The best phrases to learn before EVERY trip
I believe the quickest way to connect with locals is to speak at least a few words in the native language of whatever country you are visiting. It’s respectful, fun and gives you a certain sense of security (if you have ever been lost in a foreign country and unable to communicate with anyone you’ll know what I mean). And there are a few phrases I like to learn before every trip.
Yes, most people speak English now. But to assume absolutely everyone does – and wants to – is arrogant. I’m bilingual but I don’t have a natural ear for languages, so I usually put these phrases in a spreadsheet on my phone (yes, I am one of those crazy spreadsheet people) and write both the phonetic and written form of each phrase. If I can’t remember them on the spot I consult my spreadsheet!
Here are the phrases to learn before every trip:
HELLO, GOOD MORNING, GOOD EVENING, ETC.
‘Hello’ is pretty universal but I do like to extend my greetings to include some version of ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ to use at restaurants, etc. They’re usually simple to pronounce but can make a lot of difference. I also try to research how formal a country is with it’s greetings – not all restaurants/shops would respond well to an overly familiar ‘hi mate’.
YES AND NO
Obvious. Usually very easy. And you will use these A LOT.
PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Seems obvious again but it’s just polite to stick these on the end of a sentence. Everyone will appreciate it.
EXCUSE ME/DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH
To get someone’s attention – whether a staff member or a passer by – I try to learn the words for excuse me, as well as the phrase for ‘do you speak english’. Imagine if a stranger approached you and started asking you for directions in a completely different language, just expecting you to understand. This is more polite and can save you and the person time if they respond ‘no, sorry’.
WHERE IS….?
Ok so you might not want to learn all the words for ‘toilet’, ‘train station’, ‘exit’, etc (although I do try to learn the common ones) but at least learning ‘where is…’ can help a stranger understand that you are asking for help with directions. The rest can be figured out using hand gestures!
NUMBER 1-10 AND BEYOND
I like to know at least a few numbers in the language so I can ask for 2 tickets, one beer, etc and maybe understand if someone is telling me the price of something.
CAN I PAY PLEASE/CAN I GET THE BILL PLEASE
Although Brits love asking for the bill by writing in the air and mouthing something unintelligable at their waiter, this is not the usual – or the most polite – way to do it in other countries. Try to remember (or even write down) this phrase to use when you’re ready to pay and get going.
I DON’T UNDERSTAND
This phrase is just handy, and can be followed up with ‘do you speak english’ to keep the conversation going. Or it’s a get out of jail card if someone is bothering you.
Whether you learn 2 of the above phrases or all of them, the point is to show locals that you are trying. That you know you are visiting somewhere where they speak another language and you care enough to make a bit of effort. It goes a long, long way and as people will respond more warmly towards you, you will have a better time too!
I also recommend downloading a translate app such as Google Translate, for when you want to have a longer conversation. And if you want more general travel tips have a look at these other blog posts.
