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Traveling to a foreign country with a strange sounding language can be quite terrifying. Luckily, most tourist destinations cater to English speaking audiences, so it’s easy to see the world in the 21st Century, without knowing too many local phrases.

It’s even easier to explore parts unknown thanks to language translating apps. Some of these handy applications are even ready to educate without wifi. Combine that with regular use of a language learning app, and you’ll be conversational in no time…right?!

Best Phrases to Know While Traveling

Language Learning Phrases Swear Book Church
The little book of essential foreign swear words. Photo: Petter Duvander

Learning a new foreign language is an intimidating, daunting task. It’s also one that can be accomplished with consistent, routine practice. And the one of the best ways to begin any new language conquest is by learning some fun local phrases, the same types words no matter what language. Classic phrases like “please” and “thank you”.

A lot of these language learning basics could be done prior to arrival, perhaps on the flight over. Then actively listen for the words you’ve learned while in that local country. Speak SLOWLY your new phrases to the locals. See how they respond. Have FUN!

The best thing you can do is ask for some useful local phrases. Learn something unique. Funny and unexpected are good. Practice every chance you get. Make a fool of yourself. Nobody cares. Everyone appreciates you trying. Don’t be surprised if they speak back in English because they want to practice too.

Practice your words every day in public. Because if you are embarrassed to speak the new language, you will learn like shit. Even if you did acquire something slowly, you’ll have no use for it. Fill in English words when you need to, sometimes a word like toilet, is international.

Here are some useful phrases for your time abroad. Whether’s it’s a day trip or a whole year long abroad, you’ll have a richer experience the more you live and speak locally (affiliate link).

Pronouns

  • I, Me
  • You
  • She, Her
  • He, Him
  • They, Them
  • We, Us

Questions

  • What
  • Who
  • Where
  • Why
  • When
  • How

Small Talk

  • Hello
  • Goodbye
  • Good morning, Good day, Goodnight
  • See you (later, tomorrow)
  • Thank you
  • You’re welcome
  • How are you
  • I’m good, I’m bad, I’m tired, I’m thirsty, I’m hungry, I’m full
  • Awesome, Terrific, Great, Perfect
  • Of course
  • What is your name
  • My name is
  • Do you speak English
  • Do you understand

Directions

  • Left, Right, Forward/Straight, Back
  • Turn
  • Stop
  • Pull Over

Numbers, Time & Money

  • Count 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (bonus points for going to 100)
  • Minutes
  • Hours
  • O’Clock
  • What time is it
  • How much is it, How much does it cost
  • Check please, Bill please

Other Useful Words and Phrases

  • Relax
  • Let’s Go
  • Home
  • Sleep
  • Work
  • Hotel
  • Taxi
  • Food
  • Water
  • Beer
  • Cheers
  • Enjoy your meal
  • Swear word(s)
  • Ouch
  • You are beautiful
  • I love you
  • A Little
  • A Lot
  • Good Luck

Another local pleaser is to learn to say the country you’re from in the local tongue, such as “Estados Unidos de America” in Spanish.

Language Phrases to Know While Traveling Japan
Streets of Japan.

What phrase must you absolutely know when visiting a new country? My favorite is “Let’s Go!”