ExpatEcuador guide · Updated September 25, 2026
Useful Spanish phrases for everyday life in Ecuador
A short phrase guide for shopping, directions, and polite conversations in Ecuador.
Begin with a few phrases you can use today
- Buenos días — Good morning.
- Por favor — Please.
- Gracias — Thank you.
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
- ¿Dónde queda…? — Where is…?
- ¿Puede repetir, por favor? — Could you repeat that, please?
Practice in small interactions
Try one new phrase when you buy food, ask for directions, or speak with a neighbor. Listen to the reply and write down a new word afterward. You do not need to master a dialect before starting. Different speakers and regions use different words, so ask what an expression means when you are unsure.
When precision matters
For a medical, legal, or financial conversation, use a qualified interpreter if your Spanish is not strong enough to understand the details. Do not rely on a short phrase list for consent, contracts, or diagnoses.