How to Pick Up a Girl With 10 Spanish Phrases
Do You Know Enough Spanish to Get Yourself a Date?
I’ve always found it amusing watching English speaking male tourists use their sometimes VERY minimal Spanish in an attempt to pick up Panamanian (or Colombian) girls. You can watch this scene play out in any tourist hangout, especially those frequented by “working girls”.
The conversation usually begins with the guy assuming the girl speaks way more English than she actually does. He will throw out a bunch of witty one-liners of which the girl obviously has no clue of their meaning. Of course, she will grin and maybe even pretend that she understands. After a few more of these clever English pick up lines, the guy will eventually figure out that her English isn’t as advanced as he assumed.
The guy will then move on to some basic English words to make his intentions understood. At this point, the girl will return the compliments, etc with some basic English mixed with Spanish. This verbal dance plays out quite often in Panama. It’s worth eavesdropping on one of these conversations if you ever get the chance. Sometimes it’s actually cringe-worthy. You have to give these people credit though, at least they are making an effort!
When I first saw this video, it immediately made me think of the awkward conversation I describe above. The guy in this video is obviously poking fun at himself for his limited knowledge of Spanish, which makes one wonder, how much Spanish do you need to get “things done” in Panama?
What are some basic Spanish phrases someone should have in their repertoire before trying to hit on the opposite sex?
| Written by Rebecca Tyre |  |
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I linked to your post since a lot of us have witessed this more than a few times.
The only thing I can think to add, something common I enjoy, is when they speak a full sentence in English but change one word to Spanish.
I’ve found the three most common words that they translate to Spanish are: “one,” “two” and “three.” Example: “I’m gonna stay out until dos.”
As far as basic phrases for hitting on others or dating in Spanish, the articles at my site are not a bad place to start:
Hook Up Spanish
Nice post. Thanks.