5 Magic Words and Phrases to Know in Every Language

Thanks to improved translation apps and the growing prevalence of English speakers around the globe, it’s easier than ever for English-speaking travelers to get by without cramming a new language into their heads before every trip. But it’s still a good idea to memorize a few basic words and phrases in the local language to help smooth the way for yourself and to show courtesy to the people you meet.

Below are translations of the five best words to know in a new language, translated into 15 widely spoken languages. When available, I’ve included links to YouTube videos or audio files so you can hear how each term is pronounced.

Hello

If you can say nothing else, you’ll at least want to be able to greet locals in their native language. While there are multiple ways to say “hello” in most languages, I’ve chosen simple, formal options that are appropriate to use in common travel situations such as meeting strangers or entering a shop.

• Arabic: marhaban or assalamu alaikum
• Bengali: assalamu alaikum or nomoshkar
• French: bonjour
• German: hallo
• Greek: gia sou
• Hindi: namaste
• Italian: buongiorno (daytime) or buona sera (evening)
• Japanese: konnichiwa
• Malay: selamat pagi (morning), selamat petang (afternoon), or selamat malam (evening)
• Mandarin: ni hao
• Portuguese: ola
• Russian: zdravstvuyte
• Spanish: hola
• Thai: sawatdee
• Turkish: merhaba

Thank You

Whether someone brings you a meal or helps you with directions, they’ll always appreciate it if you thank them in their language.

• Arabic: shukran
• Bengali: dhonnobad
• French: merci
• German: danke schoen
• Greek: efcharisto
• Hindi: dhanyavaad
• Italian: grazie
• Japanese: arigato
• Malay: terima kasih
• Mandarin: xie xie
• Portuguese: obrigado
• Russian: spasiba
• Spanish: gracias
• Thai: khob khun
• Turkish: tesekkur ederim

Yes

Would you like to try that delicious new food your host is offering? But of course! Here’s how to say “yes.”

• Arabic: na’am
• Bengali: han
• French: oui
• German: ja
• Greek: ne
• Hindi: haan
• Italian: si
• Japanese: hai
• Malay: ya
• Mandarin: shi or hao
• Portuguese: sim
• Russian: da
• Spanish: si
• Thai: chai (note that this technically means “correct” and is not interchangeable with “yes”)
• Turkish: evet

No

Don’t want to buy that rug or hire that pushy guide? Here’s how to say “no.”

• Arabic: laa
• Bengali: naa
• French: non
• German: nein
• Greek: ochi
• Hindi: nahin
• Italian: no
• Japanese: iie
• Malay: tak nak lah
• Mandarin: bu shi de
• Portuguese: nao
• Russian: nyet
• Spanish: no
• Thai: mai chai
• Turkish: hayir

Do You Speak English?

Once you’ve exhausted your vocabulary in the local language and need to find someone who can understand you, this is your go-to phrase.

• Arabic: Hal tatakallamu al-‘inkliziyyah? (to a man) or Hal tatakallamina al’inkliziyyah? (to a woman)
• Bengali: Apni ingreji bolte paren?
• French: Parlez-vous anglais?
• German: Sprechen Sie englisch?
• Greek: Melate angleeka?
• Hindi: Kyaa aap angrezii bolte hain? (to a man) or Kyaa app angrezii boltii hain? (to a woman)
• Italian: Parli inglese?
• Japanese: Eigo o hanase masuka?
• Malay: Boleh cakap bahasa Inggeris tak?
• Mandarin: Ni hui shuo ying yu ma?
• Portuguese: Voce fala ingles?
• Russian: Ti govorish po-angliyski?
• Spanish: Habla ingles?
• Thai: Kun puut paa-saa ang-grit daai mai?
• Turkish: Ingilizce konusabiliyor musunuz?

More from SmarterTravel:

• 9 Things to Do When No One Speaks English
• 10 Foreign Words We Desperately Need in English
• 8 English Words You Should Never Use Abroad

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.