When you are in a business situation, you generally shake hands when greeting someone unless they are a long-term acquaintance or relative. In some situations it is not uncommon for people that are familiar with each other to hug or kiss on the cheek. People in the U.S. do not customarily do more than shake hands, especially when business is involved. So, don't be surprised if you notice such affection expressed amongst Spanish speaking people. In most international business situations this will not be an issue or even occur. They know that it is not customary to do more than give a handshake.
What happens when you are in a more formal setting, where you would normally shake hands, but a woman you are going to greet is carrying things in her arms? What should you do? This happens frequently and because of it, an interesting cultural norm has been created - "forearm handshakes." Forearm handshakes are common in Latin America. The woman may even put out her forearm and you might instinctively realize that you are to actually shake her forearm when that happens. Gently grab the forearm and move it up and down a few times. CAUTION: Don't give a "fuerte" forearm shake or make jerky movements. You do not want to cause the person to drop everything they are carrying! |
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advance - anticipo
base salary - salario básico bonus - bonificación, alguinaldo to buy - comprar to sell - vender to compensate - compensar contributions - contribuciones days off /días libres, franco extended leave of absence - excedencia extra pay - paga extra hourly - por hora increase - aumento |
minimum salary - salario mínimo
monetary - económico overtime - horas extras pay - paga, retribución payroll - nómina product - producto to receive a salary - cobrar un salario service - servicio supplemental - complemento wage - sueldo withholdings - retenciones to make a living - ganarse la vida |
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How much does it cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much do you want (for it)? - ¿Cuánto quiere (por ello)? How many are there? - ¿Cuántos hay? There are... - Hay ...(then state the number) Will you buy this? - ¿Quiere comprarlo usted? What do you sell? - ¿Que vende usted? |
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Gerardo: I need a room for the night.
Gerardo: Yo necesito un cuarto para ésta noche. Receptionist Juanita: Do you have reservations? La recepcionista Juanita: ¿Tiene usted reservaciones? Gerardo: Yes, they should be under the name of Gerardo Lopez. Gerardo: Sí, deben estar bajo el nombre de Gerardo López. Receptionist Juanita: Is there only you? La recepcionista Juanita: ¿Es solamente usted? Gerardo: Yes. Gerardo: Sí. Receptionist Juanita: The total comes to $85. La recepcionista Juanita: El total llega a $85. Gerardo: Do you accept checks? Gerardo: ¿Ustedes aceptan cheques? Receptionist Juanita: No I'm sorry, we only accept credit cards. Do you have a credit card? La recepcionista Juanita: No lo siento, sólo aceptamos tarjetas de crédito. ¿Tiene una? Gerardo: Yes, no problem. Gerardo: Sí, no hay problema. |
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Which is a good (inexpensive) hotel? - ¿Cuál es un buen hotel (barato)?
Can you recommend a hotel? - ¿Me puede recomendar un hotel? The best hotel. - El mejor hotel. Not too expensive. - No muy caro. Is it near the center of the city? - ¿Está cerca del centro? What is the address? - ¿Cuál es la dirección? Could you write down the address? - ¿Me puede escribir la dirección? Could you book me a room there? - ¿Me puede reservar una habitación allí? How do I get there? - ¿Cómo puedo llegar allí? Do you have any vacancies? - ¿Tiene habitaciones disponibles? I'd like to book a room. - Quiero reservar una habitación. I have reservations for… (a room). - Tengo reservada… (un cuarto.) For two nights (days). - Para dos días. For tonight. - Para esta noche. How much is it per night? - ¿Cuánto cuesta por noche? I want a room with (without) meals. - Quiero un cuarto con (sin) comidas. I want a double (single) room. - Quiero un cuarto doble (para uno). What is my room number? - ¿Cuál es el número de mi cuarto? Is there another hotel nearby? - ¿Hay algún otro hotel por aquí? I would like to stay an extra night. - Quisiera quedarme una noche más. Please send (the luggage) to my room. - Por favor, mándeme (el equipaje) a mi cuarto. Are there any messages for me? - ¿Tiene algún mensaje para mí? I would like to speak to the manager. - Quiero hablar con el gerente. I have locked myself out of my room. - Me olvidé la llave en el cuarto. Please, wake me up at 7 o'clock. - Por favor, despiérteme a las siete. The toilet won't flush. - La cadena del inodoro no funciona. I need some ice. - Necesito un poco de hielo. [Beware, ice isn't always made with drinking water.] When do I have to check out? - ¿A qué hora hay que desalojar? I would like to pay the bill. - Quiero pagar la cuenta. Please call me a taxi. - Por favor, llámeme un taxi. |