- Teelesia Martin
Helpful Words/Phrases to Learn Before Traveling Abroad

While many of us are not fluent in several languages of the land, it is extremely helpful to know a few basic words and phrases to help navigate your travels through the unknown. Let’s face it, it can be frustrating trying to speak to someone who has no idea what you’re talking about and vice versa. Nevertheless, you are in their country. You should be somewhat prepared before your travels. Make a great impression and make your life easier. Here’s a quick translation of the most common words you will need to know when traveling abroad:
Hi (English):
German: Hallo
French: Bonjour
Italian: Buongiorno
Spanish: Hola
Goodbye (English):
German: Tschüss
French: Au revoir
Italian: Arrivederci
Spanish: Adiós
Yes (English):
German: Ja
French: Oui
Italian: Si
Spanish: Sí
No (English):
German: Nein
French: Non
Italian: No
Spanish: No
Please (English):
German: Bitte
French: S'il vous plaît
Italian: Per favore
Spanish: Por favor
Thank You (English):
German: Danke dir
French: Merci
Italian: Grazie
Spanish: Gracias
You’re Welcome (English):
German: Bitte
French: De rien
Italian: Prego
Spanish: De nada
Turn Left (English):
German: Biegen Sie links ab
French: tournez à gauche
Italian: gira a sinistra
Spanish: Girar a la izquierda
Turn Right (English):
German: biegen Sie rechts ab
French: tournez à droite
Italian: Girare a destra
Spanish: girar a la derecha
Help (English):
German: Ich brauche Hilfe. / Hilfe!
French: J’ai besoin d’aide. / À l’aide!
Italian: Mi serve aiuto. / Aiuto!
Spanish: Necesito ayuda. / ¡Ayuda!
Emergency (English):
German: Notfall
French: Urgence
Italian: Emergenza
Spanish: Emergencia
Time (English):
German: Zeit
French: Temps
Italian: Tempo
Spanish: Hora
Where (English):
German: Woher
French: Où
Italian: Dove
Spanish: Dónde
Pharmacy (English):
German: Apotheke
French: Pharmacie
Italian: Farmacia
Spanish: Farmacia
Taxi (English):
German: Taxi
French: Taxi
Italian: Taxi
Spanish: Taxi
Food (English):
German: Essen
French: Aliments
Italian: Cibo
Spanish: Comida
Hospital (English):
German: Krankenhaus
French: Hôpital
Italian: Ospedale
Spanish: Hospital
Bank (English):
German: Bank
French: Banque
Italian: Banca
Spanish: Banco
Basic words are always helpful but there are a few cases where you may need to know some key phrases to tie into a conversation. Learn these too:
Numbers 1 thru 10
How are you?
Call the police!
I am hurt!
I don’t know!
Where is the bathroom?
How much?
Do you have change?
Do you speak (your language)?
How do I get to the airport?
Do you take credit cards?
In all situations, I always recommend the Google Translate app. It provides instant translations in 100+ languages. You can type the phrase for immediate translation or record yourself speaking and it will respond in translated audio. Such a great tool to have! If you plan on spending a few days or more in a country, why not immerse yourself into the culture, it can only enhance your trip. Keep this handy tool available too, Help Me Help You!!!