In our last post about languages, we suggested that you just get out there and start talking. And here, to help you do it, is our list of the essential language phrases we always make sure to learn, even in the most intimidating of languages. We’ve done a little of the work for you, but you will have to look them up for each language you’re hoping to speak. (In the event that you are not a planner, we find that, working as a team, we can usually get through the first list in the airport while waiting to board the plane, and the second waiting for it to take off.) Be sure to listen to the phrases in addition to writing them down, or to make sure you write them phonetically.
For a Weekend – the Bare Necessities
- Hello and goodbye
- Thank you and you’re welcome
- Please and I’m sorry
- Yes and no
- Do you speak English?
- I don’t speak XX (language)
- I don’t understand
- How much is it?
- Where is the bathroom [but remember ‘where is’ as it’ll come in handy for other stuff!]
- Help me!
For a Week – Now You’re Making Friends!
Beyond those essential language phrases, we make sure to tack on this group of ten when we’re staying somewhere for more than a day or two; they help immeasurably in getting around and in being polite. And they are, of course, expandable: for example, ‘what do you recommend’ can take be followed by ‘that we see’ or ‘that we eat’.
- Numbers 1-12
- We are XX persons
- I am/we are from XX (country)
- That was delicious!
- Could you please bring the bill?
- Excuse me [in some languages, ‘I’m sorry’, above, does this work, but in others there is a separate phrase when you want to get someone’s attention.]
- What time is XX?
- I am/we are staying at (neighborhood, street, hotel)
- I/we love XX (city or country)
- What do you recommend?
Personal Needs
It’s worth thinking about a personalized set of essential language phrases. For instance, if any of the below situations apply to you, you will also want to memorize some versions of the following:
- I can’t eat XX/I’m a vegetarian/I’m allergic to XX.
- Could we have a room XX (on a low floor, on a high floor, near the elevator, etc. etc.),
- I have (medical condition).
- I need a doctor.
Here’s hoping you don’t find your homework too onerous, and that these phrases are as useful to you as they have been to us!
This is very useful: but the trouble with questions like “where is”, is that you have to be able to understand the answer. This is not always going to happen.
It’s true! That’s where the idiot smile and the pointing come in. We find a shrug of the shoulders and a helpless look, while we point in a direction we think might be the right one also works wonders! Thanks for writing!