Source: Canva
EGUN ON!
Are you planning to do your mobility programme in a region where Basque is spoken?
In this discussion topic, we will guide you through the basics to help you make a great impression on the locals. I assure you, if you give it a try, you'll be met with warm smiles from those you interact with.
① INITIAL GREETINGS
Kaixo – Hello (standard)
Aupa – Hello, hi (informal)
Epa! – Hey (informal)
Egun on – Good morning (standard)
Arratsalde on / Arrasti on – Good afternoon (standard)
Gabon – Good night (standard)
② CHECKING IN
Nola zaude? – How are you? (standard)
Zer moduz? – How are you? (informal)
Zelan? – What’s up? (informal)
Nola zabiltza? – How’s it going? (informal)
Ondo nago, eskerrik asko – I’m good, thank you (standard)
Oso pozik nago – I’m happy (standard)
Halan holan / Hainbestean – I'm hanging in there (informal)
Pixkat nekatuta nago – I’m a bit tired (standard)
Ez hain ondo / Erdipurdi – I'm not feeling very well (standard)
Gaixorik nago – I’m sick (standard)
③ INTRODUCTIONS & WELCOME
Nola deitzen zara? – What’s your name? (standard)
Zein da zure izena? – What’s your name? (formal)
Nire izena Asier da – My name is Asier (standard)
Urte askotarako – Pleased to meet you (for many years) (standard)
Pozten naiz zu ezagutzeaz – Nice to meet you (standard)
Nongoa zara? – Where are you from? (standard)
Italiarra naiz – I’m Italian (standard)
Italiatik nator – I come from Italy (standard)
④ DEPARTING
Agur – Bye (standard)
Agur bero bat – Goodbye (formal)
Gero arte – See you later (standard)
Laster arte – See you soon (standard)
Bihar arte – See you tomorrow (standard)
Ikusi arte – See you in a minute (standard)
Zaindu zaitez – Take care (standard)
Egun on izan – Have a nice day (standard)
Egun on izan deizula – Have a nice day (formal)
Berdin – Likewise (standard)
⑤ BONUS TRACK: BE POLITE! ❤
Eskerrik – Thanks (informal)
Eskerrik asko! – Thank you (standard)
Eskerrik asko, oso jatorra zara – Thank you, very kind (formal)
Mila esker – Thank you very much (standard)
Esker mila – A million thanks (standard)
Mesedez – Please (standard)
Barkatu – I’m sorry / Excuse me (standard)
Barkatu, mesedez – Excuse me (formal)
Ez horregatik – You’re welcome (standard)
That's it, people!
Regional languages are an important part of our cultural heritage, and it's no surprise that locals hold them dear. In addition to practising your Spanish, if you occasionally sprinkle in a few Basque words, people will be delighted.
AGUR, community! :-)
Bernat, OLS Community Manager – Spanish