Basic Basque Dictionary: Learning Euskara One Word at a Time

Learn Euskara One Word at Time

That said, be advised this little book is neither a complete course in learning the Basque Language, neither is it a textbook. Instead, it is a basic introduction to the Basque language, a good pocket beginners guide you can handily carry on your travels either in your back pocket or tucked away in a backpack.

As an eBook, it is even more portable. Before you go, consider taking the time to learn a few Basque words and phrases so you can speak street Euskara like a local. This guide contains a wealth of words and expressions that you can look up when you hear, or read them, in order to know what is going on around you. Even better, spend a night curled up with the book gaining familiarity with the wisdom it contains. That way, when you hear a vaguely familiar word on the street, you will know which page to consult in order to refresh your memory. Knowing at least some street talk will pay big dividends. Instead of being seen as some soul-less gringo tourist, the locals will hold you in much higher esteem. As a result, you may make new friends, and as a bonus perhaps get a better hotel room or lower prices while shopping.

A Sampling of Basque Vocabulary/Hitztegia

• Streets - Kaleak
• Shops - Dendak
• Beaches - Hondartzak
• Restaurants - Jatetxeak
• Dance clubs - Dantza klubak
• Hotels - Hotelak
• Grocery stores - Janari-denda
• Market - Merkatua
• Tapas: - Pintxos
• Seafood - Itsaski
• Fish - Arrainak

Part One, from A to Z, lists words in English along with their Basque translation. Then in part two, vocabulary is listed in groups to make them easy to find, ie: Colours, animals, places, food, flavours, days of the week, weather and people, and so on. Know that modern Basque is spoken by about a half million people in Euskal Herria, a region spanning the Spanish/French border, that encompasses four provinces in Spain and three in France. In Bilbao, because of the city's size and diversity, one mainly hears Spanish. That said, some Basque words and phrases like, Kaixo, Agur, and Eskerrik asko, are more frequently spoken than their Spanish counterparts. But mere miles away in smaller villages, Basque/Euskara is the first language.

Top Twenty Basque Words You Should Know