Spring break llega en unas pocas semans para los estudiantes Sac State y muchos de ellos les gustan ir a Mexico para las pachangas. Pero no sabes hablarEspanol. Que vas hacer?

Translation: Spring break is just around the corner and many Sacramento State students like going to Mexico for the partying. But you can’t speak Spanish. What are you going to do?

OK, so maybe you don’t need to know Spanish that well if you plan to visit Mexico during spring break. Many of the places students visit, such as Cancun, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, include many of the locals who are used to the rowdy college students who return year after year for cheap rum and some good old-fashioned partying. So you might find that some of the locals understand a little bit of English.

But what you will probably find is that most don’t understand a word you are saying. Remember, you are in a foreign country, even though it is just around the corner – many only understand and speak Spanish.

So it’s a good idea to arm yourself with some basic Spanish words and phrases to help you communicate with them.Consider this, then, a basic lesson in Spanish 101.

1. “Estoy perdido, donde esta el hotel?” (I’m lost, where is the hotel?)

If you are not familiar with any of the hot spots in Mexico, there is a good chance that you will probably get lost. It’s a good idea to be able to ask for some help. And the word “hotel” can be substituted for what ever you are looking for- “la playa” (the beach), “la cantina” (the bar) or “chicas(os)” (the girls/guys).

2. “Donde esta el cajero automatico?” (Where can youfind an ATM?)

It is inevitable that you will run out of money during the first five hours after arriving in Mexico. ATMs may not be on every corner in Cancun. Knowing how to ask where to find them can come in handy.

3. “Cuanto cuesta?” (How much does this cost?)

If you’re planning to bring a souvenir for your significant other, know how to ask for prices from the street vendors or shop owners.

4. “Lo siento mucho, pero no necesito eso.” (I’m sorry, but I don’t need that.)

All of those street vendors will try to sell you anything, so let them down gently. Be polite.

5. “Ayudame! Alguien me robo mi cartera” (Help me! Somebody stole my wallet.)

Like any vacation, something can and will go wrong. And one of them is getting ripped off by a pick-pocket. When anyone bumps into you, check tosee if your wallet is still in your pocket.

6. “Donde esta el bano?” (Where is the bathroom?)

This one will be on the test. Knowing how to ask for the bathroom is essential anywhere you go.

7. “Necesito comprar algunos condones” (I need to buy some condoms.)

If you are planning to get a little somethin’ somethin’ while in Mexico, please, use a condom. Nothing is worse than to come home and find thatyou brought an STD back with you.

8. “Eres muy bonita(o)” (You’re beautiful)

If you want to sound real smooth to the ladies or fellas, pay them a compliment in Spanish. It’s always sexier to say something nice in a different language.It works.

9. “Me gusta mucho la gente de ___” (I love the people from, fill in the blank.)

Say something nice to the locals. They will treat you better if you show them you respect them.

10. “Una cervesa, por favor” (A beer please)

This may be the number-one and most important phrase that you will use. Clubs and bars know what beer means, but knowing you can ask for a beer in Spanishis never a bad thing. Remember, if all of this fails, take a English/Spanish dictionary. You might need it.

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