Help and emergencies in Basque
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Basque words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Basque phrases in this lesson
- Laguntza!la-GOON-tsa
- Help!
- Deitu sendagileari!DAY-too sen-da-gi-le-A-ri
- Call a doctor
- Poliziapo-lee-SEE-a
- Police
- Farmaziafar-MA-si-a
- Pharmacy
- Ospitaleaos-pi-TA-le-a
- Hospital
- Galduta nagogal-DOO-ta NA-go
- I'm lost
- Ez nago ondoez NA-go ON-do
- I don't feel well
- Lapurtu egin didatela-POOR-too E-gin dee-DA-te
- It was stolen
- Larrialdi bat dala-rree-AL-dee bat da
- It's an emergency
- Utzi nazazu bakeanOO-tsee na-SA-soo ba-KE-an
- Leave me alone
Shout this loudly in any emergency. The "tz" is pronounced like the "ts" in "cats." In practice, shouting "socorro!" (Spanish) will also be universally understood.
"Sendagile" is the Basque word for doctor. Shouting "medikua!" (the Basque/Spanish blend) or "médico!" in Spanish will be understood just as quickly in an emergency.
The Basque police force is the Ertzaintza (er-TSAIN-tsa). The emergency number is 112.
Pharmacies in Spain display a green cross and are plentiful in towns. Pharmacists are well-trained and can often advise on minor ailments without a doctor visit.
Public hospitals in the Basque Country are generally of a high standard. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card; non-EU visitors should ensure they have travel insurance.
Say this with a slightly helpless expression and any Basque within earshot will stop to help. Locals are genuinely proud of their region and enjoy helping visitors navigate it.
Literally "I am not well." A versatile phrase for mild to moderate illness. Follow with pointing at the relevant part of your body to help communicate the specific problem.
The Basque Country is generally safe, but pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas. Keep a photo of your passport and card numbers stored separately from the originals.
Literally "leave me in peace".