Practically the entire population of Mallorca speaks Spanish, but during your holiday you may hear the locals speaking the local language: Mallorquín, a dialectal variation of Catalan.
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Mallorquín – the Mallorcan language
Mallorcan lies somewhere between French and Spanish but sounds considerably different to both. If you’re wondering if Mallorcan and Catalan are the same, well they are very similar, but Mallorcan is more the local Catalan dialect of Mallorca.
Also, it’s the language you will hear regularly on the streets of Mallorca and learning to say a couple of expressions in Mallorquín is a milestone for any tourist or foreigner living on the island and for sure will be very appreciated by the locals.
Mallorcans are very proud of their language and would be delighted if one of the millions of visitors to the island addressed them in their mother tongue, even with a simple “good morning”.
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.
Nelson Mandela
13 useful expressions in Mallorcan
If you’re planning a holiday in Mallorca, these phrases for sure will help you get to the hearts of the residents. Obviously, no one expects a foreign visitor to converse in fluent Mallorcan but learning a couple of phrases will be well worth the effort. You’ll be surprised at the reaction and warmth your efforts will bring.
1. Bon dia · bones tardes · bona nit
- Bon dia: good morning
- Bones tardes: good afternoon
- Bona nit: good night
With a simple ‘bon dia’ you not only give a touch of courtesy to your Mallorcan interlocutor, but you will appreciate the magic that this simple expression generates. Try it and you’ll find that your coffee arrives faster, your croissant warmer and your day in general takes on a happier glow.
2. Moltes gràcies
- Moltes gràcies: Thank you very much
It is very similar to Spanish – ‘muchas gracias’, but in its original Majorcan version it will win hearts. Try to pronounce it loud when you say it: moultes grahsis.
3. Perdó!
- Perdó: I am sorry.
A word as indispensable in the basic Mallorcan vocabulary as ‘gracias’. Awkward situations happen without geographical significance, so you’d better be prepared.
4. Uep! Com anam?
- Uep! Com anam?: Hello! How are you?
This Mallorcan phrase is widely used by the island’s inhabitants and is sure to surprise and captivate, as it is usually unexpected to find foreign tourists using the local slang. Put it to the test and a Mallorcan smile is guaranteed.
5. Un poc
- Un poc: A little
This simple little word very often comes in handy in conversation of all kinds. For example, if you are asked: ‘Vosté xerra mallorquí?’ (Do you speak Mallorcan?) you can answer ‘un poc’.
6. No xerr mallorquí
- No xerr mallorquí: I don’t speak Mallorcan
As residents are not used to foreigners speaking to them in their own language, it could happen that by using one of these phrases they will start speaking to you in their language. For this occasion, it is better to be prepared and to warn that you do not speak Mallorcan, pronouncing it strongly ‘no xerr mallorqui’ or you speak it a little – ‘xerr mallorquí un poc.’
7. Quant és?
- Quant és?: How much is it?
During your stay in Mallorca, you’ll probably be visiting shops or markets, which makes a perfect occasion to put your Mallorcan to the test. Imagine how you could stand out from the crowds of tourists visiting the island, and who knows, you might even get a very special deal, with some special discount just for you.
8. On és…?
- On és? : Where is..?
When we travel, we often look for or ask about the places we want to visit. This also creates a perfect opportunity for conversation and to put into practice what we have learnt. You can simply ask for a specific place, such as ‘On és Alcudia?’, or for any other place using even the most commonly understood English words, for example: ‘On és restaurant/ pharmacy/ shop/ toilet?’
And the answer? Don’t worry, there is always a language that is understood all over our planet: gestures. And who knows, maybe with this little effort you will get directions to somewhere different that you can’t find in the guidebooks.
9. Me pots posar un… ?
- Me pots posar un ?: May I have a… ?
This expression can be followed by absolutely anything you want to order: a coffee with milk, tea, a glass of red wine…. You’ll find a hint on the menu, which often shows the names of dishes or drinks in the local language. The waiter will be bowled over .. unless the restaurant and the staff are not Mallorcan.
10. Betuadeu
- Betuadeu: For God’s sake
Well, we all know that the most interesting things in any language are those expressions that accumulate a whole avalanche of emotions in a single word. One of them is the word ‘betuadeu’, which we can translate as ‘for God’s sake’. So, if you want to complain and add this expression, you will surely get more attention to your needs.
11. Què putes…
- Què putes : What the hell
Sometimes the temperature of emotions rises, so the right expression should be used.
‘Què putes’ is quite rude, literally meaning ‘what a whore’, although the more appropriate translation would be ‘what the hell’, and is used freely in almost any setting or situation to communicate shock, indignation or simply surprise. It works well at the beginning of any sentence.
‘Què putes fas? ‘- we could translate – ‘what the hell are you doing?’ – but you’d better try it with the Mallorcans you know well!
12 . Adéu
- Adéu : Adiós
A very common way of saying goodbye. In fact, it is very difficult not to hear it when you are in Mallorca.
13. Mos deim coses
- Mos deim coses: See you soon
A useful expression for saying goodbye in Mallorcan is ‘Mos deim coses’, which literally means ‘we say things to each other’ but is used with the meaning ‘see you soon’ or ‘we’re in touch’. And it’s OK if the likelihood of meeting is almost zero – you can always use it.
Dictionary of useful expressions in Mallorca
Just below we have created a small dictionary in which you will find basic Mallorcan phrases that can be useful for simple conversations. You can also download a pdf if you want to keep it handy.
And if you already know other expressions of the residents of the largest Balearic island, don’t forget to share them in the comments.
Mini dictionary of Mallorquin
Greetings:
- Hola! – Hello!
- Bon dia! – Good morning
- Bona tarda! – Good afternoon
- Bona nit! – Good night
- Uep! Com anam? – Hello, how are you?
- Adéu! – Good Bye
- Mos deim coses – See you soon!
- Que tinguis un bon dia! – Have a nice day!
Basic vocabulary:
- Sí – Yes
- No – No
- D’acord – Agreed
- Bé – Good
- Malament – Bad
- Moltes gràcies – Thank you very much
- Moltes – Very much
- Poc – Little
- Un poc – A little
- De res! – You’re welcome
- Per favor – Please
- Perdó – Sorry
- Me sap greu – I am so sorry
Communication:
- Xerr un poc de mallorquí. – I speak a little Mallorcan.
- No xerr mallorquí. – I don’t speak Mallorcan.
- No ho entenc. – I don’t understand.
- Per favor, pot repetir això. – Could you repeat, please.
Other expressions:
- Quant és? – How much is it?
- On és…? – Where is..?
- Me pots posar un… ? – May I have a…?
- Betuadeu – For God’s sake
- Què putes – What the hell
FAQs
What do I need to know before going to Mallorca? ›
- Be wary of tap water. Unlike most of mainland Spain, tap water in the Balearics, including Majorca, is probably best avoided. ...
- Consider the local way of life. The siesta is still very important in Majorca. ...
- It's definitely a tourist destination. ...
- Useful information.
How do you say hello in Mallorca? “hola” How do you say Goodbye in Mallorca? “adéu”
Is it OK to speak Spanish in Mallorca? ›Spanish and Catalan are the island's co-official languages and are recommended for those who've moved to Mallorca and plan to stay permanently.
What is the main language in Mallorca? ›People in Mallorca speak Spanish (also referred to as 'Castilian' or 'Castellano', a variety of the Spanish language spoken in central Spain) and Mallorquí, a language with the same root as Catalán which can change slightly depending on the location.
Can I speak English in Mallorca? ›The island has two official languages, Castilian (Spanish) and Catalan, while locals prefer to speak their Mallorquin dialect. However, the island's staff, including maids, speak several foreign languages. English, German and French are particularly common.
What is the best month to visit Mallorca? ›Mallorca: When to Go
Most people visit between April and September. Jan/Feb sees beautiful almond blossom. Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling, walking, mountain climbing or golf. July and August are the hottest and driest months.
Tipping is nevertheless voluntary in Mallorca, and is simply a way of showing that the customer is satisfied with the service. Conversely, this means that with unsatisfactory service the tip may well be withheld. Depending on the level of satisfaction, an amount of 5-15% of the invoice amount is appropriate.
What is 999 in Mallorca? ›The emergency number to call in Mallorca is 112. This will direct you to a main switchboard and you will need to indicate the service you require. The operators should be able to either speak English or German, or pass you through to someone who does.
Can you drink tap water on Mallorca? ›Yes, we talk about the nasty chemicals in the tap water, however it may surprise you to know that the tap water in Palma is considered safe to drink, and – coming from someone who proudly (and maybe a bit lazily) drinks it – I can verify that generally speaking, the taste is absolutely fine.
What is the drink law in Mallorca? ›What is the legal drinking age in Mallorca? 18 years is the legal drinking age in Mallorca. This is the same as in all regions of Spain.
Is there a difference between Mallorca and Majorca? ›
They're the same place; the only difference is that Majorca is the Anglicised version of the Spanish spelling Mallorca.
What do you call a person from Mallorca? ›The inhabitants of Mallorca are called Mallorcans or Majorcans, which is derived from the Spanish name Mallorquines. On the other hand, the inhabitants of Mallorca also call themselves Balearics because they live on the Balearic Islands.
Why is Mallorca so popular? ›It is also famous for being a second home to many famous writers, artists, and other famous people. There are more places to discover on the beautiful island of Majorca. These are the best places to visit and stay in Mallorca, especially preferred by tourists and expats from northern European countries.
What does can mean in Mallorca? ›Ca´n means "the home of". The contraction comes from : Casa de en : Home of the.
How much is a bottle of water in Majorca? ›The tap water in Majorca has a high mineral content and perhaps it will be best to buy bottled water from the supermarkets. The cost of a 5 litre bottle is around 1 Euro there are two types available, "agua con gas" is sparkling mineral water and the more common "agua sin gas" still water.
Can you drink in public in Mallorca? ›According to the DFA: “Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is forbidden in Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. “Failure to respect these laws may result in a fine.”
Can you get around Mallorca without a car? ›Public transport is a good way to get around Mallorca without a car. The island has a fairly extensive network that connects the capital with many towns and tourist areas, with two overground train lines, one metro line, and 8 bus lines.
How many days in Mallorca is enough? ›If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Mallorca might be enough for you, but it will likely be too short. But if you'd like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at the beach, you might want to consider 4 to 5 days, or even a week in Mallorca instead.
Can you swim in the sea in Majorca? ›Playa Alcudia
With its 7 km of golden sand, Alcudia beach is the largest beach on the island. Families will find it the perfect place for a fun and safe swim as it has been awarded the Blue Flag. There are many water sports activities and restaurants, and deckchairs for hire.
August is the hottest month in Majorca with an average temperature of 24.5°C (76°F) and the coldest is January at 10°C (50°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in July. The wettest month is October with an average of 69mm of rain.
Can you wear shorts in Majorca? ›
Dress Code
Discretion with clothing is also advisable in city centres. Only the young wear shorts, with most working people wearing trousers or skirts.
Tipping for taxis in Mallorca
As with bars and restaurants in Mallorca, tips for taxis are most welcome but not expected. The standard tip for taxis in Mallorca is 10% of the fare. But you can always round up an amount to something that seems reasonable to you.
While tipping for room service in Spain is not required, giving one or two euros to the person who delivers your meal will always be appreciated.
What do Mallorcans eat for breakfast? ›Breakfast is supposed to be your most important meal of the day and, on Mallorca, a pastry known as 'ensaïmada' has been the traditional breakfast pastry since the 17th century, although its origins are unknown.
What fruit is Mallorca known for? ›Mallorca is covered with citrus fruit groves but it is Sóller's 'Valle de los Naranjos' or Orange Valley that is best known for its oranges and is one of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.
What alcohol is Mallorca known for? ›We recommend to pay attention on local liqueurs, wines or gins. The most famous Mallorcan liqueur is called “Palo”. This liqueur is made from carob pods and ginseng root with the addition of burnt sugar. This drink has a beneficial effect on the immune system, so it is recommended to use it before meals.
What is the 3 letter code for Majorca? ›Palma De Mallorca Airport (PMI) You can now add favourite airports.
What is the famous street in Mallorca? ›Undoubtedly, the Sa Calobra road (the snake, in Spanish) is one of the most charming places the island of Mallorca offers to visit on wheels. Undoubtedly, the Sa Calobra road (the snake, in Spanish) is one of the most charming places the island of Mallorca offers to visit on wheels.
What is the currency in Majorca? ›The currency in Spain is the Euro. When changing money, you should always use official money exchange offices or banks, as possession and use of counterfeit money is considered a very serious crime in Spain and may lead to prosecution.
How much money do you need in Mallorca? ›The Cost of Living in Mallorca – How much to budget
The absolute minimum that I would recommend a single person should budget to live in Mallorca per month is 800€ without rent. I would recommend budgeting extra for emergencies, so better to budget around 1000€ a month.
What is the safety of Mallorca? ›
You can expect that in populated cities, there is a higher incidence of crime as opposed to rural areas. In for example Palma, the capital city and Magaluf crime is higher. In fact Palma is the third most dangerous city for tourists in Spain in 2022. To clarify, it is after Bilbao and Barcelona on mainland Spain.
Is it hard to get around Mallorca without a car? ›Public transport is a good way to get around Mallorca without a car. The island has a fairly extensive network that connects the capital with many towns and tourist areas, with two overground train lines, one metro line, and 8 bus lines.
Is Majorca walkable? ›The walking possibilities in Majorca are endless. Whether you're looking for a sea inspired coastal walk, a gentle country meander, or a hike up one of the dramatic mountain peaks, Mallorca has plenty of choice.
Do I need a car on Mallorca? ›You don't need a car for that. But that would be a shame, because the island is magnificent with mountains, cliffs, caves, hidden beaches and coves... Renting a car is the best option to: Enjoy some of the hidden gems such as arches, viewpoints, rock formations.
Do people tip in Mallorca? ›Tipping is nevertheless voluntary in Mallorca, and is simply a way of showing that the customer is satisfied with the service. Conversely, this means that with unsatisfactory service the tip may well be withheld. Depending on the level of satisfaction, an amount of 5-15% of the invoice amount is appropriate.
What is the drinks rule in Majorca? ›18 years is the legal drinking age in Mallorca. This is the same as in all regions of Spain. If you are coming from the USA where the legal drinking age is 21, you will be happy to hear you can drink legally in Mallorca and the whole of Spain.
Should I wear jeans in Spain? ›You can't go wrong with a pair of well-fitted denim, whatever time of year you're visiting Spain. In fact, it's common for both men and women to wear trousers or jeans on a daily basis, despite the heat. Shirts and classic button-downs are also year-round favourites and can be easily layered with a winter jacket.
How much cash can you take to Mallorca? ›However, when moving around within Spain, you must declare the money you're transporting if it is equal to or more than 100,000 euros or the equivalent in a foreign currency.
Is cash used in Majorca? ›Majorca's currency is the Euro.
Most resorts have several cashpoints from where you can make cash withdrawals directly from your bank account.
The other weekend I ventured out to one of my favourite tapas restaurants in Palma. What I didn't know is that it had changed hands and has introduced a new payment policy - no cash, card only.
Are mosquitoes bad in Majorca? ›
It is possible to get bitten at any time of year. But it's more likely to get bitten as soon as the weather begins to warm up a little. So I would say the season starts in March. However, the mosquitos are more noticeable from June onwards, just as visitors start arriving for their Summer holidays.
Where not to stay in Majorca? ›Areas to avoid
If you're after something more relaxed, do stay away from Magaluf and Palma Nova as these places are where you'll find a lot of the 18-30's groups, along with English-style pubs, a big drinking culture and all-night parties. They are also jam-packed during the peak tourism months of July and August.
Yes, we talk about the nasty chemicals in the tap water, however it may surprise you to know that the tap water in Palma is considered safe to drink, and – coming from someone who proudly (and maybe a bit lazily) drinks it – I can verify that generally speaking, the taste is absolutely fine.