Here are 20 practical and useful English phrases for travelers, along with examples of how you can use them:
Greetings & Basics:
- “Hello, how are you?”
- Example: When meeting someone: “Hello, how are you today?”
- “Good morning/afternoon/evening!”
- Example: At a hotel reception: “Good afternoon, I’d like to check in.”
- “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”
- Example: In a mall: “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”
- “Thank you very much.”
- Example: When receiving help: “Thank you very much for your directions!”
- “You’re welcome.”
- Example: In response to “Thank you”: “You’re welcome!”
- “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand.”
- Example: When confused: “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand, could you repeat that?”
Asking for Help:
- “Could you please help me?”
- Example: At an airport: “Could you please help me find my gate?”
- “Do you speak [your language]?”
- Example: To ask for your native language: “Do you speak Japanese?”
- “Where can I find a taxi/bus/train?”
- Example: On the street: “Where can I find a taxi around here?”
- “Can you recommend a good restaurant nearby?”
- Example: Asking locals: “Can you recommend a good restaurant nearby?”
Shopping & Dining:
- “How much does this cost?”
- Example: At a store: “How much does this cost?”
- “I would like to order [dish or drink].”
- Example: At a café: “I would like to order a cappuccino.”
- “Can I have the bill, please?”
- Example: At a restaurant: “Can I have the bill, please?”
- “Do you accept credit cards?”
- Example: At a store: “Do you accept credit cards?”
- “Is there Wi-Fi available here?”
- Example: In a coffee shop: “Is there Wi-Fi available here?”
Directions & Travel:
- “How do I get to [place]?”
- Example: At a train station: “How do I get to Times Square?”
- “What time does the [bus/train/flight] leave?”
- Example: At a bus terminal: “What time does the bus to Boston leave?”
- “I have a reservation under [your name].”
- Example: At a hotel: “I have a reservation under John Smith.”
- “Is this seat taken?”
- Example: On public transportation: “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
- “What is the emergency number here?”
- Example: Important for safety: “What is the emergency number here in America?”