What language is spoken in Gibraltar?

Short answer

English is Gibraltar's official language and is used in government, schools, business and signage, so visitors can get by entirely in English. Spanish is also widely spoken, and many Gibraltarians use Llanito, a local mix of Andalusian Spanish and English, in everyday conversation.

Detailed answer

English everywhere

English is the official language and is used by government, in schools and in business, so visitors can manage entirely in English in shops, restaurants, hotels and public services. Some signs, such as those in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Spanish and Llanito

Most Gibraltarians also speak Spanish, and you will often hear locals switch between English and Spanish within the same conversation. This local way of speaking, known as Llanito, is based mainly on Andalusian Spanish with many English words mixed in. It is a strong part of Gibraltarian identity, although younger people increasingly use English.

Sign language

British Sign Language has been legally recognised as a language of Gibraltar since the British Sign Language Act 2022 came into force on Thursday 16 June 2022.

Crossing into Spain

If you cross the border into neighbouring Spain, Spanish is the main language, so a few basic Spanish phrases are useful for a day trip.