It can also involve exploring new cultures, tasting unfamiliar foods and getting immersed in the mindset of people living on a totally different part of our planet. Make your journey even enriching by learning few phrases of the local language. A couple of words do make your traveling experience better though, it enables you to communicate with locals easier or at least help guide you through areas and most importantly shows respect towards that culture.
In this guide, we are going to discuss how learning a few basic phrases can help you out and which phrases might be useful for travelers as well.
Why Learn Basic Phrases?
It is a simple way to show respect for the people where you are when you learn just a few words of their local language. The gesture is often met with a smile from locals, who may respond more favorably even if you butcher it in the pronunciation. Also, it will make your life easy when you need to use colloquial expressions in everyday situations like buying food or moving from a place to the other and making transactions at markets.
Checkout also the logical reasons to learn few sentences
No Misunderstandings: Even though most locals may speak your language, there are times when miscommunications happen. Just like with any language, it would be wise to learn at least a few words which you will definitely encounter on your trip — that way misunderstandings can easier type of phrase has been replaced by almost all other travelers.
It Builds Goodwill: Simply the attempt to speak their language will make a lot of locals smile, open up and treat you better or even give discounts.
Better experience: Speaking to the locals in their tongue can give you a taste of tradition and culture if, with luck, you may even end up hearing some interesting stories or tips which aren’t available inside travel guides.
Key Phrases for Travelers
First things first however, learn to say the basics. Concentrate on frequent day-to-day words and phrases Here are a few expressions and phrases you should learn before you next vacation:
Greetings
One of the best things you can do is that greet whoever come up to with their native language.
Hello — This is a common greeting that can sound very different in each language. Hello in France = Bonjour — Japan= Konnichiwa — Spain: Hola
Closure: It is important to say goodbye in a cordial manner. Some farewells are common “Au revoir”, French, Sayonara in Japanese and Adios from spanish.
Polite Words and Phrases
Please or thanks will cost you nothing, so even if just half heartedly please get to grips with the basics.
Please: S’il vous plaît, Bitte (Meaning please in German), Per favore
Gratitude: Without this we cannot entwine with anything and everything Spanish: Gracias Arabic:: Shukran Portuguese (for males): Obrigado/Portuguese (females only) :Obrigada
Excuse me/Sorry ( For example : “Sumimasen” in Japanese can be used for both) For apologies, you would use “Entschuldigung” in German and likely say “Perdón” to a Spanish-speaker.
Introducing Yourself
Short self introductions always make it easy to be friendly with others.
…simply say your name! — Me llamo [name]: (Spanish), Je m’appelle (French) and Watashi o wa [[your name]] desu ([Japanese]私は[[人名]]です/watashio ha fujimoto takuo).
Nice to meet you: Piacere (Italian) and Hen gāoxìng rènshi nǐ (Mandarin), Tasharraftu bimaʿrifatik.
Asking for Directions
It is hard to move in a new place, but knowing how to ask for directions helps.
Where is…? : In French, “Où est…?”; in German, “Wo ist…?”; and in Italian: whereami@GetMapping
How much does this cost? Oh pas cher: Not quite as classy, but still great for shopping — Combine can croute? in French, “Quanta costa?” In Italian, And Canto cuesta? in Spanish.
Ordering Food and Drinks
Knowing what to order when you eat out can make the whole experience more pleasurable.
I want…: in French, “Je veux…”; and then Japanese would be ——-o kudasai or English er please!
The bill, please: L’addition sail vows plait (When in French); Il canto per favored (Italian) and Akaike o onegaishimasu(Japanese).
How to Pick Up Local Phrases
Learning a new language doesn´t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few easy ways to learn basic phrases in advance of your trip:
Use Language Apps
Choose Duolingo, Babel or Memories to learn a few fundamental expressions without getting into too much depth. These apps are not meant to replace your Monday night pass time, just a fun way of learning a language with small lessons that will apply into the little cracks in any busy persons day.
View videos/Listen to podcasts
Not only does YouTube have hundreds of language learning videos for travelers, but it also has those like Remember2 where you can plan before your trip. Also, you can listen to podcasts in the language that will teach you how common phrases are pronounced and practice it on your way to work or break time.
Make Flashcards
Learning phrases in spare time are best done through flashcards. Physical or Digital Flashcards such as Enki, Quizlet Working on five to ten phrases at a time is manageable.
Practice with Native Speakers
This practice is even more effective if you can move on to speak with a native of the tongue. They might also give you some suggestions on lingo and local pronunciation. Or, if you currently do not know anybody using the target language nearby at all (in my case for Japanese), then use Hello Talk or Tandem to find partners with whom you can start speaking.
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If the pronunciation is right, it can change everything. Listen carefully to the pronunciation of words, as sounds you are unfamiliar with can sound wrong. Say phrases several times, out loud.
Write Things Down and Keep Notes / References Close By
Before you go, write the key-words or make those in your phone. Read your notes on-the-go for a quick refresher.
Language and Travel Go Hand-In-Hand
Inclusion of Simple Phrases Beyond Practical ale communication Mutation You get to enjoy your destination at a more personal level as well. It is easier to have a genuine conversation with the owner of that cozy little shop when you speak in his language and your everyday interaction with people just like yourself becomes more warm even through those brief encounters.
What is more, knowing and using a local expression shows that you value the culture of your host country and this means that you are not just another tourist but rather someone who wants to connect with the people in the place where they find themselves.
Conclusion
One of the easiest and most impactful things you can do as a traveler is learn basic phrases. A couple of words could break the barriers and would show respect to local cultures, making your traveling experience better. Ordering coffee in Italy, asking directions in Japan, or thanking someone in Brazil is more meaningful in the local language.
Thus, take the trouble and learn a few sentences before you next expedition. Your greatest travel experiences come from developing backpacking skills, creating memories far more lasting than photos. I am who I need to be, showing up and being intentional at the heart of it.
