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.
Publishing is paused. This page was rewritten during an editorial review. For rules, availability, prices, and personal decisions, check the linked primary sources and qualified professionals.