Uruguay is easy to fall for: laid-back beach towns, buzzing Montevideo markets, and friendly conversations in cafés make it worth knowing a few local phrases. A handful of simple lines will get you past menus, taxis, and small talk with locals.
There are 58 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Uruguay, ranging from A la derecha to ¿Tiene mesa para dos?, and for each phrase the English translation,Phonetic,Usage are provided — you’ll find below.
How can I practice the pronunciations quickly before my trip?
Use the Phonetic column as a guide, listen to native speakers (language apps or short clips), and repeat aloud in short sessions. Focus first on greetings and restaurant/basics, practice role-playing common scenarios, and carry a small cheat sheet while you get comfortable.
Will locals respond in English if I don’t know Spanish?
In tourist areas some people speak English, but many daily interactions will be in Spanish. Using a few phrases from this list shows respect and usually makes service friendlier and faster; the English translation column helps if you need a quick fallback.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in Uruguay
| Phrase (Spanish) | English translation | Phonetic | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hola | Hello | OH-la | Greeting any time of day |
| Buen día | Good morning/Good day | bwen DEE-ah | Morning greeting until noon |
| Buenas tardes | Good afternoon | BWEH-nas TAR-des | Afternoon greeting |
| Buenas noches | Good evening/Good night | BWEH-nas NO-ches | Evening greeting or farewell |
| Por favor | Please | por fa-VOR | Polite request |
| Gracias | Thank you | GRAH-syahs | Expressing thanks |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | MOO-chas GRAH-syahs | Stronger thanks |
| De nada | You’re welcome | deh NAH-dah | Reply to thanks |
| Disculpe | Excuse me / Sorry (formal) | dis-KUL-peh | Get attention or apologize |
| Perdón | Sorry / Excuse me (casual) | per-DON | Bumping someone or interrupting |
| Con permiso | Excuse me (to pass) | kon per-MEE-so | Ask to pass through a crowd |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | AH-blah een-GLES? | Ask if someone speaks English |
| No hablo español | I don’t speak Spanish | no AH-bloh ehs-PAH-nyol | Clarify language ability |
| Hablo un poco de español | I speak a little Spanish | AH-bloh oon POH-koh deh ehs-PAH-nyol | Offer limited Spanish ability |
| ¿Puede hablar más despacio? | Can you speak more slowly? | PWEH-deh AH-blar mas dehs-PAH-syo | Ask someone to slow down |
| ¿Podés hablar más despacio? | Can you speak more slowly? (vos) | poh-DES AH-blar mas dehs-PAH-syo | Voseo informal slow-down request |
| ¿Puede repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat that please? | PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER por fa-VOR | Ask for repetition |
| ¿Cómo se dice … en español? | How do you say … in Spanish? | KOH-moh seh DEE-seh en ehs-PAH-nyol | Ask for translation of a word |
| ¿Dónde está …? | Where is …? | DON-deh ehs-TAH | Ask location of place |
| ¿Cómo llego a …? | How do I get to …? | KOH-moh YEH-go ah | Ask how to reach a destination |
| ¿Está lejos caminando? | Is it far on foot? | ehs-TAH LEH-hos kah-mee-NAHN-do | Check walking distance |
| Siga derecho | Go straight | SEE-gah deh-REH-cho | Directional instruction to follow road |
| A la derecha | To the right | ah lah deh-REH-cha | Directional turn right |
| A la izquierda | To the left | ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah | Directional turn left |
| ¿Dónde está la parada de ómnibus? | Where is the bus stop? | DON-deh ehs-TAH lah pah-RAH-dah deh OM-nee-boos | Find local bus stops |
| ¿A qué hora sale el próximo ómnibus? | When does the next bus leave? | ah keh OH-rah SAH-leh el PROHK-see-moh OM-nee-boos | Check bus departure times |
| ¿Dónde tomo un taxi? | Where do I take a taxi? | DON-deh TOH-moh oon TAX-ee | Find a taxi rank or hail |
| ¿Me puede llevar al aeropuerto? | Can you take me to the airport? | meh PWEH-deh yeh-BAR al ah-eh-roh-PWEHR-toh | Request taxi to airport |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah | Ask price of item or service |
| ¿Aceptan tarjetas? | Do you accept cards? | ah-SEHP-tahn tar-HEH-tahs | Ask about card payment |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay with a card? | PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah | Confirm card payment option |
| ¿Dónde está el cajero automático? | Where is the ATM? | DON-deh ehs-TAH el kah-HEH-roh ow-toh-MA-tee-koh | Find cash withdrawal machines |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please | lah KWEHN-tah por fa-VOR | Ask for the check in a restaurant |
| ¿Está incluido el servicio? | Is the service included? | ehs-TAH een-kloo-EE-doh el sehr-VEE-syoh | Ask about service charge |
| Tengo una reserva | I have a reservation | TEN-goo OO-nah reh-SEHR-vah | Check in at hotel or restaurant |
| Quisiera registrarme | I would like to check in | kee-SYEH-rah reh-hees-TRAR-meh | Hotel check-in request |
| ¿A qué hora es el check-out? | What time is checkout? | ah keh OH-rah es el chek-OWT | Ask about departure time |
| ¿Hay wifi? | Is there Wi‑Fi? | ai WEE-fee | Ask about internet availability |
| ¿Dónde está la farmacia? | Where is the pharmacy? | DON-deh ehs-TAH lah far-MAH-syah | Find medication or advice |
| Necesito un médico | I need a doctor | neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh | Medical assistance request |
| Llame a una ambulancia | Call an ambulance | YAH-meh ah OO-nah ahm-boo-LAHN-syah | Emergency medical situation |
| Estoy perdido/a | I’m lost | ehs-TOY per-DEE-doh/per-DEE-dah | Tell someone you need directions |
| Estoy enfermo/a | I’m sick | ehs-TOY ehn-FEHR-moh/ehn-FEHR-mah | Report illness to staff or taxi |
| Soy alérgico/a a … | I’m allergic to … | soy ah-LEHR-hee-koh/ah ah | State allergies to food or medicine |
| ¿Tiene mesa para dos? | Do you have a table for two? | TYEH-neh MEH-sah PAH-rah dos | Restaurant table request |
| La carta, por favor | The menu, please | lah KAR-tah por fa-VOR | Ask for the menu in a restaurant |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? | keh meh reh-koh-MYEN-dah | Ask for dish suggestions |
| Sin picante | No spicy, please | seen pee-KAHN-teh | Ask to avoid spicy food |
| ¿Dónde está el baño? | Where is the bathroom? | DON-deh ehs-TAH el BAH-nyoh | Ask for restroom location |
| ¿Puedo usar su baño? | Can I use your bathroom? | PWEH-doh oo-SAR soo BAH-nyoh | Ask staff for permission to use restroom |
| ¿Tiene esto en otra talla? | Do you have this in another size? | TYEH-neh ES-toh en OH-trah TAH-yah | Ask for different clothing size |
| ¿Lo puedo probar? | Can I try it on? | lo PWEH-doh proh-BAR | Request to try clothing |
| ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo? | Can I pay in cash? | PWEH-doh pah-GAR en eh-fehk-TEE-voh | Confirm cash payment option |
| ¿Me puede escribir la dirección? | Can you write the address for me? | meh PWEH-deh ehs-kree-BEER lah deh-rehk-SYON | Get written address or directions |
| ¿Puede repetir la dirección por favor? | Can you repeat the address please? | PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER lah deh-rehk-SYON por fa-VOR | Confirm written directions verbally |
| ¿Puede ayudarme? | Can you help me? | PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAR-meh | Ask for assistance politely |
| ¿Me ayudás? | Can you help me? (vos) | meh ah-yoo-DAS | Informal help request |
| ¿Hay supermercado cerca? | Is there a supermarket nearby? | ai soo-per-mehr-KAH-doh SEHR-kah | Find groceries or supplies |
Descriptions
Hola
Simple, universal greeting. Use with a smile in shops, buses, restaurants. Informal but always acceptable among locals; add “¿Cómo está?” for politeness.
Buen día
Common polite greeting in Uruguay, used in shops and taxis. Slightly more formal than Hola but friendly. Good for starting interactions with staff or drivers.
Buenas tardes
Use from midday until evening. Polite and common in stores, cafés and formal situations. Say it when entering businesses or meeting people after noon.
Buenas noches
Used after sunset for greetings or saying goodbye. Also used when entering restaurants at night. Polite and widely used.
Por favor
Essential politeness word. Use it when ordering, asking for directions, or requesting help. Works with both formal (usted) and familiar (vos) speech.
Gracias
Standard thank-you. Short and sincere; Uruguayans appreciate politeness. Combine with “muchas” for extra emphasis: Muchas gracias.
Muchas gracias
Use after good service, directions, or favors. Polite and warm. Uruguayans respond positively to genuine gratitude.
De nada
Common reply to gracias. Neutral and friendly. You can also say “No hay problema” for a more casual response.
Disculpe
Use to politely get attention (on street, in a shop) or to apologize formally. Preferred for addressing unknown people or officials.
Perdón
Casual apology for small mistakes, bumping, or interrupting. Friendly and widely used in Uruguay.
Con permiso
Use when moving through groups, exiting a bus, or entering a room. Polite way to request space without offending.
¿Habla inglés?
Useful in tourist areas, hotels, and transport hubs. Polite. If negative, locals often try to help or find someone who does.
No hablo español
Direct and honest. Useful at first contact. Pair with “¿Habla inglés?” or “Hablo un poco de español” to set expectations.
Hablo un poco de español
Shows effort and humility. Uruguayans appreciate attempts at Spanish and will often slow down or help you.
¿Puede hablar más despacio?
Polite form (usted). Useful when Spanish is spoken quickly. Locals will usually accommodate and speak slower.
¿Podés hablar más despacio?
Common in Uruguay using voseo. Use with younger people or casual contexts; still polite and effective.
¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Polite and useful when you miss a word or number. Shows courtesy while requesting clarification.
¿Cómo se dice … en español?
Handy for learning names or directions. Locals like helping with words and pronunciation.
¿Dónde está …?
Insert a place name: ¿Dónde está la plaza? Useful for asking directions to landmarks, shops, or services.
¿Cómo llego a …?
Use for walking, bus or taxi directions. Polite and common when asking locals for route guidance.
¿Está lejos caminando?
Useful when deciding whether to walk or take transport. Uruguay is walkable in many areas, but distances can be bigger than they seem.
Siga derecho
Polite command form used with taxis, drivers or pedestrians. Alternative: “Sigue derecho” (informal).
A la derecha
Short direction used by drivers and pedestrians. Combine with street names when giving or receiving directions.
A la izquierda
Common direction. Useful in busy Montevideo neighborhoods where turns are frequent.
¿Dónde está la parada de ómnibus?
Ask for the nearest ómnibus stop. In Uruguay, “ómnibus” is widely used for buses; show destination if needed for route numbers.
¿A qué hora sale el próximo ómnibus?
Useful for intercity or local buses. Bring local currency for fares; many routes require exact change or cards.
¿Dónde tomo un taxi?
Ask for taxi stands or how to hail one. Taxis are common in cities; agree on destination or use the meter.
¿Me puede llevar al aeropuerto?
Polite taxi phrase. Confirm fare or meter. Many drivers accept cards but cash is common for shorter trips.
¿Cuánto cuesta?
Short, essential phrase. Useful in shops, taxis, or markets. Uruguay generally has fixed prices; bargaining is uncommon.
¿Aceptan tarjetas?
Ask before ordering or shopping. Most urban businesses accept cards, but smaller vendors may be cash-only.
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
Polite way to confirm payment methods at restaurants or stores. Some places prefer chip-and-pin or contactless.
¿Dónde está el cajero automático?
ATMs are common in cities. Ask to avoid fees or to find bank-affiliated machines. Keep card security in mind.
La cuenta, por favor
Standard phrase to request the bill. In Uruguay tipping is appreciated but not always required; note service practices in the Description.
¿Está incluido el servicio?
Ask if service charge is included in restaurants. Many places include service; rules vary. Politely ask before tipping extra.
Tengo una reserva
Use at hotels, restaurants or tours. Say the reservation name: “Tengo una reserva a nombre de…” Helpful and efficient.
Quisiera registrarme
Polite hotel phrase. Uruguay hotel staff often use some English, but this Spanish is respectful and clear.
¿A qué hora es el check-out?
Common at hotels and guesthouses. Clarify late check-out fees if needed. “Check-out” is widely understood as anglicism.
¿Hay wifi?
Short, commonly used. Many hotels, cafés and restaurants in Uruguay offer Wi‑Fi; ask for the password: “¿Cuál es la clave del wifi?”
¿Dónde está la farmacia?
Pharmacies are accessible in cities. Useful for buying medicine, remedies, or asking for over-the-counter help.
Necesito un médico
Use in health issues requiring professional care. Explain symptoms simply. For emergencies, combine with “Llame a una ambulancia” and seek a local clinic or hospital.
Llame a una ambulancia
Urgent phrase for severe illness or injury. In most of Uruguay, emergency services respond; remain calm and give location clearly.
Estoy perdido/a
Useful when navigating streets. Locals are usually helpful; show a map or address for clearer guidance.
Estoy enfermo/a
Explain to hotel or pharmacy staff. Use gendered ending. Locals will help find a clinic or recommend medicines.
Soy alérgico/a a …
Crucial for health safety when ordering food or visiting pharmacies. Specify the allergen clearly and, if possible, write it down.
¿Tiene mesa para dos?
Common when entering a restaurant. Say “para tres” etc. Reservations recommended for popular places in Montevideo and Punta del Este.
La carta, por favor
Request the menu politely. “La carta” is standard in Uruguay. Menus may list local specialties—ask for recommendations.
¿Qué me recomienda?
Great for trying Uruguayan specialties like chivito or parrillada. Locals often share favorites and seasonal dishes.
Sin picante
Useful for travelers sensitive to spicy flavors. Uruguay cuisine is generally mild; still helpful to specify.
¿Dónde está el baño?
Essential phrase for cafés, stores, and public places. Saying “baño” is universally understood and politely accepted.
¿Puedo usar su baño?
Polite when entering small shops or establishments where restrooms are for customers. A purchase may be expected.
¿Tiene esto en otra talla?
Useful in shops and boutiques. Try phrases for color: “en otro color” and ask to try items on politely.
¿Lo puedo probar?
Typical phrase in fitting rooms. Uruguay shops are service-oriented; staff usually allow trying on items.
¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?
Ask before purchase. Cash is widely accepted; keep small bills and coins for buses or small vendors.
¿Me puede escribir la dirección?
Very helpful if the speaker’s accent is hard to follow. Locals will often write addresses or draw maps.
¿Puede repetir la dirección por favor?
Good practice after a taxi driver or host gives an address. Ensures you arrive at the correct place.
¿Puede ayudarme?
Formal request for help in shops, streets, or services. Alternative informal voseo: “¿Me ayudás?” both common in Uruguay.
¿Me ayudás?
Voseo form common in Uruguay. Use with younger people or casual interactions. Still polite and frequently used.
¿Hay supermercado cerca?
Useful for longer stays or rentals. Locals can point to convenience stores for small needs and supermarkets for larger shopping.
