Spanish Words and Phrases to Know When in Mexico

Wednesday, 07 April 2010 22:41

Things the “Federales” might ask and need to know… (what does that mean? And how do I answer?)

 1. Pasen a revisión.  

As you cross into Mexico, the “Federales" actually have a checkpoint just in case. It is illegal to carry guns or drugs into Mexico and often they do random secondary inspections. So, if you see a bright lit-up sign as you are passing by that says “Revisión” please don’t keep going.  In fact, please stop. I’m sure they will guide you to park somewhere, proceed to check your vehicle and ask some questions.

2. ¿Vienen cargando armas o drogas?

          Are you carrying weapons or drugs?

If traveling into Mexico you’ll find that there might be at least one occasion where you are grateful you have visited this page. Often the Mexican police will ask you questions in the following situations: 

1.) If you are crossing into Mexico and they approach you.

2.) If you are driving in Mexico and get pulled over.

3.) When traveling long distances in Mexico and you are crossing check points (i.e., towards or coming back from a beach.).

In these situations it is always better to act cool and confident in what you are saying. Therefore, I would strongly advise an honest answer of “No,” (as in, “no, sir we are not carrying any weapons or drugs.)

3. ¿De donde vienen?

           Where are you coming from?

This is a common question when crossing checkpoints throughout Mexico. Sometimes  they will ask where you are coming from just to see if you get nervous, much like Customs in the U.S.  While I understand that in America, people value their privacy and feel like often it is none of the government’s business where they are coming from. However, in my opinion, I would highly suggest to not give an answer like, “What’s it to you?” or “Why do you care?”. Instead, try something like - “Fuimos a la playa (We went to the beach).” or “Venimos de comer (We’re coming back from eating.).”. Maybe even, “Venimos de visitor a un amigo (We’re coming back from visiting a friend.)”,

  4. ¿Tienen algo que declarar?

           Do you have anything to declare?

Very important that you answer this question honestly. First off, I don’t suggest taking anything illegal. But please, be honest. Bad things will happen if you lie. This often includes jail and networking with people that probably will not be good influences in your life.

  5. ¿Quien es el dueño del carro?

           Who is the owner of this vehicle?

Phrases to know how to say when in Mexico…(How do I say [blank]?)

1. ¿Habla Ingles?

Do you speak English?

2. Hablo poco Eespañol.

I speak little Spanish.

3. ¿Dónde está el baño?

Where is the restroom?

4. Buscamos un restaurante.

We’re looking for a restaurant.

5. ¿Cómo se llama?

What is your name?

6. Me llamo [Name].

My name is [name].

7. ¿Cuánto cuesta?

How much is it?

8. No tengo dinero.

I don’t have money.

9. Necesito ayuda, le puedo hacer una pregunta?

I need help, may I ask a question?

10. ¿Puede hablar un poco más despacio por favor?

Can you speak a little slower please?

11. Soy de los Estados Unidos.

I’m from the United States.

12. ¿Cómo esta?

How are you?

13. ¿Qué hora es?

What time is it?

14. ¡Hasta luego!

See you later!

Important words to know and use.

1. Hola.

Hello.

2. Buenas tardes.

Good afternoon.

3. Buenos días.

Good morning.

4. Buenas noches.

Goodnight.

5. Adiós.

Goodbye .

6.Si.

Yes.

7. No.

No.

8. Por favor.

Please.

9. Gracias.

Thank you.

10. Disculpe.

Excuse me.

11. Perdón.

I’m sorry.

12. ¿Donde?

Where?

13. ¿Cuando?

When?

14. ¿Cómo?

How?

15. ¿Quién?

Who?

16. ¿Qué?

What?

17. De nada.

You’re welcome.

18. Agua.

Water.

19. Cerveza.

Beer.

20. Tacos.

Tacos.

21. Sopa.

Soup.

22. Soda.

Soda.

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Written by Matilde Cantero You are reading Spanish Words and Phrases to Know When in Mexico articles