A Little Local Language Goes a Long Way
You don't need to become fluent before taking an international trip. Translation apps can help with complicated conversations, menus and signs—but knowing a few words yourself can make travel feel more personal.
A greeting, a “please” or a “thank you” in the local language is a small way to show respect and connect with the people you meet.
💬 Start With Phrases You'll Actually Use
Rather than memorizing long vocabulary lists, concentrate on words and phrases useful during an ordinary travel day.
- Hello
- Good morning
- Please
- Thank you
- Excuse me
- I'm sorry
- Yes / No
- Where is the restroom?
- How much is this?
- I don't understand
- Do you speak English?
- Help, please
You don't need hundreds of words. Start with the ones you'll probably say every day.
👋 Learn the Polite Words First
Greetings and courtesy words are especially useful because you'll use them repeatedly—at hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions and transportation stations.
Even when someone speaks English, beginning with a local greeting or thank-you can be a friendly acknowledgment that you're a visitor in their country.
🎧 Hear It, Don't Just Read It
Pronunciation can be difficult to guess from written words. Listen to an audio example and repeat the phrase aloud several times. You'll probably remember it more easily after you've actually said it.
🎓 Want to Learn a Little More?
If you'd like to practice before your trip, a language-learning app can turn a few spare minutes each day into useful travel preparation.
Also check your local public library. Some libraries provide cardholders access to language-learning programs or online courses at no additional charge.
📱 And Yes—Use Google Translate
Learning a few phrases doesn't mean putting your translation app away. The two work well together.
Use the words you know for everyday interactions, then use translation technology for longer conversations, menus, signs or unfamiliar phrases.
For tips on camera translation, conversations and preparing translation tools for your trip, see Resource #8: Lost in Translation?
💾 Prepare for Times Without Internet
If your translation app supports offline language downloads, set them up before leaving home. You can also save a note on your phone with a few essential phrases and the written name and address of your hotel.
🏥 Keep Important Information Written Down
For something important—such as a food allergy, medical need or destination address—don't depend entirely on your ability to pronounce it.
Consider having the information accurately written in the local language so you can show it when necessary. For medical or allergy information, verify the translation carefully.
🗺️ More Than One Language on Your Trip?
A cruise or multi-country tour may take you through several languages in a matter of days. Don't feel obligated to study all of them extensively.
Learning “hello,” “please” and “thank you” for each destination is a manageable goal. Keep your translation app ready for everything else.
🇯🇵 A Japan Example
For a trip to Japan, a traveler might start with ohayō gozaimasu (good morning), arigatō gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me or sorry).
The goal isn't perfect Japanese. It's simply having a few friendly, useful words ready before reaching for your phone.
❤️ Technology Helps. Effort Connects.
Translation technology has made international travel much easier, and there's no reason not to use it. But a phone can't completely replace the human connection that comes from making an effort to speak a little of someone's language.
Learn a handful of useful words, don't worry about being perfect and use technology for the rest.
Learn a few words for the human connection. Use technology for everything else.