When you do not understand

It covers phrases for asking someone to repeat or slow down, how to use translation apps mid-conversation, how to check that you understood, and basic phrases for a counter. It also covers gestures, and the fear of speaking in public.

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning the move or already living there.

Start with "What to say when you do not understand". It gives you the short phrases that keep a conversation going, and the other pages build on them.

Key rules

• Usted or tú: Use usted by default with strangers, officials, office staff, doctors and older people, and switch to tú when the other person starts it or invites you to.
• Binding details: For anything binding at a public office, ask for a written receipt, a reference number or a registered submission rather than a chat message.
• Do not nod along: Do not nod along when you have understood only half, because people will take it as agreement to the price, appointment or paperwork step.
• Avoid plain ¿Qué?: Say ¿Perdón? or ¿Cómo? instead, because a bare ¿Qué? sounds blunt.
• Offline pack: Download the Spanish offline pack before you go out, so the app works without signal.
• Numbers: Confirm prices, dates and times by repeating them or writing them down, because apps can mangle numbers.

When you do not understand: the whole process, step by step

• Ask for repeats, slower speech or simpler words (What to say when you do not understand): in the moment, as soon as you lose the thread

• Use listening tactics in bars, groups and on the phone (Following fast Spanish in bars, groups and on the phone): during fast or overlapping conversation

• Use a translation app as a bridge, and have a person confirm official letters, deadlines or contracts (Using translation apps in conversation, and where they fail): when words fail, and before you act on anything official

• Repeat back the next step and who does it, the date and time, the price, the documents, the address and the reference number (Checking you understood prices, times and instructions): before you leave the conversation

• Bring one friend or interpreter to the counter if you need help, and ask for a written receipt or reference number (Basic Spanish at a public office counter): before the visit, for office procedures

• Get a gestor, lawyer, sworn translator or free advice service: when a deadline is near and you do not understand, a refusal or request to fix documents arrives, money, residency, tax or property is at stake, or the same problem returns after two visits

• File any appeal quickly: often within 1 month for an administrative appeal or 2 months for a court appeal

Documents you may need

• Your passport — Basic Spanish at a public office counter

• Proof you are registered on the padrón — Basic Spanish at a public office counter

• The fee receipt — Basic Spanish at a public office counter

• Your appointment confirmation — Basic Spanish at a public office counter

• The application form — Basic Spanish at a public office counter

• A signed authorisation with copies of both IDs — Basic Spanish at a public office counter

When you do not understand: questions that cross several articles

Why do people in Spain speak louder instead of slower when I do not understand?

Many Spaniards raise their voice because they think it makes speech clearer, and it is meant kindly. Ask "¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?" and add "Estoy aprendiendo español". Read What to say when you do not understand and Following fast Spanish in bars, groups and on the phone.

Can I rely on a translation app for official letters?

No, use an app only as a rough guide for official letters, deadlines or contracts, because it can mangle dates, numbers and legal text. It works best on printed menus and signs in standard Spanish. Have a person confirm anything important, and read Using translation apps in conversation, and where they fail.

Can I bring a friend or interpreter to a public office?

Yes, bringing a friend or interpreter is generally allowed, though some offices may admit only one companion. They can help you understand but cannot sign or act for you without written authorisation, and fingerprinting needs you in person. Read Basic Spanish at a public office counter and Checking you understood prices, times and instructions.

When should I stop handling it alone and get formal help?

Get help when a deadline is near and you do not understand the instructions, or when a refusal or request to fix documents arrives. Also get help when money, residency, tax or property is at stake, or the same problem returns after two visits. A gestor handles paperwork, a lawyer handles disputes and appeals, and charities and municipal advice offices offer free help.