What's the difference???
Oct 2nd 2011 | 4:37 am
#31
Not Banned (yet)
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,404
From: East Sussex
Re: What's the difference???
If there are only women at the queue, you can ask ¿Quién es la última?, but if you're unsure whether there are men, then the correct question is ¿Quién es el último?
Oct 2nd 2011 | 5:09 am
#32
Spanish, 40
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 287
From: Surrey. Back to Spain in 2012
Re: What's the difference???
Things are changing... but just in case I do change gender depending on who is in the queue.
OR... we can all go equality crazy and ask "¿Quien es el último o la última, por favor?". I do get annoyed when politicians feel female voters want them to say things in both genders... Actions, not words!!!
Oct 2nd 2011 | 5:23 am
#33
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,008
Re: What's the difference???
I completely agree about the excessive P's and Q's in the UK... I actually tried hard and managed to get 8 out of one poor sale assistant once, was that a personal record? In Spain they would have saved maybe 6 or even all of them! I normally only say it once, when I have everything I am to buy from that person and the change in my pocket, and maybe 2 in the UK so they won't think that my parents didn't do a good job, not because I think so many courtesies are actually necessary for a very simple task.
But on the other hand, I do greet people in the street, in a lift or in a bar, say "que aproveche", ask for "el último?"... and yes, quite often I say "hasta luego" even to people I don't know and don't expect to see later on.
I know many people who don't smile at all unless you are a very close friend or family... in Spain and in the UK. I think that is more a personal thing than anything.
Different manners... but we are normally just as sticky as you are when it comes to say our good-byes (in plural!)
But on the other hand, I do greet people in the street, in a lift or in a bar, say "que aproveche", ask for "el último?"... and yes, quite often I say "hasta luego" even to people I don't know and don't expect to see later on.
I know many people who don't smile at all unless you are a very close friend or family... in Spain and in the UK. I think that is more a personal thing than anything.
Different manners... but we are normally just as sticky as you are when it comes to say our good-byes (in plural!)
Apparently it is not good manners at all, because if a comment made to a diner,then they are expected to answer,and with a mouth full of food it can be quite difficult.
Also, if in a restaurant, there could have been quite afew others who have made the same "bon apetit" type comments to the diners, so they could be a little peed off after the 20th for example.
Apparently the Spanish upper class pass by without commenting when the see people eating.....
Also,people in a restaurant are often talking business or want to feel anonymous.
Last edited by JLFS; Oct 2nd 2011 at 5:29 am.
Oct 2nd 2011 | 9:53 am
#37
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,174
From: near Colmenar, Prov de Malaga
Re: What's the difference???
..... or you could view it as couples wanting to be anonymous in restaurants (or anywhere else for that matter) at least one of them must be a rat!
Last edited by fionamw; Oct 2nd 2011 at 9:54 am. Reason: lengua
Oct 2nd 2011 | 12:58 pm
#38
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,646
From: Near Alora....but not too near. :)
Re: What's the difference???
In reality it a 'Hi I've seen you but don't have time to stop' sort of greeting.
Last edited by megmet; Oct 2nd 2011 at 1:19 pm.
Oct 3rd 2011 | 6:31 am
#40
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,174
From: near Colmenar, Prov de Malaga
Re: What's the difference???
I've got to say I've still never heard anyone saying adios as a greeting in isolation. Other than its usual use, I've only ever heard adios as a reply to someone saying hola, or buenas, (etc) as a kind of 'yep, seen you, hi, not going to stop, see you again' ....
Oct 3rd 2011 | 6:48 am
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 228
Re: What's the difference???
They say that in our area, its quite normal Lol !
Oct 3rd 2011 | 6:50 am
#42
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,174
From: near Colmenar, Prov de Malaga
Oct 3rd 2011 | 6:57 am
#43
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 228
Re: What's the difference???
Yes, I do it myself too 
Oct 3rd 2011 | 9:54 am
#45
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,174
From: near Colmenar, Prov de Malaga
