Learn the Lingo Before Your Next Trip
Before you travel abroad, learning some basic phrases in the language of your destination can help you interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. Even if you’re not fluent, the locals will appreciate the effort, and knowing a few phrases is sure to make your life easier during your trip.
At the bare minimum, when traveling in any foreign country, learn to say “hello,” “please,” “thank you,” and “help” in the local language. Here are some essential phrases, polite expressions, and practical tips to help you communicate with confidence and make the most of your adventure abroad.
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Key Phrases to Know for an International Trip
It can also be useful to know things like how to ask for directions, including directions to the nearest restrooms.
In Spain or Latin America, it’s good to know that “hola” is hello, “gracias” means thank you, and “¡socorro!” is how you say “help!”
Many of the most common and vital French phrases are already well-known: “Bonjour” translates to “hello” or “good morning,” and “merci” means “thank you.” To politely ask for a bathroom, ask, “Excusez-moi, où est la toilette?”
German speakers usually have a good command of English, but they’re also very appreciative when you speak a few words “auf Deutsch.”
For native English speakers, it’s relatively easy to pick up German vocabulary, as many words share similar roots with English. “Guten Tag” means “Good morning” or, literally, “Good day.” To thank someone, say “Danke” or “Danke schön.”
Visitors to Italy who can speak a bit of “Italiano” will have much more success interacting with local culture: “Per favore” means “please,” and “prego” is “you’re welcome.”If you get into trouble, shout “Aiuto!” or “Help!”
Picking up a couple of keywords goes a long way in China, too. Remember that Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, so how much you emphasize each syllable can change a word’s meaning. The word for “please” is “qǐng” (or “ching”). “Thank you” in Mandarin is “xièxiè” (or “shay-shay”).
In Russia, “please” is pronounced “pozhaluysta” or “pah-jaulsta.” Say “spasibo” for “thank you.”
Visitors who can speak some Arabic are warmly welcomed in the Middle East. Generally, the word for “thank you” is “shukran.” “Min fadlik” means “please.”
Speaking a bit of Portuguese can significantly enhance travel experiences in Portugal and Brazil. Anywhere you go, “Olá” is “hello” and “Bom dia” is “Good morning.” Say “obrigado” for “thank you” and “Seja bem-vindo” for “You’re welcome.”
Japanese may be a complex language to learn, but many high-frequency phrases for travelers are already internationally well-known. “Hello” in Japanese is “Kon’nichiwa,” and “goodbye” is “sayonara.” To thank someone, say “arigat?” and to excuse yourself, say “shitsurei.”
In a culture that values courtesy, it’s a good idea to learn at least a handful of polite expressions so you can interact appropriately. Before beginning to eat a meal, for example, it’s customary to say “Itadakimasu,” which roughly translates to “Enjoy!” or “Let’s eat!”
Helpful Language Resources
To make learning a new language easier and more practical, here’s a curated list of online resources, dictionaries, games, and courses for popular languages around the world.
These tools can help you pick up essential phrases, practice pronunciation, and build confidence before your trip.
Spanish Language Resources
French Language Resources
German Language Resources
Italian Language Resources
Mandarin Chinese Language Resources
Russian Language Resources
Arabic Language Resources
Portuguese Language Resources
Japanese Language Resources
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