Queues and Waiting in Spain
How to join, hold and move through a queue the Spanish way.
In Spanish markets and shops people don't always stand in a line: you ask '¿quién es el último?' and remember who you go after. Offices like Correos use number machines, and many public services need cita previa. The cards follow a Saturday of errands in Zaragoza, from the market counter to the supermarket checkout and the post office.
- 1
¿Quién es el último?
Who's last in the queue?
- 2
¿Está usted en la cola?
Are you in the queue?
- 3
Entonces voy detrás de usted.
Then I'm after you.
- 4
Perdone, pero yo estaba antes.
Excuse me, but I was here before you.
- 5
¿Me toca a mí?
Is it my turn?
- 6
¿Dónde se coge el número?
Where do you get a number?
- 7
¿Por qué número van?
What number are they on?
- 8
¿Cuánto hay que esperar?
How long do you have to wait?
- 9
Uf, esto va para largo.
Ugh, this is going to take ages.
- 10
¿Me guarda el sitio? Vuelvo enseguida.
Could you keep my place? I'll be right back.
- 11
Pase, pase, que usted solo lleva una cosa.
Go ahead, you've only got one thing.
- 12
Perdona, la cola empieza allí atrás.
Sorry, the queue starts back there.
- 13
Tengo cita a las diez.
I've got an appointment at ten.
- 14
¿Hace falta cita previa?
Do I need an appointment?
- 15
Solo hay una ventanilla abierta.
There's only one counter open.
- 16
Llevamos media hora esperando.
We've been waiting for half an hour.
- 17
¡El siguiente!
Next!
- 18
Mejor vuelvo otro día.
I'd better come back another day.
- 19
Ahora va bastante rápido.
It's moving quite fast now.
- 20
Gracias por esperar.
Thanks for waiting.