Spanish for Travelers to L.A

The top 1,000 Spanish words used most frequently reflects the chief basis of what is said everyday. But travelers in any language must rely on key words and phrases. In Spanish specifically visitors to Los Angeles today will see that half or more of the population speaks Spanish and does not defer to English when it is spoken to them. Knowing a few phrases in case they are lost or need help can save the day.

Spanish speaking languages in everyday commercial use and advertising is common in Los Angeles today. But English speakers who have no Spanish visit Los Angeles without realizing how saturated the culture has become. By hitting up the verb cards and practicing spoken words and accents, common uses of Spanish can bridge the language barrier. It's a good bet to close the language gap in unusual or possibly unsafe travel situations in Los Angeles and Southern California.

Online translators and textbooks are available easily and often for free. online audio pronunciation will aid travelers in practicing these Spanish phrases. By looking over these words, traveling in Spanish speaking countries will be less of a hardship. Visitors may feel more comfortable moving through any neighborhood. In an emergency it will be useful to recognize some standard phrases. Here is a good primer on some Spanish phrases that may come in handy.

1. Verbs

Verbs in Spanish are sentences all by themselves. Spoken Spanish in Southern California is not a scholarly composition but a verbal short cut. "Come here, go there, stop, wait, back up, hold on". Practice these verbs in the formal plural command imperative or as exclamations. Used with a questioning tone of voice they can be turned into questions. "Can come here? Can go there? Can stop? Should I stop? Must back up? (Is it) better to hold on? "