Medellín for Snowbirds Who Do Not Speak Spanish: 30 Useful Phrases

You do not need conversational Spanish to enjoy three winter months, but a few phrases can transform a stressful moment into a routine interaction. Save the list to your phone and practice the lines you are most likely to use. For medical or contractual decisions, use a qualified interpreter rather than relying only on a phrase sheet.

At the apartment: the practical basics

1. “¿Dónde está la entrada?” — Where is the entrance? 2. “¿Hay ascensor?” — Is there an elevator? 3. “El ascensor no funciona.” — The elevator is not working. 4. “No tengo agua caliente.” — I have no hot water. 5. “¿Cuál es la clave del wifi?” — What is the Wi-Fi password? 6. “¿A quién llamo por una emergencia?” — Who do I call in an emergency? 7. “¿Cuándo viene mantenimiento?” — When is maintenance coming? 8. “¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?” — Could you write it down? 9. “Necesito un recibo.” — I need a receipt. 10. “¿Esto está incluido en el precio?” — Is this included in the price?

Shopping and getting around

11. “¿Cuánto cuesta?” — How much is it? 12. “¿Aceptan tarjeta?” — Do you accept cards? 13. “Sin bolsa, gracias.” — No bag, thanks. 14. “¿Dónde queda la farmacia?” — Where is the pharmacy? 15. “¿Tiene otra talla?” — Do you have another size? 16. “Voy a esta dirección.” — I am going to this address. 17. “¿Puede parar aquí?” — Could you stop here? 18. “Más despacio, por favor.” — More slowly, please. 19. “No entiendo.” — I do not understand. 20. “Estoy esperando a mi conductor.” — I am waiting for my driver.

Health, assistance and neighbors

21. “Necesito ayuda.” — I need help. 22. “Llame una ambulancia.” — Call an ambulance. 23. “Tengo una alergia a…” — I am allergic to… 24. “Tomo este medicamento.” — I take this medicine. 25. “¿Hay alguien que hable inglés?” — Is there anyone who speaks English? 26. “Necesito sentarme.” — I need to sit down. 27. “¿Hay escalones?” — Are there steps? 28. “Mucho gusto.” — Nice to meet you. 29. “Buenos días.” — Good morning. 30. “Muchas gracias por su ayuda.” — Thank you very much for your help.

Before you commit: the six-point checklist

Save your address as text, not only a map pin.
Practice the phrases for payment and emergencies.
Ask someone to write down instructions you did not understand.
Use translation tools as aids, not legal interpreters.
Keep the building contact saved under a recognizable name.
Learn numbers, days and how to say your apartment number.

A practical next step

Start with five phrases you actually need. Memorizing all thirty at once is not the goal. A polite “¿Puede hablar más despacio?” can be more useful than a whole chapter of textbook grammar.