The differences in culture between Spain and the UK are huge and the way we communicate is almost bigger, and not only due to the difference in language. We’ve all heard the ‘loud’ and ‘rude’ Spaniard accusations but are we being unfair?
In Nicole’s words, when you walk in a shop and someone barks “DIME!” they actually mean, “Good morning, how may I help you today?”
On our last show we spoke about the direct questions and orders in Spanish shops and cafe’s, which baffles Brits with its lack of small talk and delicacy.
Personally, I don’t think I will ever get rid of my repetitive and unnecessary British “sorry’s”, which when speaking with a Spanish person is usually followed by a “what are you sorry for?”. Honestly, I don’t even know. However, some things are easily picked up… I will always be the loudest in the room.
Let’s deep dive into what other communication differences you might face in Spain, which might help you understand more how España works.
Rude or direct?
Dime = Tell me
Oye= oy!
Traeme un cafe con leche= bring me a coffee
Venga, adios= come on, bye
Here is a small introduction to some spanish slang that may have made you question your language skills before.
Tio/tia= uncle and aunty? NO!= Bro, girl…
Illo/a= same as above
Guiri= Us! Usually refers to northern europeans. Is it degrading or loving?
Guay= cool
Hostia= Bloody hell
Flipar = ‘flip-out’, surprised
Mono= cute
And the list would go on and on. At least now when you see a kid run past you reaching higher decibels than you could imagine shouting, “Hostia tio, vas a flipar con lo que me he enterao…” you will know what they mean. (“ Bloody hell bro, you are going ‘flip-out’ with what I have just found out”)
So the next time you hear someone bark ‘oye’ at you, you will probably find it is followed by a smile. Spain is a beautiful and personable country with very caring and honest people. I believe it’s part of the charm and easy to adapt to, but do you agree?
Watch our latest episode of Good Morning Spain to see what our team thinks and let us know your opinions. Are we too intense or does the Spanish way wind you up every time?
