About Madrid – Culture, Customs, Language

Madrid is the central hub of modern Spain, with a vibrant urban flair.  The city is a hive of activity, with great investments being made in construction and improvements to the city’s infrastructure. Madrid is also the country’s business center, home to an array of banks and international companies, and fashion capital—a fact easily gleaned from the citizens’ tasteful street style and the many trendy boutiques along the Calle de Serrano. Despite the hub-bub of daily life in the metropolis, Madrileños take it all in stride, giving the impression of being quite relaxed about it all. Barrios

Barrios

Similar to New York, each barrio (neighborhood) of Madrid has a different vibe to it. Here are a few of them:

  • Sol – the center of the city. This is the most touristy part of Madrid and the meeting spot for most Madrileños.
  • Malasana – similar to the east village. Malasana’s streets are lined with bars and restaurants, which is probably why this barrio is known for its young crowd.
  • Salamanca – comparable to the Upper East side of Manhattan. It is also one of the few places in Madrid where you will find the grid system.
  • Chueca – the center of Madrid’s gay scene. You’ll find lots of cool restaurants and shops around here too!

The People

In general, Spaniards are very friendly people with open character. The separation of work and life is of the utmost importance here. There are always strong fashion fads amongst the younger people, but keep an open mind as they can be very different from home. Also, be aware that not many people wear shoes that show toes, like sandals or flip-flops, and shorts are also rare. Spaniards take pride in their appearance and you will stand out if you dress too casually. APPLY NOWQuestions? Contact Us

Climate

Madrid has a dynamically varied climate—rich, sunny warmth in the summer and a damp cool breeziness during the winter. Winter temperatures rarely dip below freezing, even in the coldest months of December in January. When packing for a semester abroad, whether fall or spring, it’s best to bring clothes for layering, which can be easily piled on in the colder months or minimalized on sun-filled days.

 A few things to keep in mind

  • Madrid is very laid back. The attitude there can be summed up in the word “mañana,” as in we will get to it tomorrow.
  • Lunch, especially on weekends, is the biggest meal of the day and is usually eaten around 2pm.

Ten things to remember about Madrid

  1. Madrileños know how to relax, but it’s not in bunny slippers. If you just want to “hang out” do it at the park, a coffee shop, or a tapas place, and voilà! You’re Spanish.
  2. The rhythm of daily life is the opposite of the New York Minute.Some businesses close in the early afternoon for a long lunch break, and people eat dinner around 9 pm.
  3. Spaniards are opinionated and not afraid to speak their minds. Be aware that the concept of political correctness doesn’t apply here in the same way it does in the U.S.
  4. American culture is super-trendy in Madrid. Madrileños will have tons of questions for you! Realize you are not only speaking for yourself, but also for your fellow students and country.
  5. People are very conscious of pedestrian traffic flow. On escalators always stand on the right, and walk on the left.
  6. Don’t be surprised if you need your passport for certain purchases, like cell phones, or for hotel reservations. Also, credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the States. Always keep emergency cash on hand.
  7. On weekends the night might end with a late-night breakfast of chocolate con churros, but if you want bonus points for not sounding like a tourist, ask for porras instead of churros.
  8. PDAs are visible all over the city, especially in parks.
  9. Spaniards tend to be very warm; when introduced to someone new, even if it’s a friend of a friend you’ll never meet again, kisses on the cheek (one each side) are the norm.
  10. There is no “bubble” in Spain. You may notice people stand much closer together when they speak, and you will be no exception!

Language

When you are formally introduced to a Spaniard, you should say ‘good day’ (buenos días señor/señora/señorita) or ‘good afternoon/evening’ (buenas tardes) and shake hands. Spanish men shake hands on meeting and again on departing, whether it’s a casual meeting in the street or a formal occasion. Mature women should be addressed as señora.

‘Good afternoon’ (buenas tardes) is used instead of ‘good day’ (buenos días) after lunch, which can start as late as 3 p.m. until 9 or 10 p.m. Good night (buenas noches) is usually used when going to bed or leaving a house late at night.

Tipping

Another cultural contrast to the U.S. is found in tipping: In Europe, the service charge is included in your bill. As a result, Spaniards only leave propina (tip) if they wish to reward particularly extraordinary service, usually not more than a few coins. Tips are not given for drinks in bars or nightclubs.

Spanish Slang

  • Dame un toque means “to give me a ring/call”; Madrileños also use the toque to communicate, as in “Come pick me up around eight; call me when you get here [but I won’t pick up, I’ll just come outside to meet you]: dame un toque cuando lleges.”
  • Buenas – We’ve all learned “Hola, buenos días” in spanish one, but if you don’t know whether it’s evening yet or still morning, a simple “Buenas” as a greeting when entering a shop, etc works wonders.
  • A salir – For those commuting in Madrid’s spotless metro, you’ll be hearing this chorused all around you. In crowded trains, people ask the person next to them, “¿(Vas) a salir? [Are you going to get off here?]” so those whose stop is next can move closer to the doors.
  • A ti – literally “to you,” this is a nice way of saying “no problem/my pleasure.”
  • Dime (“tell me”) – if someone calls to you, this response is like the English, “Yah?/What’s up?”
  • Hombre – as an interjection, “hombre” means not “man” but “Hey/Look/Listen/Wow.” So yes, it can basically be used to start any sentence containing information.
  • Hasta luego – See you later. It is pronounced VERY funny in Madrid. It is pretty much one single sound: “TALUEGO!” This word is pretty much the appropriate response to everything. Even if you will not literally “see them later.”
  • Vale (pronounced “ba-lay”) – Okay. It is another catchall phrase and a great space filler, conversation closer, transition word, etc. Embrace the vale.
  • Tió – Essentially the equivalent of “buddy” or “bro” in English.