7 Useful Phrases When Traveling Abroad

Mastering local greetings like 'Hello,' 'Thank you,' and 'Can you speak English?' can be incredibly handy for globetrotters.

Language seems to be the biggest barrier for backpackers exploring a foreign land. However, you can sneakily learn a few phrases in the native language to avoid amusing or awkward situations.

Here are 7 essential phrases you should Google and memorize before checking into any country. Apart from local languages, it's also beneficial to know how to say these phrases in some widely spoken languages like Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, just in case you don't encounter a native speaker. It may not need to be absolutely accurate, but pronouncing or writing them on paper or your phone can often save the day.

Hello

The most crucial and practical phrase is the greeting. It not only reflects politeness but also creates a positive impression from the very first encounter. Imagine entering a store or approaching someone on the street for assistance. Starting with a friendly smile and a native-language greeting will undoubtedly make the other person willing to help you.

Greetings not only serve as an introduction to the story but also demonstrate your proximity to the culture of the country you are eager to explore.

Can you speak English?

English is becoming increasingly popular and is used in many countries worldwide, especially among the youth. Finding someone who can speak English to guide you is the most time-efficient approach.

In many cases, if the person you ask cannot speak English, they will seek someone else who can help you. At the very least, you can articulate your request, better than waving your hands without anyone understanding what you need. This phrase is often overlooked before departure, but it is genuinely useful.

Thank you

Equally important as greetings is expressing gratitude. When receiving help from anyone, saying thank you accompanied by a bow or a nod in some cultures shows respect and politeness. Moreover, it enhances the positive image of your country in the eyes of the locals, making it easier to seek assistance in the future.

Apologies

Inadvertently causing inconvenience to someone, or simply asking for help when the other person is not truly ready, is unavoidable during a trip. Therefore, the phrase 'apologies' in the local language is crucial to learn to express cultural understanding and respect.

How much is this?

For women, this phrase seems to be the second most important, right after greetings, as almost every female traveler is passionate about shopping.

Shopping in small markets, flea markets, you can find unique items at reasonable prices. However, finding someone who can speak English in these places is not always easy. Therefore, pronouncing this phrase is like unlocking a conversation between the buyer and the seller.

Counting from 1 to 10

Numbers are not necessarily crucial to memorize, but if you plan to go shopping at the market, knowing them can be very helpful. Don't assume that in developed countries, we can't bargain at the market. Being flexible and proficient with numbers will give you an advantage when negotiating the price of an item within sight. Buyers and sellers can communicate and bargain more comfortably, especially when not always having a phone or pocket calculator to punch in numbers.

Experts and experienced travelers also advise that you should memorize numbers in the local language. In addition to bargaining, they are very useful for buying train or bus tickets, ordering food in restaurants, understanding concepts of time, and directions (in many places, people use phrases indicating directions through numbers like 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock instead of East, West, South, North).

There is a fact that learning counting in any language seems to be quite interesting, making it exciting and easier to remember.

I don't understand

Usually, when you greet or speak a few sentences in the native language, the other person easily assumes that you are fluent in that language and keeps explaining. Expressing that you completely don't understand what they are talking about will save them time explaining and prompt them to find a more effective way to help you.

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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour – By Ngôi Sao