Traveling and want to know useful phrases in different languages?
Good, this guide will help ya.
I’ve put together the most useful phrases in 22 languages.. from Japanese and Korean to Arabic, Thai and Cantonese. Each one has a simple phonetic guide so you can pronounce it. Oh, and there are PDF cheat sheets for each language below.
Useful Phrases in Different Languages
1. Hello & Goodbye
Learning a language always starts with a greeting. So, here are the ways to say hello and bye in 20+ languages.
Hello in Different Languages
| Language | Hello | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Marhaba مرحبا | mar-HAH-bah |
| Cantonese | Nei hou 你好 | nay-HOH |
| Czech | Dobrý den | DOH-bree den |
| Dutch | Hallo | HAH-loh |
| Filipino | Kamusta | kah-moo-STAH |
| Finnish | Hei | hay |
| French | Bonjour | bon-ZHOOR |
| German | Guten Tag | GOO-ten tahk |
| Greek | Yassou Γεια σου | YAH-soo |
| Hebrew | Shalom שלום | shah-LOHM |
| Hindi | Namaste नमस्ते | nah-mah-STAY |
| Italian | Ciao | CHOW |
| Japanese | Kon’nichiwa こんにちは | kon-NEE-chee-wah |
| Korean | Annyeonghaseyo 안녕하세요 | an-NYONG-hah-say-yo |
| Mandarin | Nǐ hǎo 你好 | nee-HOW |
| Norwegian | Hei | hay |
| Polish | Cześć | cheshch |
| Portuguese | Olá | oh-LAH |
| Russian | Privet Привет | pree-VYET |
| Spanish | Hola | OH-lah |
| Swedish | Hej | hay |
| Thai | Sawadee สวัสดี | sah-wah-DEE |
Bye in Different Languages
| Language | Goodbye | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Ma’a salama مع السلامة | mah-ah sah-LAH-mah |
| Cantonese | Joi gin 再見 | joy-GIN |
| Czech | Na shledanou | nah-SKHLEH-dah-noh |
| Dutch | Dag | dahkh |
| Filipino | Paalam | pah-AH-lahm |
| Finnish | Näkemiin | NAH-keh-meen |
| French | Au revoir | oh-reh-VWAHR |
| German | Auf Wiedersehen | owf-VEE-der-zayn |
| Greek | Andío Αντίο | an-DEE-oh |
| Hebrew | Lehitraot להתראות | leh-heet-rah-OHT |
| Hindi | Alvida अलविदा | al-VEE-dah |
| Italian | Arrivederci | ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee |
| Japanese | Ja ne じゃね | jah-neh |
| Korean | Annyeonghi gaseyo 안녕히 가세요 | an-NYONG-hee gah-say-yo |
| Mandarin | Zàijiàn 再见 | zye-JYEN |
| Norwegian | Ha det | hah-deh |
| Polish | Do widzenia | doh vee-DZEN-yah |
| Portuguese | Adeus | ah-DAY-oosh |
| Russian | Do svidaniya До свидания | doh svee-DAH-nyah |
| Spanish | Adiós | ah-dee-OHS |
| Swedish | Hejdå | hay-DOH |
| Thai | La gon ลาก่อน | lah-GAWN |
2. Please
Saying thank you in different languages will go a long way. So, be sure to remember these…
| Language | Please | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Min fadlak من فضلك | min FAD-lak |
| Cantonese | M’goi 唔該 | mm-GOY |
| Czech | Prosím | PROH-seem |
| Dutch | Alsjeblieft | als-yuh-BLEEFT |
| Filipino | Pakiusap | pah-kee-OO-sap |
| Finnish | Ole hyvä | OH-leh HEW-vah |
| French | S’il vous plaît | seel voo PLAY |
| German | Bitte | BIT-teh |
| Greek | Parakaló Παρακαλώ | pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Hebrew | Bevakasha בבקשה | beh-vah-kah-SHAH |
| Hindi | Kripaya कृपया | krip-AH-yah |
| Italian | Per favore | pehr fah-VOH-reh |
| Japanese | Onegaishimasu お願いします | oh-neh-gai-shee-MASS |
| Korean | Butakamnida 부탁합니다 | boo-tak-am-NEE-dah |
| Mandarin | Qǐng 请 | ching |
| Norwegian | Vær så snill | vair soh snil |
| Polish | Proszę | PROH-sheh |
| Portuguese | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Russian | Pozhaluysta Пожалуйста | pah-ZHAH-loo-stah |
| Spanish | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Swedish | Tack | tahk |
| Thai | Garuna กรุณา | gah-roo-NAH |
3. Thank you
Saying thank you in different languages will go a long way. So, be sure to remember these…
| Language | Thank You | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Shukran شكراً | SHOOK-ran |
| Cantonese | Doje 多謝 | doh-JYEH |
| Czech | Děkuji | DYEH-koo-yee |
| Dutch | Dank je wel | dahnk yuh vel |
| Filipino | Salamat | sah-LAH-mat |
| Finnish | Kiitos | KEE-tohs |
| French | Merci | mehr-SEE |
| German | Danke | DAHN-keh |
| Greek | Efharistó Ευχαριστώ | ef-hah-ree-STOH |
| Hebrew | Toda תודה | toh-DAH |
| Hindi | Dhanyavaad धन्यवाद | dhan-yah-VAHD |
| Italian | Grazie | GRAT-syeh |
| Japanese | Arigatō ありがとう | ah-ree-gah-TOH |
| Korean | Gamsahamnida 감사합니다 | gam-sah-ham-NEE-dah |
| Mandarin | Xièxie 谢谢 | syeh-SYEH |
| Norwegian | Takk | tahk |
| Polish | Dziękuję | jen-KOO-yeh |
| Portuguese | Obrigado / Obrigada | oh-bree-GAH-doo / dah |
| Russian | Spasibo Спасибо | spah-SEE-boh |
| Spanish | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| Swedish | Tack så mycket | tahk soh MEW-ket |
| Thai | Khob khun ขอบคุณ | kob-KOON |
4. Pardon Me / Excuse Me
It’s also good to know how to say excuse me in many languages. Politeness is huge.
| Language | Excuse Me / Pardon Me | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Afwan عفواً | AF-wan |
| Cantonese | M’goi 唔該 | mm-GOY |
| Czech | Promiňte | PROH-min-teh |
| Dutch | Pardon | par-DON |
| Filipino | Patawad | pah-TAH-wad |
| Finnish | Anteeksi | AN-teek-see |
| French | Excusez-moi | ex-kyoo-zay MWAH |
| German | Entschuldigung | ent-SHOOL-dig-oong |
| Greek | Signómi Συγγνώμη | see-GNOH-mee |
| Hebrew | Slicha סליחה | slee-KHAH |
| Hindi | Maaf kijiye माफ़ कीजिए | mahf KEE-jee-yeh |
| Italian | Scusi | SKOO-zee |
| Japanese | Sumimasen すみません | soo-mee-mah-SEN |
| Korean | Sillyehamnida 실례합니다 | sil-lyeh-ham-NEE-dah |
| Mandarin | Duìbuqǐ 对不起 | dway-boo-CHEE |
| Norwegian | Unnskyld | OON-shool |
| Polish | Przepraszam | psheh-PRAH-shahm |
| Portuguese | Com licença | kom lee-SEN-sah |
| Russian | Izvinite Извините | eez-vee-NEE-teh |
| Spanish | Perdón | pehr-DON |
| Swedish | Ursäkta | oor-SEK-tah |
| Thai | Kho thot ขอโทษ | koh-TOHT |
5. My Name Is…
Just in case you make a friend.
| Language | My Name Is… | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | اسمي… (Ismi…) | IS-mee… |
| Cantonese | 我叫… (Ngo giu…) | ngoh gyoo… |
| Czech | Jmenuji se… | ymeh-NOO-yee seh… |
| Dutch | Mijn naam is… | myn nahm is… |
| Filipino | Ang pangalan ko ay… | ang pang-AH-lan koh ay… |
| Finnish | Nimeni on… | NEE-meh-nee on… |
| French | Je m’appelle… | zhuh mah-PEL… |
| German | Mein Name ist… | myne NAH-meh ist… |
| Greek | Με λένε… (Me lene…) | meh LEH-neh… |
| Hebrew | שמי… (Shmi…) | shmee… |
| Hindi | मेरा नाम है… (Mera naam hai…) | meh-RAH nahm hay… |
| Italian | Mi chiamo… | mee KYAH-moh… |
| Japanese | 私の名前は… (Watashi no namae wa…) | wah-TAH-shee no nah-mah-eh wah… |
| Korean | 제 이름은… (Je ireumeun…) | jeh ee-reum-eun… |
| Mandarin | 我叫… (Wǒ jiào…) | woh jyow… |
| Norwegian | Jeg heter… | yay HEH-ter… |
| Polish | Nazywam się… | nah-ZYH-vahm sheh… |
| Portuguese | O meu nome é… | oo meh-oo NOH-meh eh… |
| Russian | Меня зовут… (Menya zovut…) | meh-NYAH zah-VOOT… |
| Spanish | Me llamo… | meh YAH-moh… |
| Swedish | Jag heter… | yag HEH-ter… |
| Thai | ผมชื่อ… / ฉันชื่อ… (Phom chue… / Chan chue…) | pom choo… / chan choo… |
6. How Are You?
This is one of the most common phrases in foreign languages to know. Perhaps right after “hello” and “bye.”
| Language | How Are You? | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Kayfa halak? كيف حالك؟ | KAY-fah HAH-lak |
| Cantonese | Nei hou ma? 你好嗎？ | nay HOH mah |
| Czech | Jak se máte? | yak seh MAH-teh |
| Dutch | Hoe gaat het? | hoo gaht het |
| Filipino | Kamusta ka? | kah-moo-STAH kah |
| Finnish | Kuinka voit? | KWEEN-kah voyt |
| French | Comment allez-vous? | koh-mahn tah-lay VOO |
| German | Wie geht es Ihnen? | vee gayt es EE-nen |
| Greek | Pos eisai? Πώς είσαι; | pohs EE-seh |
| Hebrew | Ma shlomcha? מה שלומך? | mah shlohm-KHAH |
| Hindi | Aap kaise hain? आप कैसे हैं? | aap KAY-seh hain |
| Italian | Come sta? | KOH-meh stah |
| Japanese | O-genki desu ka? お元気ですか？ | oh-GEN-kee dess-kah |
| Korean | Eotteoke jinaeseyo? 어떻게 지내세요? | oh-TTOH-keh jee-neh-SAY-yo |
| Mandarin | Nǐ hǎo ma? 你好吗？ | nee HOW mah |
| Norwegian | Hvordan har du det? | VOOR-dan har doo deh |
| Polish | Jak się masz? | yak sheh mahsh |
| Portuguese | Como está? | KOH-moo esh-TAH |
| Russian | Kak dela? Как дела? | kak deh-LAH |
| Spanish | ¿Cómo está usted? | KOH-moh es-TAH oo-STED |
| Swedish | Hur mår du? | hoor mohr doo |
| Thai | Khun pen yangrai bang? คุณเป็นอย่างไรบ้าง? | koon pen yahng-RYE bahng |
7. I’m Fine, Thank You
Now, here’s how you answer that “how are you” in 20+ languages…
| Language | I’m Fine, Thank You | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Ana bikhair, shukran أنا بخير، شكراً | AH-nah bi-KHAYR, SHOOK-ran |
| Cantonese | Ngo hou hou, m’goi 我好好，唔該 | ngoh HOH HOH, mm-GOY |
| Czech | Mám se dobře, děkuji | mahm seh DOH-brzheh, DYEH-koo-yee |
| Dutch | Goed, dank je wel | khoot, dahnk yuh vel |
| Filipino | Mabuti, salamat | mah-BOO-tee, sah-LAH-mat |
| Finnish | Voin hyvin, kiitos | voyn HEW-vin, KEE-tohs |
| French | Je vais bien, merci | zhuh vay byan, mehr-SEE |
| German | Mir geht es gut, danke | meer gayt es goot, DAHN-keh |
| Greek | Eimai kala, efharisto Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ | EE-meh kah-LAH, ef-hah-ree-STOH |
| Hebrew | Ani beseder, toda אני בסדר, תודה | ah-NEE beh-SEH-der, toh-DAH |
| Hindi | Main theek hoon, dhanyavaad मैं ठीक हूँ, धन्यवाद | main theek hoon, dhan-yah-VAHD |
| Italian | Sto bene, grazie | stoh BEH-neh, GRAT-syeh |
| Japanese | Genki desu, arigatō 元気です、ありがとう | GEN-kee dess, ah-ree-gah-TOH |
| Korean | Jal jinaeyo, gamsahamnida 잘 지내요, 감사합니다 | jal jee-neh-yo, gam-sah-ham-NEE-dah |
| Mandarin | Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxie 我很好，谢谢 | woh hen HOW, syeh-SYEH |
| Norwegian | Jeg har det bra, takk | yay har deh brah, tahk |
| Polish | Dobrze, dziękuję | DOH-bzheh, jen-KOO-yeh |
| Portuguese | Estou bem, obrigado | esh-TOH baym, oh-bree-GAH-doo |
| Russian | Khorosho, spasibo Хорошо, спасибо | khah-rah-SHOH, spah-SEE-boh |
| Spanish | Estoy bien, gracias | es-TOY byen, GRAH-syahs |
| Swedish | Jag mår bra, tack | yag mohr brah, tahk |
| Thai | Chan sabai di, khob khun ฉันสบายดี ขอบคุณ | chan sah-bye dee, kob-KOON |
8. Do You Speak English?
When you just can’t handle Japanese, Korean, or whatever language… this is your lifeline.
| Language | Do You Speak English? | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatakallam al-injiliziyya?) | hal tah-TAH-kal-am al in-jee-LEE-zee-yah |
| Cantonese | 你識唔識講英文？(Nei sik m’sik gong Yingman?) | nay sik mm-sik gong ying-MAN |
| Czech | Mluvíte anglicky? | mloo-VEE-teh ANG-lits-ky |
| Dutch | Spreekt u Engels? | spraykt oo ENG-els |
| Filipino | Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles? | nag-sah-sah-LEE-tah kah bah nang ING-les |
| Finnish | Puhutko englantia? | poo-HOOT-koh ENG-lan-tee-ah |
| French | Parlez-vous anglais? | par-lay voo ong-GLAY |
| German | Sprechen Sie Englisch? | SHPREH-khen zee ENG-lish |
| Greek | Μιλάτε αγγλικά; (Milate anglika?) | mee-LAH-teh ang-lee-KAH |
| Hebrew | אתה מדבר אנגלית? (Ata medaber Anglit?) | ah-TAH meh-dah-BEHR ang-LEET |
| Hindi | क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं? (Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?) | kyah aap an-GRAY-zee BOL-teh hain |
| Italian | Parla inglese? | PAR-lah een-GLAY-zeh |
| Japanese | 英語を話せますか？(Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) | ay-go oh hah-nah-seh-MASS-kah |
| Korean | 영어 할 줄 아세요? (Yeongeo hal jul aseyo?) | young-oh hal jool ah-SAY-yo |
| Mandarin | 你会说英语吗？(Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?) | nee hway shwoh ying-YOO mah |
| Norwegian | Snakker du engelsk? | SNAH-ker doo ENG-elsk |
| Polish | Czy mówi pan po angielsku? | chih MOO-vee pan poh an-GYEL-skoo |
| Portuguese | Você fala inglês? | voh-SAY fah-lah een-GLESH |
| Russian | Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govorite po-angliyski?) | vy gah-vah-REE-teh poh ang-LEEY-skee |
| Spanish | ¿Habla usted inglés? | AH-blah oo-STED een-GLES |
| Swedish | Talar du engelska? | TAH-lar doo ENG-el-skah |
| Thai | คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม? (Khun phut phasa Angkrit dai mai?) | koon poot pah-SAH ang-GRIT dai mai |
9. I am from… (country)
Chances are, you’ll be asked where you’re from. Just add your country name after the phrase.
Country names are often similar enough across languages so locals will understand you even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect
| Language | I Am From… | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | أنا من… (Ana min…) | AH-nah min… |
| Cantonese | 我嚟自… (Ngo lai ji…) | ngoh lai jee… |
| Czech | Jsem z… | sem z… |
| Dutch | Ik kom uit… | ik kom owt… |
| Filipino | Ako ay mula sa… | AH-koh ay MOO-lah sah… |
| Finnish | Olen kotoisin… | OH-len KOH-toy-sin… |
| French | Je viens de… | zhuh vyan duh… |
| German | Ich komme aus… | ikh KOM-meh ows… |
| Greek | Είμαι από… (Eimai apo…) | EE-meh ah-POH… |
| Hebrew | אני מ… (Ani mi…) | ah-NEE mee… |
| Hindi | मैं… से हूँ (Main… se hoon) | main… seh hoon… |
| Italian | Sono di… | SOH-noh dee… |
| Japanese | 私は…から来ました (Watashi wa… kara kimashita) | wah-TAH-shee wah… kah-rah kee-mah-SHEE-tah |
| Korean | 저는…에서 왔어요 (Jeoneun…eseo wasseoyo) | joh-neun…eh-soh wah-ssoh-yo |
| Mandarin | 我来自… (Wǒ láizì…) | woh lye-ZEE… |
| Norwegian | Jeg er fra… | yay air frah… |
| Polish | Jestem z… | YES-tem z… |
| Portuguese | Eu sou de… | eh-oo soh deh… |
| Russian | Я из… (Ya iz…) | yah eez… |
| Spanish | Soy de… | soy deh… |
| Swedish | Jag kommer från… | yag KOM-mer frohn… |
| Thai | ฉันมาจาก… (Chan ma jak…) | chan mah jak… |
10. Where Is the Bathroom?
Now this is a crucial Survival Phrase to know. Can”t live without a bathroom.
| Language | Where Is the Bathroom? | Phonetic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Arabic | أين الحمام؟ (Ayna al-hammam?) | AY-nah al-ham-MAHM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cantonese | 廁所喺邊度？(Cesuo hai bindou?) | tsi-SOH hai bin-DOH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Czech | Kde je toaleta? | kdeh yeh toh-ah-LEH-tah | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dutch | Waar is het toilet? | vaar is het twah-LET | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Filipino | Nasaan ang banyo? | nah-SAH-an ang BAN-yoh | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finnish | Missä on vessa? | MIS-sah on VES-sah | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| French | Où sont les toilettes? | oo son lay twah-LET | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| German | Wo ist die Toilette? | voh ist dee twah-LET-eh | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Greek | Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (Pou einai i toualeta?) | poo EE-neh ee twah-leh-TAH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hebrew | איפה השירותים? (Eifo hasherutim?) | AY-foh hah-sheh-roo-TEEM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Language | How Much Is This? | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | كم سعر هذا؟ (Kam si’r hatha?) | kam SEE-ir HAH-thah |
| Cantonese | 呢個幾多錢？(Ni go gei do chin?) | nee-GOH gay-DOH chin |
| Czech | Kolik to stojí? | KOH-lik toh STOH-yee |
| Dutch | Hoeveel kost dit? | HOO-vayl kost dit |
| Filipino | Magkano ito? | mag-KAH-noh EE-toh |
| Finnish | Paljonko tämä maksaa? | PAL-yon-koh TAH-mah MAK-sah |
| French | Combien ça coûte? | kom-BYAN sah koot |
| German | Wie viel kostet das? | vee feel KOS-tet das |
| Greek | Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό; (Poso kostizei afto?) | POH-soh koh-STEE-zee af-TOH |
| Hebrew | כמה זה עולה? (Kama ze ole?) | KAH-mah zeh OH-leh |
| Hindi | यह कितने का है? (Yeh kitne ka hai?) | yeh KIT-neh kah hay |
| Italian | Quanto costa questo? | KWAN-toh KOS-tah KWES-toh |
| Japanese | これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka?) | koh-reh wah ee-KOO-rah dess-kah |
| Korean | 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) | ee-goh ol-MAH-yeh-yo |
| Mandarin | 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshao qián?) | jeh-geh dwoh-SHAO chyen |
| Norwegian | Hvor mye koster dette? | voor MEW-eh KOS-ter DEH-teh |
| Polish | Ile to kosztuje? | EE-leh toh kosh-TOO-yeh |
| Portuguese | Quanto custa isto? | KWAN-too KOOS-tah EES-too |
| Russian | Сколько это стоит? (Skolko eto stoit?) | SKOL-kah EH-tah STOH-eet |
| Spanish | ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? | KWAN-toh KWES-tah ES-toh |
| Swedish | Hur mycket kostar det? | hoor MEW-ket KOS-tar deh |
| Thai | อันนี้ราคาเท่าไหร่? (An ni raka thaorai?) | an-NEE rah-KAH tow-RYE |
12. This, Please
This may be one of your most used phrases. Whether you’re pointing at a menu or something at the store… even if you don’t know how to say the name, you can just say “this please.”
| Language | This Please | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | هذا من فضلك (Hatha min fadlak) | HAH-thah min FAD-lak |
| Cantonese | 呢個唔該 (Ni go m’goi) | nee-GOH mm-GOY |
| Czech | Toto prosím | TOH-toh PROH-seem |
| Dutch | Dit alsjeblieft | dit als-yuh-BLEEFT |
| Filipino | Ito nga po | EE-toh ngah poh |
| Finnish | Tämä ole hyvä | TAH-mah OH-leh HEW-vah |
| French | Ceci s’il vous plaît | seh-SEE seel voo PLAY |
| German | Das bitte | das BIT-teh |
| Greek | Αυτό παρακαλώ (Afto parakaló) | af-TOH pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Hebrew | את זה בבקשה (Et ze bevakasha) | et zeh beh-vah-kah-SHAH |
| Hindi | यह कृपया (Yeh kripaya) | yeh krip-AH-yah |
| Italian | Questo per favore | KWES-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh |
| Japanese | これをください (Kore o kudasai) | koh-reh oh koo-dah-SYE |
| Korean | 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) | ee-goh joo-SAY-yo |
| Mandarin | 这个请 (Zhège qǐng) | jeh-geh ching |
| Norwegian | Dette takk | DEH-teh tahk |
| Polish | To poproszę | toh poh-PROH-sheh |
| Portuguese | Isto por favor | EES-too por fah-VOR |
| Russian | Вот это пожалуйста (Vot eto pozhaluysta) | vot EH-tah pah-ZHAH-loo-stah |
| Spanish | Esto por favor | ES-toh por fah-VOR |
| Swedish | Det här tack | deh hair tahk |
| Thai | อันนี้ครับ/ค่ะ (An ni khrap/kha) | an-NEE krap / kah |
13. This is Delicious
Since you’ll be eating a lot, you may as well know this one, right? Of course, I’m right.
| Language | This Is Delicious | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | هذا لذيذ (Hatha ladhidh) | HAH-thah lah-THEETH |
| Cantonese | 呢個好好味 (Ni go hou hou mei) | nee-GOH HOH HOH may |
| Czech | Toto je výborné | TOH-toh yeh VEE-bor-neh |
| Dutch | Dit is heerlijk | dit is HAYR-lyk |
| Filipino | Masarap ito | mah-sah-RAP EE-toh |
| Finnish | Tämä on herkullista | TAH-mah on HEHR-kool-is-tah |
| French | C’est délicieux | say day-lee-SYUH |
| German | Das ist köstlich | das ist KURST-likh |
| Greek | Αυτό είναι νόστιμο (Afto einai nostimo) | af-TOH EE-neh NOS-tee-moh |
| Hebrew | זה טעים (Ze ta’im) | zeh tah-EEM |
| Hindi | यह बहुत स्वादिष्ट है (Yeh bahut swadisht hai) | yeh bah-hoot swah-DISHT hay |
| Italian | È delizioso | eh deh-leet-SYOH-zoh |
| Japanese | これは美味しいです (Kore wa oishii desu) | koh-reh wah oh-EE-shee dess |
| Korean | 이거 맛있어요 (Igeo masisseoyo) | ee-goh mah-SHISS-oh-yo |
| Mandarin | 这个很好吃 (Zhège hěn hǎochī) | jeh-geh hen HOW-chir |
| Norwegian | Dette er deilig | DEH-teh air DAY-lig |
| Polish | To jest pyszne | toh yest PISH-neh |
| Portuguese | Isto é delicioso | EES-too eh deh-lee-SYOH-zoo |
| Russian | Это вкусно (Eto vkusno) | EH-tah VKOOS-nah |
| Spanish | Esto está delicioso | ES-toh es-TAH deh-lee-SYOH-soh |
| Swedish | Det här är utsökt | deh hair air OOT-surkt |
| Thai | อันนี้อร่อยมาก (An ni aroi mak) | an-NEE ah-ROY mahk |
14. Water Please
Fun fact: humans need water to live. So, when you travel, you’ll probably want to know this one. Whether you’re at a restaurant, at a tropical bikini beach, or in the middle of a desert.
| Language | Water Please | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | ماء من فضلك (Ma’ min fadlak) | mah min FAD-lak |
| Cantonese | 水唔該 (Seui m’goi) | sway mm-GOY |
| Czech | Vodu prosím | VOH-doo PROH-seem |
| Dutch | Water alsjeblieft | VAH-ter als-yuh-BLEEFT |
| Filipino | Tubig nga po | TOO-big ngah poh |
| Finnish | Vettä ole hyvä | VET-tah OH-leh HEW-vah |
| French | De l’eau s’il vous plaît | duh loh seel voo PLAY |
| German | Wasser bitte | VAS-er BIT-teh |
| Greek | Νερό παρακαλώ (Nero parakaló) | neh-ROH pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Hebrew | מים בבקשה (Mayim bevakasha) | MY-im beh-vah-kah-SHAH |
| Hindi | पानी कृपया (Pani kripaya) | PAH-nee krip-AH-yah |
| Italian | Acqua per favore | AK-kwah pehr fah-VOH-reh |
| Japanese | お水をください (Omizu o kudasai) | oh-MEE-zoo oh koo-dah-SYE |
| Korean | 물 주세요 (Mul juseyo) | mool joo-SAY-yo |
| Mandarin | 请给我水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ) | ching gay woh shway |
| Norwegian | Vann takk | van tahk |
| Polish | Wodę poproszę | VOH-deh poh-PROH-sheh |
| Portuguese | Água por favor | AH-gwah por fah-VOR |
| Russian | Воду пожалуйста (Vodu pozhaluysta) | VOH-doo pah-ZHAH-loo-stah |
| Spanish | Agua por favor | AH-gwah por fah-VOR |
| Swedish | Vatten tack | VAT-ten tahk |
| Thai | น้ำครับ/ค่ะ (Nam khrap/kha) | nahm krap / kah |
15. I Need a Doctor
Hopefully you won’t need this one… but always good to know.
| Language | I Need a Doctor | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | أحتاج طبيباً (Ahtaj tabiban) | ah-TAJ tah-BEE-ban |
| Cantonese | 我需要睇醫生 (Ngo seuiyiu tai yisang) | ngoh SOY-yiu tai yee-SANG |
| Czech | Potřebuji lékaře | poh-TZHEH-boo-yee LEH-kah-zheh |
| Dutch | Ik heb een dokter nodig | ik heb en DOK-ter NOH-dikh |
| Filipino | Kailangan ko ng doktor | kai-LA-ngan koh nang DOK-tor |
| Finnish | Tarvitsen lääkärin | TAR-vit-sen LAH-kah-rin |
| French | J’ai besoin d’un médecin | zhay beh-ZWAN dun mayd-SAN |
| German | Ich brauche einen Arzt | ikh BROW-kheh EYE-nen artst |
| Greek | Χρειάζομαι γιατρό (Chriazome giatro) | khree-AH-zoh-meh yah-TROH |
| Hebrew | אני צריך רופא (Ani tzarich rofe) | ah-NEE tzah-REEKH roh-FEH |
| Hindi | मुझे डॉक्टर चाहिए (Mujhe doctor chahiye) | moo-JEH DOK-ter CHAH-hee-yeh |
| Italian | Ho bisogno di un medico | oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee oon MEH-dee-koh |
| Japanese | 医者が必要です (Isha ga hitsuyou desu) | ee-shah gah hit-SOO-yoh dess |
| Korean | 의사가 필요해요 (Uisaga piryohaeyo) | ui-sah-gah pil-yo-HAY-yo |
| Mandarin | 我需要医生 (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng) | woh shoo-YOW ee-SHUNG |
| Norwegian | Jeg trenger en lege | yay TRENG-er en LEH-geh |
| Polish | Potrzebuję lekarza | poh-tzheh-BOO-yeh leh-KAH-zhah |
| Portuguese | Preciso de um médico | preh-SEE-zoo deh oom MEH-dee-koo |
| Russian | Мне нужен врач (Mne nuzhen vrach) | mnyeh NOO-zhen vrach |
| Spanish | Necesito un médico | neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh |
| Swedish | Jag behöver en läkare | yag beh-HUR-ver en LAY-kah-reh |
| Thai | ฉันต้องการหมอ (Chan tongkan mor) | chan tong-KAHN mor |
16. Please Help
Another one of those essential phrases for traveling abroad. Hopefully you won’t need it.
| Language | Please Help | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Sa’idni min fadlak ساعدني من فضلك | SAH-id-nee min FAD-lak |
| Cantonese | Ching bong ngo 請幫我 | ching bong NGO |
| Czech | Prosím pomozte mi | PROH-seem POH-motz-teh mee |
| Dutch | Help mij alsjeblieft | help my als-yuh-BLEEFT |
| Filipino | Tulungan mo ako | too-loo-NGAN moh AH-koh |
| Finnish | Auttakaa minua | OWT-tah-kah MEE-noo-ah |
| French | Aidez-moi s’il vous plaît | ay-day MWAH seel voo PLAY |
| German | Bitte helfen Sie mir | BIT-teh HEL-fen zee meer |
| Greek | Voithiste me parakaló Βοηθήστε με παρακαλώ | voh-ee-THEES-teh meh pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Hebrew | Azor li bevakasha עזור לי בבקשה | ah-ZOR lee beh-vah-kah-SHAH |
| Hindi | Kripaya meri madad karein कृपया मेरी मदद करें | krip-AH-yah MEH-ree mah-DAD kah-RAIN |
| Italian | Per favore aiutatemi | pehr fah-VOH-reh ah-yoo-TAH-teh-mee |
| Japanese | Tasukete kudasai 助けてください | tah-soo-KEH-teh koo-dah-SYE |
| Korean | Dowajuseyo 도와주세요 | doh-wah-joo-SAY-yo |
| Mandarin | Qǐng bāng bāng wǒ 请帮帮我 | ching bang bang woh |
| Norwegian | Vær så snill og hjelp meg | vair soh snil oh yelp may |
| Polish | Proszę mi pomóc | PROH-sheh mee POH-moots |
| Portuguese | Por favor me ajude | por fah-VOR meh ah-ZHOO-deh |
| Russian | Pozhaluysta pomogite Пожалуйста помогите | pah-ZHAH-loo-stah pah-mah-GEE-teh |
| Spanish | Por favor ayúdeme | por fah-VOR ah-YOO-deh-meh |
| Swedish | Hjälp mig tack | yelp may tahk |
| Thai | Chuay duay khrap/kha ช่วยด้วยครับ/ค่ะ | choo-ay DOO-ay krap / kah |
How to Learn the Language & Speak Better
Now… you may realize that this is cool and all…
But maybe you want to actually learn and speak the language at a better level. Y’know, so you can talk and connect with locals… and y’know, instead of being another tourist. Well, for that, I have a great recommendation…
…The 3-Minute Language Audio Course by Innovative Language… an audio course (each lesson just 3+ minutes) where you listen to native speakers teaching you these useful phrases. Just listen and learn.
Pick your language below… and the course will open in a new window.
PDF Cheat Sheets for These Travel Phrases
Maybe you realized that… you like these phrases, but you wan them all in one place. Well, good news. You can get FREE Cheat Sheets for these languages. Just pick your language and check out all the PDF Cheat Sheets inside (you’ll need a free account.)
Pick a language below first and then click “Go.” The Cheat Sheets page will open in a new window.
Back to You
Now you know a bunch of useful phrases in different languages…
And if you want to learn a bit more, I’ve also included PDF Cheat Sheets and Courses.
I hope you find this useful.
– The Main Lingua “LJ” Junkie
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