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!”
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Spanish Language Learning Websites
- Word Reference Spanish-English Dictionary
- Spanish-English Translation and Spanish Conjugation
- Spanish Language Games and Lessons
- Spanish Language Survival Phrases
- Games to Help Learn Spanish
Learn to Speak French
- Peace Corps French Survival Guide (PDF)
- Collins French-English Dictionary
- Basic French Lessons from the University of Texas
- Free Beginner’s French Courses from Carnegie Mellon University
- Basic French Lessons
- French Language Learning Activities
- French Language Online Games and Lessons
German Language Resources
- A List of the Most Common German Words
- Deutsche Welle Online German Courses
- German-English Dictionary
- German-English Dictionary and Phrase Guide
- German Language Games and Activities
- Guide to German Vocabulary
Learn to Speak Italian
- Free Italian Language Resources
- Italian-English Online Translator
- Games to Help Learn Italian
- A Dummies’ Guide to Conversational Italian
- Italian Online Courses
- Audio Lessons on Italian Phrases
Mandarin Chinese Language Resources
- Mandarin Chinese Phrases
- Survival Chinese From CNTV
- Mandarin Pronunciation and Phrase Guide
- Mandarin-English Dictionary and Tools
- Mandarin-English Online Translator
- Mandarin Words and Phrases for Travelers
- BBC Learn Chinese with free online lessons
Russian Language Websites
- Russian-English Dictionary
- Russian Language Lessons Online
- Russian Language Audio Modules
- Online Basic Russian Language Course
- Russian Language Self-Study Guide
- Games and Activities to Learn Russian
Learn to Speak Arabic
- Arabic-English Dictionary
- Arabic-English Online Translator
- Arabic Useful Words and Phrases
- Basic Lessons in Reading Arabic
- Arabic Alphabet and Vocabulary Lessons
- Arabic Language Courses and Resources
Learn Portuguese
- Portuguese-English Online Translator
- Portuguese Phrases and Basic Lessons
- Basic Portuguese Vocabulary
- Portuguese Phrases for Travelers
- Learn Portuguese
- Portuguese Language Vocabulary Resources