Spanish is the official language in Ecuador. In general, around 93% of the population speaks Spanish. Besides Spanish, the most common languages spoken in Ecuador are Quichua and Shuar. Other less common languages are Achuar-Shiwiar, Cha'palaachi, Colorado, Waorani, and a few others.
English is the most spoken foreign language in Ecuador. There are many Ecuadorians that speak English. Indeed, most tourist providers and professionals speak English very well. However, it is advisable to know a few Spanish words.
Greetings and Etiquette
Professionals and people that meet for the first time, usually greet with a handshake. Friends and family members usually give each other a kiss on the cheek or a hug. While greeting, use the appropriate time of day. This is a good morning, good afternoon or good evening — "buenos dias", "buenas tardes", or "buenas noches" in Spanish.
Survival Spanish phrases
Here is a list of our top Spanish phrases for travelers. These are very common expressions used in Ecuador.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Sí | see |
| No | No | no |
| Hello | Hola | OH-la |
| I do not understand | Yo no comprendo | yoh no kom-PREN-doh |
| Good morning | Buenos días | booEHN-os DEE-as |
| Good afternoon | Buenas tardes | booEHN-as TAR-dehs |
| Good evening | Buenas noches | booEHN-as NO-chehs |
| My name is John | Me llamo Juan | meh YA-mo Wahn |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo se llama usted? | KOH-moh seh YA-mah oos-TEHD |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo está usted? | KOH-moh ehs-TA oos-TEHD |
| I am fine | Estoy bien | ehs-TOY bee-EHN |
| Nice to meet you | Mucho gusto | MOO-choh GOOS-toh |
| Goodbye | Adiós | ah-dee-OHS |
| See you later | Hasta luego | AHS-ta looEH-go |
| I am lost | Estoy perdido | ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh |
| Where is the restroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño? | DOHN-deh ehs-TA el BAH-neeo |
| Excuse me | Con permiso OR Perdóname | kohn pehr-MEE-soh OR pehr-DOH-nah-meh |
| Please | Por favor | pohr fah-VOR |
| Thank you | Gracías | gra-SEE-ahs |
| I'm sorry | Lo siento | low see-EHN-to |
| Bless you | Salud | sah-LOOD |
| You are welcome | De nada | deh NA-da |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | kooAN-to KWEHS-ta |
| How many are there? | ¿Cuántos hay? | kooAN-tohs eye |
| There are many | Hay muchos | eye MOO-chohs |
| What time is it? | ¿Qué hora es? | keh OR-ah ehs |
