Learning a new language can open up worlds of conversation and culture that enrich our lives in countless ways. Catalan, a Romance language spoken by millions in parts of Spain, France, and Italy, is no exception. Here are some basic Catalan phrases to help beginners start communicating in this beautiful language.

Bon dia (Good morning)
Bon dia is a friendly greeting used until noon. It’s a great way to start a conversation in a positive way.
Bon dia, com estàs avui? (Good morning, how are you today?)

Bona tarda (Good afternoon)
Bona tarda is the greeting you’d use from noontime until the early evening.
Bona tarda, vols prendre un café? (Good afternoon, would you like to have a coffee?)

Bona nit (Good night)
Use Bona nit when you’re saying hello or goodbye during the evening or night.
Bona nit i fins demà! (Goodnight and see you tomorrow!)

Si us plau (Please)
The magic word in any language is “please,” and in Catalan, it’s Si us plau.
Podries passar-me l’aigua, si us plau? (Could you pass me the water, please?)

Gràcies (Thank you)
Gràcies is a simple but essential word to show gratitude.
Gràcies per la teva ajuda. (Thank you for your help.)

De res (You’re welcome)
It’s polite to respond to “thank you” with De res, which means “you’re welcome.”
Gràcies per convidar-me! – De res! (Thank you for inviting me! – You’re welcome!)

Perdó (Sorry)
Whether you’re bumping into someone or arriving late, Perdó is the word you’ll need.
Perdó, no te sentia. (Sorry, I didn’t hear you.)

Com estàs? (How are you?)
Com estàs? is an important phrase to check in on someone’s wellbeing.
Hola, com estàs? (Hello, how are you?)

Bé (Good)
Respond to Com estàs? with Bé if you’re feeling good.
Estic bé, gràcies! (I’m good, thank you!)

Això (That)
Això is useful when referring to something nearby or to agree with a statement.
Això és exactament el que pensava. (That’s exactly what I was thinking.)

Com et dius? (What’s your name?)
Introducing yourself starts with knowing how to ask for someone else’s name – Com et dius?
Hola, com et dius? (Hello, what’s your name?)

Em dic… (My name is…)
Reply to Com et dius? with Em dic… followed by your name.
Em dic Maria. (My name is Maria.)

Vull (I want)
Expressing desire or making requests starts with the word Vull.
Vull aprendre català. (I want to learn Catalan.)

Parles anglès? (Do you speak English?)
As a beginner, it might help to ask if someone speaks your language – Parles anglès?
Disculpa, parles anglès? (Excuse me, do you speak English?)

No entenc (I don’t understand)
If you’re having trouble following a conversation, No entenc is a straightforward way to express this.
Ho sento, no entenc el que dius. (Sorry, I don’t understand what you’re saying.)

These simple phrases are the building blocks of conversations in Catalan. With practice, you can build upon these basics and explore the linguistic nuances that make Catalan a language rich in history and culture. Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; every conversation is a step towards fluency. Bon sort! (Good luck!)