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Published on February 6, 2026

Essential Spanish Phrases for Your Panama Trip

Embarking on an adventure to Panama offers a vibrant tapestry of culture, nature, and history. While English is spoken in tourist hotspots, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will significantly enrich your experience, allowing for deeper connections and smoother interactions with locals.

From navigating the bustling streets of Panama City to haggling at a local market or ordering delicious Panamanian cuisine, a little Spanish goes a long way. This guide provides essential phrases to help you communicate confidently and make the most of your journey through this incredible Central American gem.

Why Learn Spanish for Panama?

Panama's official language is Spanish, and while many Panamanians in tourist-centric areas or international businesses may speak English, venturing off the beaten path truly highlights the necessity of the local tongue. Speaking Spanish not only facilitates practicalities like asking for directions or ordering food, but also opens doors to authentic cultural experiences.

It shows respect for the local culture, can lead to friendlier service, and might even help you uncover hidden gems or local recommendations. Imagine effortlessly chatting with a street vendor, understanding local jokes, or confidently negotiating a taxi fare – these are the moments that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Basic Greetings & Politeness

Politeness is highly valued in Panamanian culture. Starting with a friendly greeting can set a positive tone for any interaction.

  • Hola:Hello
  • Buenos días:Good morning (until noon)
  • Buenas tardes:Good afternoon (noon until sunset)
  • Buenas noches:Good evening/night (after sunset)
  • Adiós:Goodbye
  • Por favor:Please
  • Gracias:Thank you
  • De nada:You're welcome
  • Con permiso:Excuse me (to pass by someone)
  • Lo siento:I'm sorry
  • Disculpe:Excuse me (to get attention or apologize)

Panamanian Politeness Tip:It's common to greet strangers you pass on the street or when entering a small shop with a simple "Hola" or "Buenos días." It's a small gesture that goes a long way.

Getting Around

Navigating cities and rural areas will be much easier with these phrases. Whether you're exploring the historic district of San Felipe or heading towards the Panama Canal, these will be invaluable.

  • ¿Dónde está...?Where is...?
  • ¿Cómo llego a...?How do I get to...?
  • Aquí:Here
  • Allí:There
  • Izquierda:Left
  • Derecha:Right
  • Derecho:Straight ahead
  • Cerca:Near
  • Lejos:Far
  • La calle:The street
  • La dirección:The address
  • Un taxi:A taxi
  • Un autobús:A bus
  • El metro:The subway (in Panama City)
  • ¿Puede llevarme a esta dirección?Can you take me to this address?

Don't be afraid to point to a map or show a destination on your phone if pronunciation is a challenge. Panamanians are generally very helpful.

Dining Out & Ordering Food

Panamanian cuisine is a delightful mix of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and indigenous influences. Don't miss out on trying local specialties likesancocho(chicken soup),arroz con pollo(chicken and rice), orpatacones(fried plantains).

  • La carta / El menú:The menu
  • ¿Qué recomienda?What do you recommend?
  • Quiero... / Me gustaría...:I want... / I would like...
  • ¿Tiene...?Do you have...?
  • Agua:Water
  • Café:Coffee
  • Cerveza:Beer
  • Vino:Wine
  • Jugo:Juice
  • La cuenta, por favor:The bill, please
  • Delicioso:Delicious
  • Soy vegetariano/a:I am vegetarian
  • Tengo alergia a...:I am allergic to...

After your meal, it's polite to say "¡Buen provecho!" to others dining around you, which means "Enjoy your meal!"

Shopping & Bargaining

Whether you're looking for souvenirs, fresh produce at a local market, or unique crafts, these phrases will come in handy. Bargaining is less common in established stores but might be expected in markets or with street vendors.

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta?How much does it cost?
  • Es muy caro/a:It's very expensive
  • Es muy barato/a:It's very cheap
  • Quiero comprar esto:I want to buy this
  • ¿Acepta tarjeta de crédito?Do you accept credit card?
  • Efectivo:Cash
  • Una bolsa:A bag

Asking for Help & Emergencies

While we hope you won't need these, it's crucial to know how to ask for help in an emergency or when you simply don't understand something.

  • ¡Ayuda!Help!
  • Necesito un médico:I need a doctor
  • Hospital:Hospital
  • Policía:Police
  • ¿Habla inglés?Do you speak English?
  • No entiendo:I don't understand
  • ¿Puede repetirlo más despacio?Can you repeat it slower?
  • ¿Puede escribirlo?Can you write it down?
  • Me perdí:I'm lost
  • ¡Cuidado!Watch out!

Making Friends & Socializing

Panamanians are generally warm and friendly, and a little effort to speak their language can lead to some wonderful encounters.

  • ¿Cómo estás?How are you?
  • Estoy bien, gracias:I'm well, thank you
  • Me llamo...:My name is...
  • Mucho gusto:Nice to meet you
  • ¿De dónde eres?Where are you from?
  • Soy de...:I am from...
  • Sí:Yes
  • No:No

Essential Numbers

Knowing your numbers is fundamental for everything from telling time to understanding prices (even if you're not asking about them directly).

  • Uno:One
  • Dos:Two
  • Tres:Three
  • Cuatro:Four
  • Cinco:Five
  • Seis:Six
  • Siete:Seven
  • Ocho:Eight
  • Nueve:Nine
  • Diez:Ten

Useful Phrases for Specific Scenarios

At the Hotel

  • Una habitación:A room
  • Con baño privado:With a private bathroom
  • ¿Hay WiFi?Is there WiFi?
  • La llave:The key
  • ¿A qué hora es el desayuno?What time is breakfast?

Exploring Nature & Adventure

Panama boasts incredible natural beauty, from the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to lush rainforests and volcanic highlands. Whether you're planning to relax on Starfish Beach, surf at Santa Catalina, or hike in Volcan Baru National Park, these terms will be useful.

Panamanian Spanish Nuances

While standard Spanish will be understood, Panamanian Spanish has its own flavor. You might notice that 's' sounds at the end of syllables or words are often dropped or softened. Some common local expressions include:

  • ¿Qué sopa?(Literally "What soup?") - A very common informal greeting, meaning "What's up?" or "How are you doing?"
  • ¡Qué vaina!- An exclamation that can mean "What a bother!" or "What a mess!" depending on context.
  • Chuzo:A general expression of surprise or frustration.

Don't worry about mastering these specific nuances, but recognizing them can add a layer of understanding to your interactions.

Final Thoughts

Learning even a handful of Spanish phrases will dramatically enhance your trip to Panama. It’s not just about practicality; it’s about opening yourself up to the culture, connecting with its people, and truly experiencing the heart of this incredible country. Panamanians appreciate the effort, so practice your phrases, smile often, and embrace the linguistic adventure!

¡Buen viaje!