These are phrases that will come up repeatedly both in your day to day life and while volunteering regardless of your placeme<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic interaction and politeness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Buenos d\u00edas \/ Buenas tardes \/ Buenas noches – <\/em>\u00a0Good morning \/ afternoon \/ evening<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1?<\/em> (formal) \/ \u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1s?<\/em> (informa) – How are you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mucho gusto <\/em>–\u00a0 Nice to meet you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Por favor<\/em> \/ Gracias<\/em> \/ De nada – <\/em>Please \/ Thank you \/ You\u2019re welcome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Disculpe<\/em> or Perd\u00f3n –<\/em>Excuse me \/ Sorry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why this matters:<\/strong>
<\/strong>Peru is generally polite and somewhat formal in initial interactions. Using usted<\/em> forms like \u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1?<\/em> helps create a good first impression, especially with older people or supervisors or people you don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\nClarifying and understanding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfPuede repetir, por favor? – <\/em>Can you repeat, please?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No entiendo – <\/em>I don\u2019t understand<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfPuede hablar m\u00e1s despacio? – <\/em>Can you speak more slowly?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfQu\u00e9 significa\u2026? –<\/em>What does \u2026 mean?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Entiendo un poco – <\/em>I understand a little<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tip:
<\/strong>Do not avoid conversations because your Spanish is imperfect. These phrases are essential for staying engaged instead of withdrawing. Peruvians are generally very patient with, and both understanding and appreciative of, foreigners trying to speak Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPractical daily needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfD\u00f3nde est\u00e1\u2026? – <\/em>Where is\u2026?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfCu\u00e1nto cuesta? – <\/em>How much does it cost?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Necesito ayuda – <\/em>\u00a0I need help<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfA qu\u00e9 hora\u2026? – <\/em>What time\u2026?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfC\u00f3mo puedo llegar a\u2026 ? –<\/em> How do I get to?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
General Volunteering Phrases (All Projects)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is language that will help you with showing willingness, understanding roles, and contributing meaningfully to your volunteer placement.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Offering help and participation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfEn qu\u00e9 puedo ayudar?<\/em> – What can I help with?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfQu\u00e9 necesitan hoy? <\/em>– What do you need today?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estoy disponible para apoyar en lo que sea<\/em> – I am available to help with anything<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfPrefieren que haga esto o aquello?<\/em> – Would you prefer I did this or that<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Understanding expectations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfCu\u00e1l es mi responsabilidad hoy? <\/em>\u00a0– What is my responsibility today?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfC\u00f3mo funciona este proyecto? <\/em>– How does this project work?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfQu\u00e9 esperan de m\u00ed? – <\/em>What do you expect from me?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfHay algo importante que deber\u00eda saber? <\/em>– Is there anything important to know<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfA qui\u00e9n debo preguntar sobre\u2026?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Clarifying tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfPuede explicarlo paso a paso?<\/em> – Can you explain this step by step<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfEsto est\u00e1 bien hecho? <\/em>– Is this done well?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfQuiere que lo cambie? <\/em>– Do you want it changed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Building relationships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Gracias por la oportunidad <\/em>– Thanks for the opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estoy aprendiendo mucho aqu\u00ed <\/em>– I am learning a lot here<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Me gusta trabajar con ustedes <\/em>– I would like to work with you (plural)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These are simple, but they shift you from \u201cvisitor\u201d to \u201cparticipant\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaching and Childcare Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Volunteer](\"https:\/\/proyectoperucentre.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-12-1024x538.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWorking with children requires clarity, repetition, and emotional tone more than complex language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instructions and control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Presten atenci\u00f3n <\/em>– Pay attention<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hagan silencio <\/em>– Be quiet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Formen una fila<\/em> – Make a line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Guarden sus cosas <\/em>– Put your things away<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Empezamos <\/em>– Let’s Start<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Engagement and encouragement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Excelente trabajo <\/em>– Good work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Muy bien hecho <\/em>– Very well done<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sigan intentando<\/em> – Keep trying<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No pasa nada, intentamos otra vez <\/em>– Don\u2019t worry about it, we will try again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Classroom interaction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfQui\u00e9n quiere participar? <\/em>– Who wants to take part?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vamos a hacer un juego <\/em>\u00a0– We are going to play a game<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Trabajen en grupos <\/em>– Work in groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Repitan conmigo <\/em>– Repeat with me<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfMe entiendes? – Do you understand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Behaviour management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Eso no est\u00e1 bien <\/em>– That is not ok<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hay que respetar a los dem\u00e1s <\/em>– You have to respect others<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Escuchen a sus compa\u00f1eros<\/em> – Listen to your classmates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Medical and Healthcare Placements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Medical](\"https:\/\/proyectoperucentre.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-11-1024x538.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis is where precision matters most. Even if your Spanish is limited, knowing key structures allows you to follow conversations and contribute appropriately. In these placements the more Spanish you know the more tasks and responsibilities the permanent staff will trust you with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patient interaction basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfQu\u00e9 le pasa? <\/em>– What is wrong with her\/him\/you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfD\u00f3nde le duele? <\/em>– Where does it hurt?\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfCu\u00e1nto tiempo lleva as\u00ed? <\/em>– How long has it been like this<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfEs un dolor constante o intermitente? <\/em>– Is it a constant or intermittent pain?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfLe duele aqu\u00ed?<\/em> – Does it hurt here?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms and conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Tiene fiebre <\/em>– She\/he\/you have a fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tiene tos <\/em>– She\/he\/you have a cough<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tiene dolor de cabeza <\/em>– She\/he\/you have a headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tiene dificultad para respirar <\/em>– She\/he\/you have difficulty breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Se siente mareado <\/em>– She\/he\/you feel dizzy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Instructions to patients<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Respire profundo<\/em> – Breathe deeply<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rel\u00e1jese<\/em> – Relax<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Abra la boca<\/em> – Open your mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Levante el brazo <\/em>– Lift your arm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Qu\u00e9dese tranquilo <\/em>– Stay calm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Observational and support role language<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Estoy observando el procedimiento <\/em>– I am observing the procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yo participar\u00e9 en este procedimiento <\/em>– I will be assisting in this procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estoy aqu\u00ed como voluntario\/passante <\/em>– I am here as a volunteer\/intern<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estoy aprendiendo sobre\u2026<\/em> – I am learning about\u2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfMe puede explicar qu\u00e9 est\u00e1 pasando? <\/em>– Can you explain to me what is happening?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Communicating with staff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- \u00bfCu\u00e1l es el diagn\u00f3stico? <\/em>– What is the diagnosis?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfQu\u00e9 tratamiento se recomienda? <\/em>– What treatment do you recommend?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfHay riesgos en este caso? <\/em>– Are there risks in this case?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00bfC\u00f3mo se toma esta decisi\u00f3n <\/em>– How did you make this decision?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Handling uncertainty and limitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Todav\u00eda estoy aprendiendo <\/em>– I am still learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No quiero cometer un error <\/em>– I don\u2019t want to make a mistake<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prefiero confirmar antes de hacerlo<\/em> – I would prefer to confirm\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This is important in maintaining professionalism and handling complex situations<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cultural and practical realities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou may also hear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- No hay insumos\/suministros<\/em> – there are no supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regrese ma\u00f1ana<\/em> – come back tomorrow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hay mucha demanda hoy<\/em> – there is high demand today)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Understanding these helps you contextualise what you are seeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wildlife and Environmental Volunteering<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Volunteer](\"https:\/\/proyectoperucentre.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-14-1024x538.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThese projects involve more physical work and coordination, often in less structured environments.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handling animals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- No se acerque demasiado <\/em>\u00a0– Don\u2019t get too close<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mantenga distancia <\/em>– Keep your distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- El animal est\u00e1 estresado <\/em>– The animal is stressed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hay que tener cuidado <\/em>– You have to take care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Environmental and general work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Estamos limpiando esta \u00e1rea<\/em> – We are cleaning this area<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estamos plantando \u00e1rboles<\/em> – We are planting trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hay que recoger la basura <\/em>– We have to collect the trash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Safety and awareness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Why this matters:<\/strong> Tip: This is language that will help you with showing willingness, understanding roles, and contributing meaningfully to your volunteer placement. These are simple, but they shift you from \u201cvisitor\u201d to \u201cparticipant\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working with children requires clarity, repetition, and emotional tone more than complex language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where precision matters most. Even if your Spanish is limited, knowing key structures allows you to follow conversations and contribute appropriately. In these placements the more Spanish you know the more tasks and responsibilities the permanent staff will trust you with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important in maintaining professionalism and handling complex situations<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also hear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding these helps you contextualise what you are seeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These projects involve more physical work and coordination, often in less structured environments.
<\/strong>Peru is generally polite and somewhat formal in initial interactions. Using usted<\/em> forms like \u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1?<\/em> helps create a good first impression, especially with older people or supervisors or people you don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\nClarifying and understanding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/strong>Do not avoid conversations because your Spanish is imperfect. These phrases are essential for staying engaged instead of withdrawing. Peruvians are generally very patient with, and both understanding and appreciative of, foreigners trying to speak Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPractical daily needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
General Volunteering Phrases (All Projects)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nOffering help and participation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Understanding expectations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Clarifying tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Building relationships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Teaching and Childcare Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nInstructions and control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Engagement and encouragement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Classroom interaction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Behaviour management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Medical and Healthcare Placements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPatient interaction basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Symptoms and conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Instructions to patients<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Observational and support role language<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Communicating with staff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Handling uncertainty and limitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Cultural and practical realities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Wildlife and Environmental Volunteering<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandling animals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Environmental and general work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Safety and awareness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n