😅 #10 cosas (MUY TONTAS) que NO debes HACER en ESPAÑA ✅🇪🇸

Summary

In this video, the speaker humorously shares 10 things visitors should avoid doing when in Spain to respect local customs and culture. From not overusing 'please' and 'thank you' to understanding regional diversity, the speaker provides helpful tips on dining etiquette, social interactions, and language nuances. The video offers a countdown format, starting from the 10th point and ending with the most crucial cultural consideration: addressing people informally, even older individuals, rather than relying solely on formal 'usted'. It's a fun and informative guide for travelers to Spain!

Takeaways

• 😀 In Spain, it's not necessary to say 'please' and 'thank you' constantly. A simple, polite request like 'Me pone una caña cuando pueda' will suffice.
• 😀 Bread should not be placed in the center of your plate; it’s common to put it on the tablecloth or in a small dish to the left of your plate.
• 😀 It's customary to keep both hands on the table while eating, a practice that dates back to historical times to ensure no one had hidden weapons.
• 😀 Don’t worry about cleaning up after meals at someone’s home. The host will generally take care of it and encourage you to leave.
• 😀 Avoid asking about someone's job immediately when meeting them. It’s considered impolite until you develop more trust.
• 😀 Spaniards often speak loudly, but don't worry—it’s just their normal way of communicating and not an indication of an argument.
• 😀 Spain is diverse, and each region has its own customs, dialects, and culture. Avoid making generalizations about the entire country.
• 😀 Don't refer to Catalan as a dialect in Catalonia—it’s a co-official language, alongside Spanish, and is highly respected.
• 😀 If you arrive at someone's house around 5 p.m., expect to be offered coffee, tea, or pastries instead of alcohol.
• 😀 'Usted' is used for formal situations or when addressing older individuals. In most casual situations, you'll use 'tú' instead.

Q & A

Why is it not necessary to say 'please' and 'thank you' constantly in Spain?

In Spain, it's not common to say 'please' and 'thank you' as frequently as in other cultures. While politeness is important, Spaniards do not expect these words to be used constantly, especially in informal situations. This reflects a more relaxed approach to everyday interactions.

What should you do with bread when dining in Spain?

In Spain, you should not place bread in the center of your plate. Instead, bread is typically placed on the left side of the plate or on a small plate, either beside your plate or on the tablecloth. This is a matter of dining etiquette.

What is the custom regarding the use of 'Usted' in Spain?

'Usted' is a formal way of addressing someone in Spain, typically used for elderly people or in very formal conversations. However, it is much more common to use the informal 'tú' when speaking with people in everyday situations, even if they are strangers.

What should you avoid saying about the Catalan language in Spain?

You should avoid referring to Catalan as a 'dialect.' It is considered an official language in Spain, alongside Spanish (Castellano), and should be respected as such. The same applies to other regional languages like Basque and Galician.

Why do Spaniards often speak loudly?

In Spain, speaking loudly is a cultural trait. It's not an indication of anger or argument, but rather a way of expressing oneself. It's a common social behavior and should not be misinterpreted as aggression.

What should you do if you're invited to someone's home for dinner in Spain?

If you are invited to someone's home in Spain, once the party ends, it is not necessary to stay and clean up. The host will typically take care of it, and you are expected to leave once the meal or gathering concludes.

What is the appropriate drink to offer around 5 p.m. in Spain?

At around 5 p.m., it is customary in Spain to offer coffee, tea, and pastries instead of alcoholic drinks like beer or wine. This is the typical time for a light snack, called 'merienda'.

What does keeping both hands on the table during a meal signify in Spain?

In Spain, it's customary to keep both hands on the table while eating. This practice dates back to ancient times, when it was a way of showing you weren't hiding any weapons, ensuring trust and safety among diners.

Why is it important not to generalize about Spain and its regions?

Spain is a diverse country with distinct regions, each with its own customs, traditions, languages, and even cuisines. It’s important not to generalize because each part of Spain has unique characteristics that should be appreciated individually.

What should you avoid doing when meeting someone for the first time in Spain?

When meeting someone for the first time in Spain, it is not appropriate to immediately ask them about their job or profession. Such personal questions are usually reserved for when you have developed more trust and familiarity with the person.