My wife and I are going to Cancun in September. Should we attempt to learn Spanish or Not?

Question

My wife and I are going to Cancun in September. Should we attempt to learn Spanish or Not?

Answer 1

I think it is good to know the basic phrases like people have stated. It actually makes it more personable to talk to the Mexican people. You certainly don't have to learn the whole language....but the simple pleases and thank you's.

When you get there just try and remember the things basic lines you learned in high school and if you can't remember from back then brush up on it. The computer offers a million websites....just google it.

Answer 2

No reason.  just have fun!

Answer 3

Beck, if you plan to stay in the tourist areas, it's probably not necessary. If you want to go native and explore local culture, then yes, pick up what you can.

It's always wise to learn a few phrases:

Please, thank you (I bet you know these already)

I am lost. Can you direct me to the Hotel del Beck?

Where is the bathroom?

Can you help me get a taxi?

I need help.

Does anyone speak English?

Would you accept a lower price?

Remember, too, that the staff which serves you are the luckiest of the poor, so tip generously, okay?

Have a great trip!

Answer 4

It'd be nice but no, not in CanCun.

Answer 5

I went to Akumal (About an hour from Cancun) in January and I already knew Spanish, but I used literally maybe 5 words. I would say that you definately do not NEED to know Spanish, especially in such a big tourist area, such as Cancun. Most Mexicans who work or live there know enough English to suit your needs. But, if you'd like to have a really cool experience, it wouldn't hurt to learn Survival Spanish. This consists of words like hello, goodbye, please, thank you, yes, no, etc. So if you need the language you should be able to use a bit of it. I have to say that going to Mexico was the best vacation I ever had! I hope you have a lot of fun!

Answer 6

Hola from Cancun!

Almost everyone in the Hotel Zone has taken classes in English and many other languages and are proud to speak with you in your language. It is always nice for them to know you can at least say hello, how are you in their language.

I would suggest you learn some simple phrases, numbers and how to introduce yourself and where you are from just out of respect. Most hotels offer a 1-hour introduction Spanish lesson during the day.

So, when you are asked...de desde usted ( this will sound like one word)...they want to know where you are from.  In your answer you may want to ask where they are from as well..y usted...and you. If they answer "Mexico" they are not being fresh...they are from Mexico City.

One other point...in Mexico as in other parts of the world there are different accents, every state here has a different one. Some are easier to understand than others. Cancun is a melting pot with folks from all over Mexico.

Just come on down with or without Spanish...all are welcome!

Answer 7

Yes, please!

I mean, most of the people on touristic destinations speaks english, but I think it is rude and other things to think that you don't need to learn the language of the country you're visiting because you expect everybody to speak your language.

Answer 8

No. you don't need to learn spanish, more of the people how are in cancun speak english, I can tell you that cancun is such a place in USA, I think that most of the people who work or go to cancun speak english.

I tell you that, because, I'm mexican and I live in Guadalajara city, And I traveled to cancun the last year, and I saw that, I was thinking that, Cancun is almost the same to miami, on this matter of  speech, the prevalent speech I think is 50% and 50% between english and spanish.

Answer 9

I personally have not been to Cancun as my own travels in Mexico have taken me elsewhere, but I would not doubt what others have said about many Mexicans there most likely knowing English. Nevertheless, I personally have a hard time dissuading anyone from learning another language because you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain. In the future you may want to venture into other areas of Mexico and see more of the culture besides the resort scene in which case knowing Spanish would become more useful if not necessary. It is also true that expressing a sincere desire to communicate in someone else's language and making an honest effort to do so will win you a certain measure of respect in many people eyes who may consider you a step above another tourist just hoping to be waited on. So....should you learn Spanish to go to Cancun? Probably not. Should you learn Spanish because of how much it can enrich your lifetime opportunities? Absolutely.

Answer 10

You won't really need it, but if you would like to learn some common phrses so you can be courteous, that's fine. The best begiiner material i have ever seen is "Spanish for Gringos"...a book with really fun cd's.  See site below.  if you decide to getit, be sure to get book I WITH the c d's.

Answer 11

you might want to because the people think 'hey atleast they are giving it an effort'. the important phrase you might want to learn in case of an emergency. like: how do you get ___, where is the bathroom, i need help, and things like that. Or if you need to know the time it might help. Just learn the basics and i am sure you can go online to like an online trasnlator site. they get helpful when needed! also, just have fun. a lot to do in cancun. very pretty.