Welcome! Learning basic greetings in a new language can make your interactions with locals more pleasant and enjoyable. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “welcome” in Catalan, including both formal and informal variations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal ways to say “welcome” in Catalan:
When addressing someone respectfully or in a formal setting, these phrases will come in handy:
Benvinguts
One of the most common ways to say “welcome” in a formal context is by using the word “benvinguts.” It is a plural form of welcome and is suitably used when addressing a group of people.
Benvingut
If you want to make it singular to address a single person respectfully, you can use “benvingut.”
Tips:
- Remember to pronounce the “v” in “benvingut(s)” as a soft “v” sound, similar to the “b” sound in “victory.”
- Use a polite tone of voice to convey respect.
- If you want to show even more politeness, you can add “senyor” (sir) or “senyora” (madam) before the phrase.
2. Informal ways to say “welcome” in Catalan:
When addressing friends, family, or in a casual setting, you can use these informal variations:
Benvingut/da
The informal way to say “welcome” in Catalan is by using “benvingut” for males and “benvinguda” for females. This can be used to welcome a singular person or a small group informally.
Aneu passant
A more colloquial phrase used in certain regions to say “welcome” is “aneu passant,” which translates to “come in.” This phrase is mainly used in informal or close-knit settings.
Tips:
- Catalan is a language with various dialects and regional variations. These informal variations may differ slightly in pronunciation or wording based on the specific region.
- For a warmer welcome, you can use additional phrases like “Com estàs?” (How are you?), or “És un plaer veure’t” (It’s a pleasure to see you).
- Non-verbal communication, such as a smile and open body language, can enhance the warmth of your welcome.
Regional Variations:
Catalan is spoken in various regions, and there might be slight differences in the way “welcome” is expressed. Here are a few examples:
Acullits
In the Valencian Community, “acullits” is used as a formal way of saying “welcome” in Catalan. It is similar in meaning to “benvinguts.”
Benvingut/da a casa
In some regions, particularly in informal settings, it is common to say “benvingut/da a casa,” which translates to “welcome home.”
Tips:
- If you are uncertain which variation to use, “benvingut/da” is widely understood and appropriate in most situations.
- Show an interest in the local culture and customs to create a friendly atmosphere.
- Listen carefully to how native speakers pronounce the word to improve your own pronunciation.
Remember, greetings are just the beginning of building connections with people. Be open, receptive, and respectful, and you’ll find that your interactions become even more rewarding. Happy learning!
