Most Helpful Words and Phrases to Learn in Every Language

Formalities

This one is the most basic and self-explanatory item on the list, but it's important to know simple phrases such as "hello," "goodbye," "please," "thank you," "how are you?" and most importantly "I don't speak the language," or "I don't understand" to get yourself out of any situation.

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Items on a Menu

Basic food groups like "entrees," "starters," and "desserts" will help you break down a menu easily. Learning a few food groups like meat, poultry, vegetables, pasta, and salads will also help you navigate a foreign menu better. Learn how to say some of your favorite foods or meals, and definitely learn the words for beverages like water, coffee, tea, and beer. If you have any dietary restrictions, make sure you know how to communicate those clearly by knowing the words "without" or "Does it have ____ in it?"

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Airline Terminology

Many foreign airlines native to a non-English-speaking country will use English sparingly. If you don't want to be annoying to the flight attendants, learn basic words such as "landing," "take off," "meal options," "seatbelt," "turbulence," and basic formalities to understand what is going on during your flight.

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Location and Directions

This one is very important. Between cab stands, tourist attractions, ATMs, public transportation and restrooms; you're going to want to know where things are. Learn orientations and how to ask where something is as well as the words for "left," "right," "above," "below," and how to say the names of important streets.

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Monetary Terms

Learning numbers in order to determine prices for things is especially important when you already don't understand the currency. Learn how to ask the price of something so you can barter when shopping in markets and to make sure you don't get ripped off.

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Time

Make sure you understand how to ask what time it is, when something starts, and how to say minutes and hours. You'll be happy you know how to say "one more hour" when hotel maids knock on your door early in the morning to clean your room after you forgot to put out the "do not disturb" sign.

RELATED: 10 Tips for Traveling When You Don't Speak the Language

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Emergency Information

If you are ever in an emergency situation, make sure you know how to say "police station," "hospital," and "embassy" in case you need assistance. Learn local emergency numbers as well and make sure you know where the U.S. Embassy is located for any emergency situations that arise.

RELATED: What To Do in an Emergency Situation Abroad

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A Little Bit About Yourself

It is helpful to know how to say your name, where you're from, why you're traveling, and how long you will be traveling so you can have a basic conversation with a local. This is also very helpful if you are staying in alternative accommodation and need to communicate with your host. Also, when going through customs, you will most likely be asked some basic questions about your trip, so it's best to be able to have a brief and simple response in the country's native language.

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Transportation

Knowing words such as "train," "metro," "train station," "cab stand," "ferry," and "airport" will be extremely helpful when trying to plan getting around your destination. If you plan to rent a car abroad then make sure you can follow street signs and traffic signals, and know basic car parts in case you breakdown or have an accident.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Overcome Language Barriers in Any Country
• 5 Translation Apps Put to the Test
• Five Phrases a Traveler Should Never Use

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ashley_stravel for more advice on travel hacks and destination ideas.

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