How to Learn Basic Phrases in Any Language

Guide Note: Knowing a few phrases in a foreign language can make a trip abroad much more enjoyable. This page contains advice on how to choose what phrases to learn and how to study them.

How to Learn Basic Phrases in Any Language

Your destination will influence the phrases you choose to learn. (Photo by Vince Varga)
Your destination will influence the phrases you choose to learn. (Photo by Vince Varga)

Step 1: Consider Your Destination

  1. Where are you going? English uses a Latin alphabet- if the place you're visiting uses the same letters, then you can learn phrases both by listening to and reading them.
    • Keep in mind that even if the alphabets are the same, pronunciation will vary between languages. Listen to phrases carefully to make sure you pronounce them correctly!
  2. If you are traveling to a country that uses a different writing system, learning phrases phonetically is the best bet.
    • You can still study phrases written out in a romanized script.
    • Not knowing the native alphabet will restrict you, as you will not be able to read signs. Refresh your knowledge of international symbols!

Step 2: Assess the Purpose of Your Trip

  1. It's better to memorize a few key phrases than try to cover every situation you'll encounter.
  2. Consider your personal situation. For example:
    • If you enjoy eating out, concentrate on phrases useful in restaurants, like "The bill please" and "I'm vegetarian."
    • If you love shopping, learning how to ask how much something costs will be useful.
    • If you're going to be traveling using local transportation, like trains, subways, and flights within a country, being able to understand and ask for directions will greatly improve your chances of successful navigation!
    • If you're on a business trip, knowing greetings and introductory phrases will be most helpful.
  3. Keep in mind that key phrases like "Hello," "Please," "Thank you," "Yes," "No" and "Where is...?" are always helpful!
Enjoy shopping? Learn to ask how much something costs. (Photo by M.Zeynep Dağdevirenoğlu Kubaseck)
Enjoy shopping? Learn to ask how much something costs. (Photo by M.Zeynep Dağdevirenoğlu Kubaseck)

Step 3: Choose a Way to Learn

  1. Phrasebase has the largest online collection of phrases, complete with audio files.
  2. The BBC has quick language lessons in a multitude of languages.
  3. Fodor's offers key phrases, with audio files, in French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
  4. An online course like Mango Languages offers a great way for you to study phrases, word by word, as you learn them.
  5. McGraw-Hill now offers iSpeak, which lets you download 1,500 audio phrases onto your iPod or MP3 player.
  6. And Wikitravel has many phrasebooks in multiple languages.

Step 4: Study Your Phrases

  1. Study your key phrases for at least a few minutes each day.
  2. Create flashcards for your phrases, with the foreign word on one side and the English translation on the other.
    • Put the cards in your purse or briefcase and look at them whenever you have a spare moment.
    • Stuck in traffic or waiting on line? You can study your cards!
  3. Listen to your basic phrases at least once a day. Doing this a month before your trip is better than trying to learn everything the day before.
  4. Listen to your phrases as you work out or commute to work.
  5. Practice saying your phrases aloud.
  6. Record yourself to hear how you sound.
    • You could learn to order food from this menu! (Photo by Dirk Herrmann)
      You could learn to order food from this menu! (Photo by Dirk Herrmann)
  7. If you're traveling with family or friends, go over your new words and phrases with each other.
  8. Pick a few key phrases to memorize. Popular phrases include:
    • Hello.
    • Nice to meet you.
    • Good-bye.
    • Please.
    • Excuse me.
    • Thank you.
    • You're welcome.
    • My name is...
    • Where is...?
      • Where is the bathroom?
    • How much is...?
    • Do you speak English?
    • I don't understand.
    • The bill, please.

Step 5: On Your Trip

  1. Purchase a phrasebook to take with you. That way you will be able to refresh your memory on your trip, as well as have access to more complex phrases you haven't learned.
  2. Practice what you know wherever and whenever you can on your trip.
    • Do not let fear of making a mistake keep you from talking!
  3. Carry a phrasebook or translator with you.
  4. If the person you are talking to does not understand, show her your phrasebook or have him listen to your translator.
  5. Keep in mind that people will appreciate the effort you are making to speak an unfamiliar language!

A Few Foreign Phrases for You to Begin With

Important French Phrases (from Fodor's)

Important German Phrases (from Fodor's)

Show your phrasebook to people if you're stuck. (Photo by Sanja Gjenero)
Show your phrasebook to people if you're stuck. (Photo by Sanja Gjenero)

Important Italian Phrases (from Fodor's and About.com)

Important Japanese Phrases (from Chiron's Survival Japanese)

Important Spanish Phrases (from Fodor's)

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Online Resources on Basic Phrases in Different Languages

BBC's Quick Fix Languages Page
Figure 1: BBC's Quick Fix Languages Page

Phrasebooks in Different Languages

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Have any great tips on How to Learn Basic Phrases in Any Language? Post your thoughts to the discussion board or email them to Sara: sara at mahalo dot com.