Basic Words

1. Bai

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Ez

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Mesedez

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Added to any request; it also stands alone

4. Eskerrik asko

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   Literally "many thanks"; the short form is not used alone

5. Barkatu

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Works both to get attention and as a light apology

6. Sentitzen dut

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I feel it" — a full apology

7. Ondo dago

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Ez dut ulertzen

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   Basque negation puts "ez" before the verb and reorders the clause

9. Ulertzen dut

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Bukatu dut

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Itxaron, mesedez

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Itxaron" is the participle, which also serves as an imperative

12. Momentu bat

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Heldu bat, mesedez

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

    Grammar Note

    "Heldu" is an adult; "bat" (one) follows the noun

14. Ez dut erreserbarik

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    In negative clauses the object takes the partitive ending "-rik"

15. Erreserba bat dut

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Lagundu, mesedez

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Lagundu!"

17. Berriro, mesedez

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Poliki hitz egin, mesedez

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Euskara pixka bat hitz egiten dut

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Pixka bat" means "a little"; the phrase is warmly received in the Basque Country

20. Ingelesez hitz egiten duzu?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The suffix "-z" means "in (a language)"; "hitz egin" is to speak

21. hau

    This

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand

22. hori

    That

    Usage

    For pointing at something near the other person — the middle term of hau (this) / hori (that) / hura (that over there). The same spelling "hori" is also the colour "yellow"

23. hura

    That one over there

    Usage

    For pointing at something further away

24. hemen

    Here

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

25. hor

    There

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

26. ni

    I

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

27. zu

    You

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

28. elkarrekin

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone

29. gehiago

    More

    Usage

    For asking for a larger amount

30. pixka bat

    Just a little

    Usage

    For asking for a smaller amount

31. erdia

    Half

    Usage

    For asking for half the amount

32. dena

    All

    Usage

    For saying you want the whole lot

33. Nahikoa da.

    That's enough

    Usage

    For stopping a refill or an offer

34. oraintxe

    Right now

    Usage

    For conveying urgency

35. pertsona bat

    One person

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

36. bi pertsona

    Two people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

37. hiru pertsona

    Three people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

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