Order anything by pointing in Catalan
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Catalan words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Catalan phrases in this lesson
- Voldria...vol-DREE-a
- I would like...
- Aquesta-KET
- This one
- Quant és?kwant ES
- How much is it?
- El compte, si us plauel KOM-ta see oos PLOW
- The bill, please
- Amb targetaam tar-JAY-ta
- By card
- En efectiuen e-fek-TEE-oo
- In cash
- AiguaAY-gwa
- Water
- Cafèka-FE
- Coffee
- Teteh
- Tea
- Cervesaser-VE-za
- Beer
- Sense...SEN-sa
- Without...
The polite order: "voldria un cafè amb llet". In bars, "em poses..." (em PO-zes), will you give me, is the casual version.
Point and say it. "Aquest d'aquí", this one here.
Short and direct, useful at market stalls or when no price is marked. You may also hear "quant costa?" which means the same thing. Either version will be understood without hesitation.
Said at the table when you are ready to leave. Tipping is not obligatory in Catalonia, but rounding up or leaving 10% is appreciated for good service. Do not expect the bill to arrive unsolicited.
Card payment is widely accepted in Catalonia, including in most small cafes and bakeries. If in doubt, ask "accepten targeta?" before ordering. Contactless is very common.
Some market stalls and small rural businesses are cash only. It is worth carrying a few euros in coins for small purchases, public toilets, and the occasional vending machine.
Tap water in Barcelona and most Catalan cities is safe to drink but heavily chlorinated. Most locals buy bottled water: "agua amb gas" is sparkling and "sense gas" is still.
A "tallat" (ta-LYAT) is espresso with a little milk, the Catalan cortado.
"Una canya" (OO-na KA-nya) is a small draft beer.
"Sense gel" (SEN-sa jel), without ice; "sense sucre", without sugar.