Asking for Help & Handling Problems
"I Don't Understand" and "Please Speak More Slowly"
These are among the most valuable phrases in this entire course — they turn a stalled conversation into a workable one, instead of leaving you stuck.
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No entiendo | I don't understand |
| ¿Puede repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat, please? |
| ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor? | Can you speak more slowly, please? |
| ¿Puede escribirlo, por favor? | Can you write it down, please? |
| No hablo mucho español | I don't speak much Spanish |
| Estoy aprendiendo español | I'm learning Spanish |
Saying "Estoy aprendiendo español" early in a conversation often prompts native speakers to naturally slow down and simplify for you — use it proactively, not just as a last resort.
Asking Whether Someone Speaks English
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? |
| ¿Hay alguien que hable inglés? | Is there someone who speaks English? |
Ask this politely and as a backup, not a first move — attempting Spanish first, even briefly, is generally well received.
Getting Lost and Asking for Directions
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Estoy perdido/a | I'm lost |
| ¿Dónde estoy? | Where am I? |
| ¿Me puede ayudar a encontrar...? | Can you help me find...? |
| Estoy buscando mi hotel | I'm looking for my hotel |
| ¿Cómo regreso a...? | How do I get back to...? |
Remember to match your gender: a woman says "Estoy perdida", a man says "Estoy perdido".
Simple Problem-Solving Language
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tengo un problema | I have a problem |
| Perdí mi... | I lost my... |
| Se me perdió el/la... | I lost my... (also common phrasing) |
| mi pasaporte | my passport |
| mi teléfono | my phone |
| mi maleta | my suitcase |
| ¿Qué debo hacer? | What should I do? |
| ¿Puede llamar a...? | Can you call...? |
Example:
Disculpe, tengo un problema. Perdí mi teléfono.
Tranquilo, ¿dónde lo tenía la última vez?
En el restaurante, creo.
Practice Suggestion
Memorize "No entiendo," "¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?" and "Estoy buscando..." cold — these three alone will get you through most stuck moments. Practice deploying them in a mock scenario where you pretend not to understand directions someone gives you.
Next: Health & Emergencies