Spanish / Mexican Cultural Features

The following notes are intended to afford you a bit of insight into the
differences between American and Mexican culture.

Etiquette

•

“Old world” formality, but more personal

Family Relations

•

Families are typically large and are of great importance

•

Units on the border are affected by the division created by physical
separation

Food

•

Of great importance – sharing creates bonds

o Do not be afraid to accept offers

Language

•

Refer to God in everyday language

•

Terms of endearment often reflect personal appearance

Nationalism

•

Proud of long history and traditions

•

Reluctant to settle outside of Mexico

o Doing so only comes out of necessity

Personal Appearance

•

Dress and grooming are status symbols more than money

Personal Relations

•

Greetings

•

Very relaxed and friendly

o Shake hands
o Kiss on cheek – traditionally women with women, but at Cristo

Rey everyone does this in greeting

Religious

•

Roman Catholic tradition

Status

•

Title and position are more important than money in the eyes of society

Additional Notes

•

People will appreciate it if you make the effort to speak Spanish

•

Relax, breathe and enjoy being in community with your brothers and
sisters in Christ!

Spanish 101:

Commonly Used Spanish Phrases

Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey

Border Immersion Experience

2008-2009

Welcome to the border! Please keep in mind; the following is “border
Spanish,” which may differ from classroom Spanish or Spanish from
other Spanish-speaking regions.

Pay attention to what you hear – even if you’re doubting your language
skills, you probably know more than you’re giving yourself credit for!

Greetings

Hello.

Hola.

May God bless you.

Que Dios te bendiga.

Goodbye.

Nos vemos; Adios; Chao

Good morning / day.

Buenos días.

Good afternoon.

Buenas tardes.

Goodnight.

Buenas noches.

Introductions

What is your name?

¿Cómo te llamas? (informal)

¿Cómo se llama Usted? (formal)

My name is _________.

Me llamo _________.

Where are you from?

¿De dónde es?

I am from __________.

Soy de __________.

How old are you?

¿Cuántos años tienes? (informal)

¿Cuántos años tiene Usted? (formal)

I am _____ old.

Tengo _____ años.

Responses

Yes, please.

Sí, por favor.

No, please.

No, gracias.

Frequent Questions / Comments

How much does this cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

May I take your picture?

¿Puedo sacar su foto?

Where is the bathroom?

¿Dónde esta el baño?

This food is good.

La comida está rica.

Common Phrases

That’s okay.

Esta bién.

In a little while.

Ahorita.

I am sorry.

Lo siento mucho.

I don’t know.

No sé.

I don’t understand.

No entiendo.

Who knows?

¿Quién sabe?

Courtesies

Please.

Por favor.

Thank you.

Gracias.

What’s up? What’s new?

¿Qué paso? ¿Qué onda?

How are you?

¿Cómo está?

I am well, thanks to God.

Estoy bién, gracias a Dios.

Excited.

Emocionado/a.

Good.

Bién.

Okay.

Más o menos.

Bad.

Mal.

Embarrassed.

Tengo verguenza.

(Embarazado/a means pregnant.)