James Smith says there is a basic cultural misunderstanding
Neil Shaw Assistant Editor
08:50, 22 Aug 2025Updated 09:57, 22 Aug 2025
Tourists can often get into trouble in Spain without meaning to(Image: Getty)
British tourists pride themselves on good manners, but according to one expert, well-intentioned politeness often backfires spectacularly when visiting Spain. What might sound respectful in English can actually come across as confusing, overly complicated, or even sarcastic when translated into Spanish.
The problem affects thousands of British visitors every day and creates uncomfortable situations that could have easily been avoided. According to James Smith from Learn Spanish with James, who has spent more than a decade teaching Spanish and living in Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica, the issue stems from a fundamental cultural misunderstanding.
“British tourists think they’re being respectful by using elaborate politeness, but Spanish culture values directness,” explains James. “What we consider courteous can actually make Spanish speakers uncomfortable because it sounds unnatural and forced.”
James said Spanish culture operates on a completely different politeness system from Britain. While Brits soften requests with phrases like “I’m terribly sorry to bother you” or “Would it be at all possible”, Spanish speakers prefer clear, direct communication.
“In Spain, being direct is respectful, not rude,” says James. “When you ask for something clearly and simply, you’re showing consideration for the other person’s time. But when British tourists translate their elaborate politeness word-for-word, it creates confusion.”
The disconnect goes deeper than language. Spanish politeness exists, but it’s expressed through tone, body language, and simple courtesies like “por favour” and “gracias” rather than lengthy verbal gymnastics.
“I’ve watched British tourists tie themselves in knots trying to be polite, and the Spanish person just looks bewildered,” James notes. “They’re wondering why this person is apologising so much for a simple request.”
Translation disasters that happen daily
Common British phrases become linguistic disasters when directly translated. “Sorry to bother you, but would you mind if I asked where the toilet is?” becomes an awkward mouthful that sounds theatrical to Spanish ears.
“The phrase ‘would you mind’ doesn’t really exist in Spanish the way we use it,” explains James. “You end up with these clunky translations that make you sound like you’re performing Shakespeare in a café.”
Another frequent mistake involves over-apologising. British tourists often begin every interaction with “I’m terribly sorry” or some variation of it, which translates to unnecessarily dramatic apologies that confuse Spanish speakers.
“Spanish people start wondering what you’ve done wrong when you apologise before asking a simple question,” says James. “They’re thinking ‘Why is this person so sorry about wanting directions?’”
What actually works: Direct but respectful
James offers some tips on how to interact properly in certain social situations when you’re in Spain.
1. Ordering food or drinks
British way: “Would it be possible to have a coffee, if that’s not too much trouble?”
Spanish way: “Un café, por favour” (A coffee, please)
“That’s literally all you need,” says James. “Add ‘gracias’ when they bring it, and you’re golden.”
2. Asking for directions:
British way: “Sorry to bother you, but would you mind telling me where the station is?”
Spanish way: “¿Dónde está la estación?” (Where is the station?)
3. Getting someone’s attention:
British way: “Excuse me, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt…”
Spanish way: “Disculpe” (Excuse me)
4. Making requests in shops:
British way: “Would you mind if I had a look at that, please?”
Spanish way: “Ese, por favour” (That one, please) – while pointing to the item
“Even asking ‘Can I see that?’ sounds overly formal in Spanish,” James explains. “Just point to what you want and say ‘that one, please’ – it’s perfectly polite and completely natural.”
“The beauty of Spanish communication is its simplicity,” James continues. “You’re not being rude by being direct. You’re being clear. That’s actually more respectful than making someone decode your overly complex politeness.”
James said: “The biggest mistake I see is British tourists thinking they need to translate their politeness habits directly into Spanish. What actually happens is you end up sounding like you’re reading from a very formal textbook, which creates distance rather than connection. Spanish culture appreciates authenticity and directness, so when you speak simply and clearly, people respond much more warmly.
“I always tell my students that being ‘too polite’ in the British sense can actually be counterproductive in Spain. You’re not being rude by asking for what you want directly; you’re showing respect for both the language and the culture by communicating the way locals do.”