Travelling abroad should not only be about drinking fabulous cocktails by the pool, viewing spectacular landscapes and wandering the fascinating streets of an unfamiliar city. Mingling with locals and learning a few essential words in the local language will help make your next trip abroad that extra rewarding.

No one is telling you to learn a whole language; that would be crazy and, on most occasions, near impossible. But learning a few essential words in the language of the country you are visiting could help avoid a few awkward moments and create a few laughs amongst the locals as you mince up the words in an embarrassing attempt to speak in a foreign tongue.

In this article, I have come up with ten words/phrases you should learn in the local language, from a friendly greeting to a confused “I don’t understand.” From there, with this list of words, you must google the language you need to learn and practice those pronunciations. All the while, you can have a bit of a giggle as you stumble over those strange words.

Talk to the locals in the local language by learning the basic phrases.

Ten phrases to learn in the local language when travelling abroad

When travelling abroad, the local language is one of the most important things to learn. Knowing just a few simple phrases can improve your overall experience. Even if you don’t remember much else, learning ten keywords could get you through a conversation and help with navigating daily life.

Common phrases would be: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry, how much?, where is…?, do you speak English? Every country has different languages, so learning the local language is essential to connect with locals on your journey!

Which will help ensure that your conversations are polite and kind.

1. Hello: Hello! Welcome the local people with a simple greeting, and you will get a smile in response. It might seem like an obvious word to learn when visiting any regional language, but knowing “hello” goes a long way.
   So, on your next adventure abroad, don’t forget to start with a cheerful “hello”! Not only will local people appreciate your effort, but learning this word is also the first step in connecting with the local community and its customs. Plus, it’s a friendly way to break the language barrier that can open up more opportunities for meaningful experiences.
2. Goodbye: Saying goodbye in a local language is the ultimate sign of respect. It can show appreciation and understanding beyond saying ‘goodbye’ or ‘see you later’. Knowing local language expressions and meaningful phrases such as “Nóm’haila” (which means goodbye in Zulu) can demonstrate that there was an effort put into understanding local culture and creating a pleasant experience with someone.
   A cheerful local language phrase at the end of the conversation can help make all parties feel happy, respected, and appreciated, which should be the primary goal of any encounter.
3. Thank you: One of the essential aspects of travelling abroad is demonstrating local customs and etiquette. Learning local manners, like the proper way to thank someone, is critical to understanding local cultures. The phrase “thank you” will be used regardless of language, so it should be a priority when learning local words.
   Mastering “thank you” is essential for any traveller looking to understand and connect with new cultures. Not only does knowing this expression show respect, but it also demonstrates appreciation and promotes a more meaningful cross-cultural experience. Furthermore, local phrases open up conversation topics locals may be interested in discussing.
4. You’re welcome:  Learning the local language in a new place can be challenging but rewarding. Saying “thank you” and being able to respond with a “you are welcome” is often one of the first items of the local language that one picks up when visiting a new city or area.
   A friendly “you’re welcome” – whether spoken by local citizens in reply to your thank you or vice versa – indicates that your recent travels have been successful, as you have taken the time and effort necessary to bridge the gap between two cultures. This simple phrase helps bring us together and reminds us of our shared humanity.
5. Excuse me:  For anyone visiting a local restaurant, trying to order that extra beer in the local language may be daunting. Nothing works better in Italy or China than a polite “excuse me” to get the bartender’s attention. In fact, `excuse me’ is quickly becoming an international phrase; it’s been used by local cultures since before anyone can remember!
   With so many businesses and bars now offering services and products worldwide, local-tongued words such as “excuse me” have become more widely accepted among people from different countries. So even if you’re unsure how to say “extra beer” in the local language, an understanding “excuse me” could be the ticket for getting that additional pint without any hassle.
6. I’m sorry:  Going on an adventure can be thrilling, but sometimes awkward situations require a good “I’m sorry”. Whether bumping into someone on the street and startling them or unintentionally breaking a local item, expressing sincere remorse with those local language-infused “I’m sorry” will go a long way.
   Even if it’s something as simple as placing your feet in the wrong spot while photographing a local monument, it never hurts to offer a polite and genuine apology. It conveys to the other person that you acted out of carelessness and shows respect for their local culture. A little bit of kindness goes a long way, and an “I’m sorry” certainly keeps life from getting too stressful on the journey.
7. I don’t understand:  Learning a local language is essential when travelling to a foreign country – it can be necessary for specific situations. A simple phrase like “I don’t understand” is one of the most important things to know and use when visiting other countries, as communication barriers can arise quickly.
   Using local terms can show respect to native speakers and create better cultural interactions while travelling abroad. In some locales, it may even be an expected behaviour after not understanding something that was said. So, if you ever find yourself without an adequate understanding of how to say “I don’t understand” in a local language, learn the phrase quickly to get the most out of your travels.
8. How much is that?: Shopping at the local markets in any city worldwide is an incredible experience. It is usually the only way to determine how much an item will cost. When exploring these markets, a helpful phrase to know in Spanish is asking, “Cuánto cuesta?” which translates to “How much does it cost?” in English.
   However, bargaining and bartering are usually expected after that initial inquiry. Knowing a few local numbers can also come in handy, as it can mean getting the most bang for your buck when purchasing souvenirs or local goods you want to take home with you!
9. Where is the bathroom?:  There is nothing more daunting than the hustle and bustle of a crowded city when you desperately need a restroom. Fortunately, local knowledge comes to the rescue in such dire circumstances. Knowing how to ask for directions in the local language can be a lifesaver since “Where is the bathroom?” is an essential phrase worldwide!
   No matter which language you use for your inquiry, most local people recognize that you are in urgent need and will give sincere help. Keeping this phrase handy will ensure that any toilet emergency can be handled quickly and easily, even in a bustling city.
10. Yes/no:  Yes and no are simple words with opposite meanings and some of the most commonly used words in local languages. Although very short and basic, these two small words can have powerful effects on communication and provide a way for people to express their feelings and opinions.
    Yes or no can describe anything from whether you will go out for lunch and what classes you’ll take next semester to more serious topics like your stand on a controversial issue. Overall, this two-word dichotomy is integral to local languages, as it provides stability within searching conversations allowing everyone to know exactly where they stand on any given subject.

You never know when local language knowledge may come in handy! Memorizing a few words and phrases before travelling can be beneficial; think of the local greetings, directional questions and transportation advice you could leverage if you knew how to communicate abroad. But it doesn’t have to stop at essential communication – with a little effort, you’ll be able to pass through local customs easily and have meaningful interactions with the locals. And, of course, local understanding of information from signs or menus is helpful.

There’s nothing to lose by learning a local language, so why not give yourself an edge on your next travel adventure by practising foreign words online? The satisfaction that comes from successfully mastering a new tongue will pay dividends on your upcoming trip! So what are you waiting for?

Check out Innovative 101 when finding and wanting to learn a local language.

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