20 Essential Basque Phrases You'll Need On Your Trip To Bilbao

If you’re heading off for a holiday in the Spanish city of Bilbao, it’s not your Spanish that you’ll need to brush up on, it is in fact Basque, or Euskara as it is locally known. Unlike any other European language, Basque does not have its roots in Latin or Germanic languages and can be quite tricky to learn. Take a look at these 20 essential phrases you’ll need on your trip.

Phrases for greeting

Kaixo – Hello
Urte askotarako – Pleased to meet you
Ongi etorri – Welcome
Egun on – Good morning
Arratsalde on – Good afternoon/evening
Gabon – Goodnight
Agur – Goodbye

Where are your manners?

Mesedez – Please
Eskerrik asko – Thank you
Egun ona izan dezazula – Have a nice day
Zer moduz – How are you?
Barkatu – Excuse me

Nor zara? – What’s your name?
Nire izena … da – My name is …

The everyday in Bilbao

Zenbat balio du? – How much is this?
On egin! – Bon appétit (have a good meal)
Ez dut ulertzen – I don’t understand
Osasuna! – Cheers!
Bai – Yes
Ez – No

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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