    States a party of two; hold up two fingers as you show it

    Grammar Note

    "Persona" is feminine, so the numeral takes the feminine form "dues", not "dos"

31. tres persones

    Three people

    Usage

    States a party of three

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