Language and Mallorcan phrases

Mallorca has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan, spoken here in its Mallorcan variety. You'll see lots of signs in Catalan, and in tourist areas English and German are widely spoken too. Locals really appreciate it if you try a few words in Mallorcan:

• Bon dia: good morning · Bon vespre: good evening
• Gràcies / Moltes gràcies: thank you / thank you very much
• Per favor: please · Adéu: goodbye
• Quant val?: how much is it? · Molt bo!: very good!

A fun detail: Mallorcan uses the articles "sa" and "es" instead of "la" and "el", which is why so many places are called things like Sa Calobra or Es Trenc.

Beyond greetings, a few words will help you on the road and in town: platja (beach), cala (cove), port (harbour), carrer (street), plaça (square), mercat (market), obert and tancat (open and closed), sortida (exit) and aparcament (car park). On menus you'll see peix (fish), carn (meat), pa (bread) and postres (desserts). And to say cheers, salut.

Something that confuses visitors: many places have a Catalan and a Spanish name, and maps don't always agree. Port de Sóller and Puerto de Sóller, Cala Ratjada and Cala Rajada, or Platja de Palma and Playa de Palma are the same place. When you leave a shop you'll often hear 'Adéu!' or 'Fins després!' (see you later). And if someone says 'Bones!', it's a very Mallorcan, informal hello.

Frequently asked questions

What language do they speak in Mallorca?

Spanish and Catalan, the two official languages. The Catalan of Mallorca is called Mallorquí, with its own articles such as 'es' and 'sa'. English and German are widely spoken in tourist areas, but road signs and street names are usually in Catalan.

How do you say thank you in Mallorcan?

'Gràcies', or 'moltes gràcies' for thank you very much. To answer a thank you, say 'de res' (you're welcome). Other useful ones are 'bon dia' (good morning), 'per favor' (please) and 'adéu' (goodbye).

Updated in October 2026