Galician language: which country speaks it?

Short answer: Galician is spoken in Spain. It is the co-official language of Galicia, a green, coastal region in the northwest of the country. If you are a beginner, this guide will help you learn what Galician is, where you will hear it, and a few simple phrases you can say today. We also share free resources so that you can keep learning without stress.

Where is Galician spoken?

Galician, called Galego in the language itself, is spoken mainly in Spain, in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. Cities like Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Vigo, Ourense, and Lugo use it in daily life, in schools, and on street signs.

You can also hear Galician in nearby areas and in diaspora communities abroad, for example in Argentina, Uruguay, and Switzerland. In Spain, Galician is co-official with Spanish, so you will see both languages in public services, media, and culture.

  • Country: Spain; region: Galicia (northwest corner).
  • Status: Co-official language with Spanish in Galicia.
  • You will hear it in shops, buses, and local radio.
  • Diaspora communities keep the language alive abroad.

What is Galician like?

Galician is a Romance language, like Spanish and Portuguese. Long ago, there was a shared medieval language often called Galician-Portuguese. Today, Galician and Portuguese still sound close, and Spanish speakers can understand a lot, but Galician is its own language with its own rules.

For beginners, pronunciation is friendly. The letter x often sounds like sh, as in xabarín (wild boar). You will also see nh and lh in Portuguese, but in Galician the similar sounds are usually written as ñ and ll in Spanish-influenced words or as nh and lh in some standards. Do not worry: if you learn step by step, you can read simple texts in a short time.

  • Alphabet uses familiar Latin letters.
  • Clear vowel sounds: a, e, i, o, u.
  • Many words look like Spanish or Portuguese, which helps beginners.

Easy phrases you can say today

Here are starter phrases you can say from day one. Try to repeat them out loud for one minute. That short practice will help your mouth find the sounds. Remember, simple steps are best for a beginner.

  • Ola — Hello
  • Bos dĂ­as / Boas tardes / Boas noites — Good morning / afternoon / night
  • Por favor — Please
  • Grazas — Thank you
  • Si / Non — Yes / No
  • Como te chamas? — What is your name?
  • Chámome… — My name is…
  • Un minuto, por favor — One minute, please
  • Onde está…? — Where is…?
  • Como se di… en galego? — How do you say… in Galician?
  • Iso — That (neutral demonstrative)

How to learn as a beginner

Start small. Choose a daily goal that you can keep, like 10 words a day or five minutes of audio. Consistency beats long, hard sessions. If you miss a day, no stress: begin again the next day.

Use both input and output. Read a short text, listen to a voice clip, and then say a line out loud. You can record yourself and compare. This loop builds strong habits for beginners who want real progress.

  • Set a tiny daily target (one minute of speaking or 5 new words).
  • Make a mini phrase bank you can say fast in daily life.
  • Shadow audio: listen, repeat, match rhythm.
  • Review old words more than you add new ones.
  • Celebrate small wins so that you keep going.

Free resources and next steps

You can learn a lot with free tools. Mix a dictionary, a graded reader, and simple videos. Read what interests you: food, music, or the Camino de Santiago. When the topic is fun, your brain remembers more.

As you grow, try easy news and children’s books. Add a weekly chat with a partner or a tutor. Keep it light, keep it steady, and your Galician will grow.

  • Dicionario RAG (Real Academia Galega) for free definitions and examples.
  • CRTVG (Galician public TV) clips with clear speech; add subtitles if available.
  • Portal da Lingua Galega for grammar notes and beginner materials.
  • YouTube channels that teach Galician basics; search for "galego para principiantes".
  • Anki or other free flashcards to review words you want to say.

FAQ

Which country speaks Galician?
Spain. Galician is co-official in Galicia, a region in the northwest of Spain. You will also hear it in diaspora communities abroad.
Is Galician a dialect of Spanish?
No. Galician is a separate Romance language. It shares roots with Portuguese and has many words close to Spanish, but it has its own grammar and sounds.
Can Spanish speakers understand Galician?
Often yes, especially with simple topics. But full understanding is not guaranteed. For clear communication, it helps to learn basic Galician phrases.
How do you say one minute and that in Galician?
One minute is "Un minuto". The word that (neutral demonstrative) is "Iso". You can say, "Un minuto, por favor. Iso, grazas."
Is Galician hard for beginners to learn?
It is friendly for beginners, especially if you know some Spanish or Portuguese. With daily, short, free practice, you can reach A1 basics fast.

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