Knowing Spanish is good for traveling to the Dominican Republic, but most street vendors and shopkeepers in tourist areas like the one pictured here speak English.
The people of the Dominican Republic are among the friendliest in the Caribbean and their hospitality is genuine. While most shopkeepers and people in tourist areas of the Dominican Republic speak English, the official language of the country is Spanish. Take an English-Spanish dictionary or Spanish phrase book when you visit the island nation.
If it's been a while since your high school Spanish class, here are a few helpful phrases to jog your memory.
Hello: Hola
Good bye: Adiós
How are you?: Cómo esta usted?
I am fine: Estoy bien
Please: Por favor
Thank you: Gracias
Excuse me: Perdón
You're welcome: De nada
How much does it cost?: Cuál´o cuesta?
I'll take it: Lo llevo
I do not speak Spanish: No hablo español
I don't understand: No entiendo
Where is the bathroom?: Donde está el baño
Where is the hotel?: Donde está el hotel?
It's hot: Hace calor
Pronunciation tips: The "h" is silent in Spanish; therefore, "hielo" is pronounced similar to yellow. The "ñ is pronounced "ny"; therefore, "pequeño> is pronounced pe-ken-yo.