Traveling in Bolivia means discovering a warm, colorful, and welcoming country.
But before coming to Cochabamba to take Spanish classes at Carmen Vega Spanish School, it’s worth learning a few well-placed Spanish phrases!
Whether you’re in Cochabamba, by Lake Titicaca, or in the lively streets of La Paz, speaking a little Spanish opens every door.
Here’s your basic kit — simple, useful, and 100% Bolivian expressions 🇧🇴
👋 Greeting and Meeting People
Bolivians are very polite and like to take time to greet others.
A kind word can make all the difference!
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Hello | ¡Buenos días! |
| Good afternoon | ¡Buenas tardes! |
| Good evening | ¡Buenas noches! |
| Hi! | ¡Hola! |
| How are you ? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| Fine thank you ! | ¡Muy bien, gracias! |
| and you ? | ¿Y tú? |
| Please to meet you | Mucho gusto |
| See you later | ¡Hasta luego! / ¡Hasta pronto! / Nos vemos |
👉 In Bolivia, people often greet with a smile — sometimes with a handshake or even a hug, depending on how close you are.
🛍️ Shopping at the Market
Bolivian markets are amazing: exotic fruits, colorful fabrics, handmade souvenirs…
Here’s how to bargain politely 😉
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost ? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? / ¿A como está? |
| it's expensive ! | ¡Qué caro! |
| Can you give me a better price? | ¿Me puedes hacer un mejor precio? / ¿Nada menos? |
| I'll take that one. | Me llevo este / esta |
| Just looking, thanks | Solo estoy mirando, gracias |
| Can you give me a small discount? | ¿Me das un descuentito? (diminutif très courant en Bolivie) |
💡 Local tip: Add a smile and a little “por favor” — it makes negotiation much easier!
🍽️ Ordering in a Restaurant or Café
Bolivia’s cuisine is varied and delicious — salteñas, pique macho, sopa de maní…
Here are the key phrases to order stress-free 👇
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| I would like… | Quisiera… / Me gustaria... |
| The menu, please | El menú, por favor |
| What is the specialty? | ¿Cuál es la especialidad? |
| Is it spicy? | ¿Es picante? |
| Without chili, please | Sin ají, por favor |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor |
| It was delicious! | ¡Estaba riquísimo! |
💬 Fun fact: In Bolivia, lunch is usually around 1 p.m., and the portions are quite generous.
🧭 Asking for Directions
If you’re traveling without GPS or want to interact with locals, these phrases will save the day!
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| Excuse me | Disculpa |
| Please | Por favor |
| Where is…? | ¿Dónde está…? |
| the main square | la plaza principal |
| the bus terminal | la terminal de buses |
| the hotel | el hotel |
| … street | la calle … |
| Is it far? | ¿Está lejos? |
| Left / Right / Straight ahead | A la izquierda / a la derecha / todo recto |
💡 Tip: Bolivians love to help, even if they don’t know the exact answer 😄 Don’t hesitate to ask several people!
🚌 Getting Around the City
In cities like Cochabamba, you’ll find plenty of micros, trufis, and taxis. These phrases will help you get around:
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| Does this micro go to…? | ¿Este micro va hasta…? |
| Where should I get off? | ¿Dónde tengo que bajar? |
| Stop here, please | ¡Bajo aquí, por favor! |
| How much is the fare? | ¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje? |
| Thank you very much! | ¡Muchas gracias! |
🏨 At the Hotel or Hostel
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| I have a reservation | Tengo una reserva |
| Do you have a free room? | ¿Tienes una habitación libre? |
| How much is a night? | ¿Cuánto cuesta por noche? |
| With private bathroom? | ¿Con baño privado? |
| Is there hot water? | ¿Hay agua caliente? |
| What time is breakfast? | ¿A qué hora es el desayuno? |
💬 Tip: In the Andean regions, hot water can be a luxury — don’t hesitate to check!
🚨 In Case of Emergency
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| I need help | Necesito ayuda |
| I lost my bag | Perdí mi mochila |
| Call the police! | ¡Llama a la policía! |
| I need a doctor | Necesito un médico |
| Where is the hospital? | ¿Dónde está el hospital? |
💗 Making Connections
Bolivians are warm and friendly — a few kind words can quickly create great friendships 💬
| English | Espagnol |
|---|---|
| It's beautiful! | ¡Qué bonito! / ¡Qué lindo! / ¡Qué hermoso! |
| I love Bolivia! | ¡Me encanta Bolivia! |
| The people here are lovely. | La gente aquí es muy amable |
| Thanks for everything! | ¡Gracias por todo! |
| See you soon! | ¡Hasta pronto! |
🪶 In Summary
Knowing a few words of Spanish is more than communication —
it’s a way to connect with Bolivia’s culture, kindness, humor, and traditions.
So before your next trip, review your little guide, and remember:
“Con una sonrisa, todo es más fácil.”
(With a smile, everything becomes easier.) 😄