Trying to learn a language for a trip abroad? Are those audio books stressing you out more than helping? Learning a language can be overwhelming, especially if your trip is approaching fast. While some have the option to fully learn another language before an upcoming trip, it\u2019s not practical for all travelers.<\/p>\n
If you find yourself in the latter camp, equip yourself with these 10 key phrases every traveler should know — you might not end up blending in with the natives, but you\u2019ll certainly get on their good side!<\/p>\n
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Phrase #1: \u201cThank you.\u201d
\n<\/b>Nothing says a polite visitor like a heartfelt \u201cthank you.\u201d Whether someone\u2019s giving you directions to the nearest coffee shop or your waiter is pouring your wine, \u201cthank you\u201d is a phrase that will come in handy on a daily basis and show the world that you have a few manners.<\/p>\n
Phrase #2: \u201cExcuse me.\u201d
\n<\/b>The same concept of politeness follows here. Whether you bump into someone on the street or are stopping someone for directions, saying \u201cexcuse me\u201d is not only a good way to get a person\u2019s attention, but it\u2019s much more polite than poking them or yelling \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n
Phrase #3: \u201cHow are you?\u201d
\n<\/b>Whether you\u2019re traveling abroad on business or just greeting the concierge at your hotel, it\u2019s always polite to ask how they are. Plus, most people in a hospitality position will probably ask you the same, so it\u2019s also important to understand the phrase so you know to properly respond.<\/p>\n
Phrase #4: \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d
\n<\/b>Just as you\u2019re likely to speak quickly in your native tongue, so too will the locals. So naturally, if you\u2019re still new to the language, you\u2019ll probably <\/b>find yourself saying this quite a bit. Even if you pick up bits and pieces of what someone\u2019s saying, don\u2019t guess — let them know that you didn\u2019t get everything so you fully understand what they mean.<\/p>\n
Phrase #5: \u201cI do not understand.\u201d
\n<\/b>This goes hand in hand with Phrase #2. Of course, in this case \u201cI do not understand\u201d might have less to do with not having heard certain words, and more because the English way of language construction can differ heavily from other languages. Ergo, you might know the words, but not the intent. Let your conversational partner know; he or she might be able to figure out a better way to explain what they\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n
Phrase #6: \u201cDo you speak English?\u201d
\n<\/b>Even if you know some of the language, there will come a time where you will need to have a more in-depth conversation that you can only do in your native tongue. Shake off the embarrassment and just ask. The worst they can say is no, and if they do speak English, then you\u2019re in luck!<\/p>\n
Phrase #7: \u201cWhere is the bathroom?\u201d
\n<\/b>Sure, you might cringe at the idea of telling someone in another country that you need to go to the bathroom, but there\u2019s a reason this phrase is commonly found in small language primers — it\u2019s a necessity. Besides, don\u2019t you ask waiters and waitresses at domestic restaurants the same thing from time to time? Asking about the location of the bathroom in a foreign country is no different than asking where it is at your local pub. Besides \u2026 who really wants to gesticulate about needing the bathroom? Asking is far less embarrassing.<\/p>\n
Phrase #8: \u201cHow much is this?\u201d
\n<\/b>The bargain shopper in you will appreciate this phrase. Even if you don\u2019t plan to buy much while abroad, it\u2019s important to know how much things cost. Especially if you\u2019re traveling somewhere with street vendors and open-air markets, it\u2019s possible that not everything will be marked, so you\u2019ll probably need to ask this at some point, so keep this phrase handy.<\/p>\n
Phrase #9: \u201cI would like\u2026\u201d
\n<\/b>Unless you\u2019re going the super-budget route and doing all of your shopping at a local grocery for picnicking later, you\u2019ll want to be on top of this phrase. If you\u2019re at a restaurant and can\u2019t pronounce something on the menu, throw out \u201cI would like\u2026\u201d and point to what it is you\u2019re trying to order. It won\u2019t fool anyone into thinking you\u2019re a native, but you might be more comfortable with it than butchering a phrase.<\/p>\n
Phrase #10: \u201cPlease call a doctor.\u201d
\n<\/b>Let\u2019s hope you\u2019ll never have to use this, but the necessity is pretty clear. Whether catching the flu from someone on your flight to a gastrointestinal issue from dietary changes, you might need a doctor \u2026 you\u2019ll need to know where to go and how to get one. Saying this phrase will help you get the attention you need. It\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n
With these key phrases in mind, you\u2019re ready to be an international jetsetter. Add a trusty translation app<\/a> to your phone, and you\u2019ll be good to go. Enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of another world and never again worry about the language barrier.<\/p>\n