Everyday Spanish · 5 min read
Everyday Spanish for Uruguay: phrases you will actually use
A short, practical phrase guide for cafés, buses, shops and greetings in Uruguay — including the local words that textbooks skip.
Most of your first conversations in Uruguay will be short and practical. Master a few patterns and you will feel at home much faster.
Greetings
- ¡Buen día! — the usual morning greeting (rather than “buenos días”).
- ¿Todo bien? — “All good?” Answer: Todo bien, ¿y vos?
- A single kiss on the right cheek is a common greeting, even between men.
At the café
- Un cortado, por favor. — espresso with a little milk.
- ¿Me cobrás? — “Can I pay?” (informal, with vos).
- Medialunas — the small croissants served almost everywhere.
Getting around
- ¿Este ómnibus va a…? — “Does this bus go to…?” Uruguayans say ómnibus.
- ¿Dónde queda…? — “Where is…?”
Very Uruguayan
- Ta — “OK”. You will hear it constantly.
- Bo — a friendly “hey”.
- Re — “very”: re lindo, really nice.
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