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Learning the Language of your Travel Destination

Foreign Language Tips for your Next Trip

Before you travel abroad, learning some basic phrases in the language of your destination can help you interact with locals and understand more 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.

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” is “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 easy to pick up German vocabulary, as many words have similar roots to 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, just shout “Aiuto!” or “Help!”

Picking up a couple of key words 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 deeply enhance travels 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 difficult language to learn, but many high-frequency phrases for travelers are already internationally well-known. “Hello” in Japanese is “Kon’nichiwa” and “goodbye” is “sayanara.” 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 normal to say “Itadakimasu,” which loosely means “Enjoy!” or “Let’s eat!”

Helpful: 5 Best Language Apps for Ex-Pats

Spanish Language Learning Websites

Learn to Speak French

German Language Resources

Learn to Speak Italian

Mandarin Chinese Language Resources

Russian Language Websites

Learn to Speak Arabic

Learn Portuguese

Japanese Language Resources

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