Useful Galician for your Camino trip
While on the Camino de Santiago, you will encounter and befriend fellow pilgrims of many nationalities and many languages, particularly as you get closer to Santiago de Compostela. You might have learnt a bit of Spanish before but did you know Galicia has its own language? It is called ‘galego’, Galician.
This will become evident as you reach the mountains into O Cebreiro if you are walking the Camino Francés, as you cross the River Minho from Portugal into Tui or the River Eo into Ribadeo on the Camino del Norte.
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, as such you will encounter many signs and businesses using Galician (galego), as well as native speakers. When written, Galician looks quite similar to Portuguese as they share the same roots.
Here’s a simple guide of useful Galician phrases for your Camino trip:
ENGLISH GALEGO
Does anyone speak English? Alguén fala inglés?
Hello Ola
Good morning Bos días
Good afternoon Boas tardes
I like it Gústame
I don’t like it Non me gusta
I’m a vegetarian Son vexetariano (male) vexetariana (female)
I’m allergic Son alérxico (male) alérxica (female)
What’s your name? Cómo se chama?
I am from… Son de… Irlanda (Ireland), Estados Unidos (USA), Reino Unido (UK), Australia…
What time is it? Qué hora é?
What time does the bus leave? A qué hora sae o bus?
What time does the bus arrive? A qué hora chega o bus?
Today Hoxe
Tomorrow Mañá
I’m looking for Estou buscando…
Camiño Way
Bo Camiño!
An English-Galician guide and other useful phrases are included in CaminoWays.com holiday packs. You can also download our free Camino phrasebook here: Camino phrasebook ebook.
For more information about the Camino de Santiago or to book your Camino trip, contact our travel specialists.
