20 Spanish Phrases You Better Know Before Moving to Texas

Texas has a long history of cultural and economic ties with Mexico. Because of this, many people in Texas and El Paso have Mexican ancestry and speak Spanish as their first or second language. It's important to brush up on your Spanish any time you visit an area in the Southwest, and especially important if (like me) you are making the big move over here!

El Paso, specifically, is one of the most famous border cities in the country... and even in the world as of late. Lots of border stories all over the news! Spanish has a strong presence in El Paso not only due to the city's proximity to the US-Mexico border - but also because of its history. The area that is now El Paso was originally part of Mexico and known as El Paso del Norte. Come 1848 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and El Paso was officially part of Texas.

Since moving to El Paso, these are the phrases that have helped me out the most - and the ones you need to know before heading into the Lone Star State.

1. Hola - Hello
2. ¿Cómo estás? - How are you?
3. Gracias - Thank you
4. De nada - You're welcome
5. Por favor - Please
6. Lo siento - I'm sorry
7. Adiós - Goodbye
8. ¿Cómo te llamas? - What's your name?
9. Mucho gusto - Nice to meet you
10. ¿Dónde está el baño? - Where is the bathroom?
11. ¿Hablas inglés? - Do you speak English?
12. ¿Dónde está elestacionamiento? - Where is the parking garage?
13. ¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
14. No entiendo - I don't understand
15. Buenas noches - Good night
16. Buenos días - Good morning
17. La cuenta, por favor - The bill, please
18. ¿Me puede ayudar, por favor? - Can you help me, please?
19. ¿Dónde están los mejores tacos? - Where are the best Tacos?
20. Mija, sí se puede - Mija, yes you can*

*Mija, Yes you can® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a proud featured fund for The Paso Del Norte Community Foundation’s Community of Philanthropy. Donations made to the ‘Mija, Yes you can’ fund are tax deductible.

Spanish has also been an official language in Texas since the days of Spanish colonization and has remained an important language in the state ever since.