The Basque Country is located in northern Spain and southwestern France! This region is rich in culture, history, and language. Euskara, the Basque language, is a linguistic treasure. Unlike any other European language, it pre-dates the arrival of Indo-European languages and remains a symbol of Basque identity. Honestly, Euskara is difficult, but it’s also a beautifully unique language. I always explained to people that it’s a language with a lot of ‘x’s, ‘z’s, and ‘k’s. It’s definitely different!
While Spanish (or French in the northern part) is widely spoken in the Basque region, Euskara is still alive and thriving. After living there for a year, I learned how important Euskara is to the local people! Learning even a few words will endear you to the locals and deepen your experience of this unique culture. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the essentials of Euskara, its history, and basic words. You will also learn phrases that will help you navigate the Basque Country.
A Brief History of Euskara
Euskara is considered one of the oldest languages in Europe. For centuries, it was spoken throughout the Basque Country but faced significant suppression. During certain periods of Spanish history, especially under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975), the language struggled to stay alive. During this time, Euskara was banned in public spaces, schools, and government institutions. However, the language persisted through family and community use. This is often talked about when you go on a tour in the Basque Country.
After Franco’s death and Spain’s transition to democracy, Euskara experienced a revival. It became an official language of the Basque Autonomous Community, and efforts to promote and teach it have strengthened. Today, around 30% of Basques speak Euskara, and while the language may seem challenging at first glance, with a little practice, you can master its basics. At the school where I worked, the students practiced Euskara every day.
Essential Euskara Vocabulary
Here’s a breakdown of essential words and phrases every beginner should know.
Greetings & Basic Phrases
Mastering greetings is a great first step to connecting with locals. Here are the basic ways to say hello, thank you, and goodbye:
- Kaixo (kai-show) – Hello
- Egun on (eh-goon on) – Good morning
- Arratsalde on (a-rrat-shal-de on) – Good afternoon
- Gabon (ga-bon) – Good evening
- Agur (a-goor) – Goodbye
- Bai (bye) – Yes
- Ez (ess) – No
- Eskerrik asko (ess-keh-rik as-ko) – Thank you
- Ez horregatik (ess or-ray-gat-eek) – You’re welcome
- Mesedez (meh-seh-des) – Please
- Sentitzen dut (sen-teet-sen doot) – I’m sorry
- Barkatu (bar-ka-too) – Excuse me
- Ondo (on-do) – Fine/Good
- Nola zaude? (noh-la saoo-deh) – How are you?
- Oso ondo (o-so on-do) – Very well
- Zer moduz? (zer mo-dooz?) – How’s it going?
Introduction Phrases
Learning how to introduce yourself is key in any new language:
- Nire izena Maia da (nee-reh ee-zeh-na Maia da) – My name is Maia
- Nor zara zu? (nor sa-ra zoo?) – Who are you?
- Ni Amerikarra naiz (nee ah-meh-ree-kah-ra nays) – I am American
- Non bizi zara? (non bee-zee sa-ra?) – Where do you live?
- Ni New Yorken bizi naiz (nee New Yorken bee-zee nays) – I live in New York
Useful Words for Everyday Life
If you’re walking around, shopping, or exploring, these words will be helpful:
- Janaria (ja-na-ree-ah) – Food
- Ura (oo-ra) – Water
- Ardoa (ar-do-ah) – Wine
- Txakolina (cha-ko-lee-na) – Local Basque wine
- Etxea (et-che-ah) – House
- Taberna (ta-ber-na) – Bar
- Zerbitzaria (zer-beet-sa-ree-ah) – Waiter/Waitress
- Geltokia (gel-to-kee-ah) – Station
- Bulegoa (boo-le-go-ah) – Office
- Liburua (lee-boo-roo-ah) – Book
Key Euskara Phrases for Different Situations
To help you further, here’s a breakdown of helpful phrases you can use in specific settings:
At a Hotel
Gela bat nahi dut, mesedez (geh-la baht nah-ee doot meh-seh-des) – I would like a room, please- Zenbat da gaua? (zen-baht da ga-oo-ah?) – How much is the night?
- Non dago komuna? (non dah-go ko-moo-nah?) – Where is the bathroom?
- Noiz irten behar dut? (noyz eer-ten beh-ar doot?) – When do I need to check out?
- Wifi-rako pasahitza? (wee-fee-rah-ko pa-sa-heet-sa?) – What is the wifi password?
At a Restaurant
- Zer nahi duzu? (zer nah-ee doo-zoo?) – What would you like?
- Eguneko menua, mesedez (eh-goon-eh-ko meh-noo-ah, meh-seh-des) – The daily menu, please
- Txakolina nahi dut (cha-ko-lee-na nah-ee doot) – I would like Txakoli
- Janaria goxoa dago (ja-na-ree-ah go-sho-ah da-go) – The food is delicious
- Errezeta hau zoragarria da (eh-reh-zeh-ta how zo-ra-gar-ree-ah da) – This recipe is amazing
About the Day
Eguna ederra da (eh-goo-nah eh-deh-rrah da) – It’s a beautiful day- Hotza egiten du (hot-za eh-gee-ten doo) – It’s cold
- Euria ari du (eh-oo-ree-ah ah-ree doo) – It’s raining
- Goiz da oraindik (goyz da oh-ry-een-deek) – It’s still early
- Arratsaldean (a-rrah-tsal-de-an) – In the afternoon
Numbers in Euskara
Numbers are essential in any language, whether you’re ordering food, buying something, or asking for directions:
- Bat (baht) – One
- Bi (bee) – Two
- Hiru (hee-roo) – Three
- Lau (low) – Four
- Bost (bost) – Five
- Sei (say) – Six
- Zazpi (zaz-pee) – Seven
- Zortzi (zor-tzee) – Eight
- Bederatzi (beh-deh-rat-zee) – Nine
- Hamar (ha-mar) – Ten
Cultural Phrases You’ll Hear Often
There are certain expressions you’ll hear frequently in the Basque Country, especially at local gatherings, events, and when enjoying Basque food and drink:
- On egin (on eh-gheen) – Bon appétit
- Osasun! (oh-sah-soon) – Cheers!
- Eutsi goiari! (ewt-see go-ee-ah-ree) – Hang in there! (A popular Basque encouragement)
- Aupa! (a-oo-pa) – A Basque way to say hello, or to cheer someone on
A Glimpse into Euskara's Revival
The resurgence of Euskara over the past few decades is due in part to the efforts of the Basque Government and local organizations. Today, Euskara is taught in schools, spoken in local government offices, and widely visible on street signs and public transportation. Understanding a few key phrases will open doors for deeper cultural connections and show respect for the region’s history and language.
Final Thoughts
Learning Euskara is a journey through time and tradition. It gives you a window into the heart of the Basque people. Even though it’s a challenging language, the locals deeply appreciate visitors who make the effort to speak it, even if it’s just a few words.
Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of Gipuzkoa, the streets of Bilbao, or the coastline of San Sebastián, your experience will be richer with a little Euskara. With this guide in hand, you’re well on your way to becoming a true Basque Explorer.
-TTT
