When traveling in a foreign country, especially one in which English isn't the first language, it can be daunting. So it's important to learn a few key phrases that will help you get around, shop, eat and find restrooms. Read on to learn some handy traveling phrases.
Thank You in 15 Languages
If you're traveling on other continents, you'll encounter many different languages, such as French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Russian, Dutch, German, Spanish, and so many more that we can't possibly list them all. You don't have to learn entire languages just to get around. But there are some common phrases that you'll use on a daily basis - phrases that will help you feel at ease and also show the locals that you're making an effort to speak their language.
Key Words and Phrases to Learn in Other Languages
- Yes
- No
- Hello
- Goodbye
- Please
- Thank-you
- Sorry
- Excuse me
- Restroom
- Restaurant
- Grocery Store
- How much?
- Where is...?
- Do you speak English?
- I don't know
- I don't understand
Language Dictionaries
Language Similarities
Some foreign languages are hard to grasp - like Chinese, Greek or Russian - especially when different characters replace the 26-letter alphabet that we're used to. Others - like French, Spanish and Italian - have many similarities to English. Many languages use the same or similar word, for example, goodbye in Spanish is adios, while goodbye in Portuguese is adeus. Other languages simplify things by using the same word for both hello and goodbye, for example, in French you'd say salut, and in Italian you'd say ciao (pronounced chow).
Greek Alphabet
Language Dictionaries
The best investment you can make before embarking on a trip to a foreign language country is a translation dictionary. It's the perfect thing to read on the plane or during car rides. You could also put this list of key phrases into an online translator before you leave, and print out a cheat sheet. Practice saying these phrases out loud with your parents or siblings. If you're really having trouble saying certain phrases, a cheat sheet will allow you to show a local your question on the paper rather than forcing you to memorize different words.
Have Your Say
What languages do you want to learn? Which ones do you study in school? Tell us in our comment section below!
