10 languages · 7 travel categories · Free

Travel Phrase Guide

Essential phrases for travelers — from basic greetings to emergency sentences, in 10 languages. Tap any phrase to copy it.

Tip: even a few words in the local language goes a very long way with locals.

Choose Language

🇪🇸Spanish — spoken in 20+ countries. Most widely spoken by traveler destinations.

Yes

Sí

No

No

Please

Por favor

Thank you

Gracias

You're welcome

De nada

Excuse me / Sorry

Perdón

I don't understand

No entiendo

Do you speak English?

¿Habla inglés?

I don't speak [lang]

No hablo español

A little

Un poco

Pronunciation Tips by Language

🇪🇸

Spanish

  • 'j' sounds like 'h' (e.g. jugo = hoogo)
  • Double 'll' sounds like 'y' in most countries
  • Stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable
  • Roll your 'r' — or at least try!
🇫🇷

French

  • Silent consonants at word ends (chat = sha)
  • Nasal vowels: 'an', 'in', 'on' — no 'n' sound
  • Liaison: final consonant links to next vowel
  • Never stress the last syllable like English
🇯🇵

Japanese

  • Each syllable is equally stressed (unlike English)
  • Long vowels: ō means hold the 'o' sound longer
  • Pitch accent — not tonal like Chinese
  • Ending with 'desu' is polite; drop for casual
🇩🇪

German

  • 'w' sounds like English 'v'
  • 'ü' = purse lips and say 'ee'
  • Compound words: just say them as one unit
  • Stress usually falls on first syllable
🇮🇹

Italian

  • All vowels are clear and pure — no schwa sounds
  • 'c' before e/i = 'ch' (ciao)
  • 'ch' before e/i = hard 'k' (chianti)
  • Double consonants really are doubled
🇨🇳

Mandarin

  • 4 tones — same syllable, different meaning
  • 1st tone: flat and high. 2nd: rising. 3rd: dipping. 4th: falling
  • 'x' sounds like 'sh' in English
  • No plural forms or verb conjugations
🇸🇦

Arabic

  • Read and write right to left
  • Letters change shape depending on position in word
  • Guttural sounds (ع, غ, خ) have no English equivalent
  • Modern Standard Arabic differs from local dialects
🇹🇭

Thai

  • 5 tones: mid, low, falling, high, rising
  • Politeness particles: ครับ (men), ค่ะ (women)
  • No spaces between words in written Thai
  • Wai greeting: palms together, slight bow

Language Etiquette Tips

🇫🇷

In France, always say 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in evening) before asking anything. Skipping it is considered rude.

🇯🇵

In Japan, bowing is crucial. Speaking softly is valued — loud voices stand out negatively.

🇦🇷

In Argentina, 'Vos' is used instead of 'tú' — Spanish varies by region, don't be surprised.

🇧🇷

Brazilian Portuguese differs significantly from European Portuguese — Brazilians are generally forgiving of mix-ups.

🇸🇦

In Arab countries, using 'Inshallah' (God willing) appropriately in conversation shows cultural awareness.

🇹🇭

The Thai Wai (hands pressed together) is a greeting — return it if someone Wai's you. Don't touch people's heads.

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