different languages for travel

Travel in Different Languages. Learn How to Say and Translate

Travel in Different Languages: Please find below many ways to say travel in different languages. This page features translation of the word "travel" to over 100 other languages. We also invite you to listen to audio pronunciation in more than 40 languages, so you could learn how to pronounce travel and how to read it.

Saying Travel in European Languages

Saying travel in asian languages, saying travel in middle-eastern languages, saying travel in african languages, saying travel in austronesian languages, saying travel in other foreign languages.

• travel agency
• travel agent

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The 16 Most Helpful Languages for Travelers to Learn

Travel and language were made for each other.

If you need reasons to learn a foreign language , travel is definitely a good one.

In fact, travelers have more reason than just about anyone else to learn a new language!

If you dream of going to far-off lands and speaking with the locals like it’s nothing, then this post is for you.

Keep reading for the best languages to learn for travel, why you should learn one and how to do it.

3. Mandarin Chinese

8. portuguese, 9. cantonese, 11. indo-malay, 12. hindustani, 13. bengali, 15. swahili, other world languages to learn for travel, why travelers should study languages, how to learn a language for travel, and one more thing....

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Most useful in: Every continent, but North America and Europe in particular

As you’re probably well aware, English is the modern world’s lingua franca .

Throughout the last century, English has grown in international importance. Though it stemmed from Britain’s colonial conquests, it also owes much of its global prominence to American imperialism.

English is less varied throughout North America , and most speakers should understand just about everything they hear from the most remote parts of Canada to either coast of the U.S., though English could also be called “the European traveler’s best friend.”

Thanks to high levels of education and a decidedly global outlook, English is particularly handy in Europe. You shouldn’t expect to get into deep philosophical debates in Italian coffee shops or Russian bars, but you can count on finding enough English speakers to at least give you basic assistance and a little company in nearly every large city throughout the continent.

In fact, throughout most parts of the world frequented by tourists , people understand at least a few basic English travel phrases .

Most useful in: South and Central America, Europe

Spanish is another handy world language for travelers in Europe. Outside Spain, its commonalities with Portuguese and Italian will help you get through its southern European neighbors as well.

Where Spanish really shines, however, is in Latin America —it’s the unifying force from the Rio Grande to Patagonia and beyond. Additionally, most Spanish-speaking travelers will find Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California and South Florida all relatively easy to navigate in Spanish; most large North American cities have sizable Hispanic populations, as well.

Don’t get discouraged if you learn the language and can’t understand it in some regions. Parts of the Caribbean and the Southern Cone of South America are notoriously difficult for non-natives and even some native Spanish speakers to understand.

One should also be forewarned that remote areas of the Americas, especially in southern Mexico and Andean countries, may lack Spanish speakers entirely and instead have large populations who speak an indigenous language as their first (and possibly only) language.

Some pre-trip classes or just a few important Spanish phrases will be majorly helpful in these parts of the world.

Most useful in: East Asia

As not only the language with the most speakers in the world but also the official state language of the largest country in Asia, Mandarin Chinese is an obvious big name on this list.

Many visitors to China arrange to take organized tours, often led by Mandarin-speaking officials. While English tours are certainly available, speaking a bit of Chinese will almost certainly ingratiate you to your guide and any locals you get a chance to meet.

For the even more adventurous, a sturdy level of Mandarin will help you navigate the enormous country of China more independently, although you’ll find there are a vast amount of dialects with varying degrees of mutual intelligibility.

Mandarin is also the official language of Taiwan , a radical travel alternative to Mainland China. Although the island nation doesn’t technically exist according to most of the world, knowing some Chinese will help you better enjoy its tropical weather, high level of development and relatively cheap cost of travel and living.

Most useful in: Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, North Africa

French isn’t only a good choice for France, but it’s also still popularly learned by educated people throughout Europe .

Further, large parts of North Africa and the Middle East were parts of the French Empire before World War II, and the French language remains prominent and even official in many of the former colonies . The vast majority of middle-class people in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Lebanon still speak fluent French.

French will also serve well in Quebec, French Guiana and the Caribbean Islands, and might open up some interesting chats in southern Louisiana, where Cajun French still runs strong. Throughout mainland Southeast Asia as well, older, educated citizens of the former French colonies of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are likely to speak some of the colonial language.

There’s a high likelihood that many people you meet in cities will be fluent in French, and you may find that many are happy to chat with a curious traveler, if you have the must-know French travel phrases under your belt.

Most useful in: The Middle East, Northern Africa

Modern Standard Arabic is a good starting point for anyone interested in this multifaceted language, but you can choose a specific variety of Arabic if you have a certain destination in mind.

Egyptian Arabic is a common choice. This isn’t just because of its relative economic and political power, or the fact that Egypt is the most populous Arab country, but because the Hollywood of the Arab World is in Cairo, the heart of both Arab cinema and the place where most foreign films are dubbed.

Another option is  Gulf Arabic , one of the widest-reaching dialects. This version is used and understood throughout the Gulf States and in large swaths of Saudi Arabia.

In general, Arabic is an increasingly popular choice for language learners because of its up-and-coming economic potential .

Most useful in: Europe

German  is your all-access pass to central Europe and beyond.

Germany is close to the geographic, political and financial centers of Europe , so it makes sense that this powerful country’s equally powerful language penetrates far and wide. Native-speaking countries include Switzerland , parts of Belgium and Luxembourg, Austria and mother Germany herself.

The German language will come in handy far beyond these borders , however. Young people throughout the Netherlands, the UK and Central Europe are learning German more and more as its namesake country increasingly offers jobs and opportunities to young Europeans.

The youths aren’t the only ones who know a bit of Deutsch , though. Huge guest worker populations from Eastern Europe and the Balkans have now spent several decades working in Austria and Germany, leaving many members of the middle generation of these countries fairly proficient German speakers.

A few common phrases will be sure to make your Central European tour sehr gut  (very good).

Most useful in: Europe, Asia

The official language of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will see you from the Baltic Sea all the way to the Bering Strait.

While the Soviet Union never existed in many young travelers’ lifetimes, one of its convenient legacies is the widespread use of the Russian language it left behind.

Aside from the countries in which it’s an official state language, there’s a long list of other Eastern European and West Asian countries that formally recognize Russian as a minority language, including Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Moldova, Georgia, Romania and Norway.

And, while not official, its important role as a significant minority language or inter-ethnic language will assure Russian-speaking travelers easy communication in part or most of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Mongolia and Uzbekistan, as well.

Most useful in: Africa, South America, Europe

Portuguese is of course the language of Portugal , though Brazilian Portuguese is just as (if not more) popular than its European counterpart .

It could be just the language you want to learn for travel through South America, in fact. While it’s limited to one country of the continent, Brazil happens to be the fifth-largest country in the world , full of some of the most appealing tourist destinations in the world.

But Portuguese, as a result of many years of colonialism, is also spoken in a geographically scattered collection of African countries : Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau and the island nation of São Tome and Principe.

Angola is notoriously stingy with its tourist visas, making it nearly impossible for Western travelers to get in, and thus making it something of an internationally undiscovered gem. Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau aren’t as difficult to travel to, but you’ll find their infrastructure reflects the fact that all three are among the least developed countries in the world.

Most useful in: Southern China

Sometimes forgotten in the shadow of big brother Mandarin, Cantonese is another enormous world language spoken both in China and beyond its borders.

As the most prestigious variety of the Yue language, Cantonese (along with other languages with which it’s mutually intelligible) is used by 60 million speakers spread across southern China, Hong Kong and Macau .

Cantonese has a bit more geographic reach than Mandarin, as the vast majority of Chinese expat communities in East and Southeast Asia—and in most of the world—are Cantonese speakers. From the Yokohama Chinatown on Tokyo’s south side to the capitals of Southeast Asia, in almost any big Asian city, you’ll find at least a small community of Cantonese speakers.

Most useful in: Southeast Asia

This is a language that’s practically begging travelers to become expats.

Thailand is currently one of the most popular destinations for “digital nomads,” people who work remotely from their laptops (particularly Westerners, it seems).

If you’re looking to go location independent or just want to spend a few months in one of the cheapest expat-friendly countries in the world, then some Thai lessons would help you get a deeper and more authentic experience of the country.

Beyond Thailand’s borders, some Thai speakers will also understand Laotian , spoken in its even cheaper but less developed neighboring country, making a Laotian vacation an excellent option for Thai-speaking expats based in popular cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

Most useful in: Southeast Asia, Oceania

The fuzzy boundary between the Indonesian and Malaysian languages coincides with the fuzzy geographic boundary between what’s conventionally known as Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Largely because of those fuzzy boundaries, learning the language referred to in Malaysia as “Malay” and in Indonesia as “Indonesian” will put you in touch with about a quarter of a billion locals scattered across these thousands of islands.

Also helpful is the fact that it’s incredibly easy to learn : Indo-Malay’s lack of verb tenses and simple grammar means a couple weeks of intensive courses at the beginning of your trip should leave you reasonably prepared for everyday basic communication—and if you stick to it, your skills will only improve as you hop from island to island.

Most useful in: Asia

Hindustani is the super-language of India and Pakistan. India is already a hot backpacking and luxury travel destination, and Pakistan is steadily climbing its way up as it improves its security and infrastructure.

Between these two giant countries, four hundred million native and second language speakers use Hindi or Urdu, two standard dialects of the giant language linguists call Hindustani.

Throughout northern India and most of Pakistan, Hindi or Urdu will be spoken by nearly everyone you meet , and for many people this will be their native language (the English they learned in school takes a back seat as a third or fourth language for most).

A few well-placed phrases in Hindi or Urdu are your best shot at charming your way into the hospitality and natural beauty of India and Pakistan.

Sandwiched between giants like India and China, plus the tourist attractions of Southeast Asia, Bengali is still a great language for travelers, especially those looking to be on the cutting edge.

There are 200 million speakers in Bangladesh and India’s Bengal province . Bangladesh and the neighboring Indian province are densely populated parts of the Bay of Bengal, with some of the most beautiful and undiscovered wildlife in the world.

Bangladesh hasn’t really reached mainstream travel itineraries yet, but its tourism industry is growing . If you want to get there before it gets cool, brush up on your Bengali and book a flight!

Most useful in: The Middle East

This is the official language of Iran . Americans may still have more trouble getting visas than others, but this country is a rapidly up-and-coming travel destination.

Ask any backpacker who’s been there and they’ll rave about hospitality, openness and well-educated people. Imagine how much more of that you could soak up with some basic Farsi!

The same language, under various different national names, is spoken in Afghanistan and parts of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan . While that first name probably won’t be a popular vacation destination any time soon, the latter two are becoming more and more common legs of Central Asian tours.

Most useful in: East Africa

Swahili is East Africa’s own lingua franca. While native to only a small population of five million or so, it’s spoken and understood by 150 million people , stretching from eastern parts of the Congo to the Indian Ocean shores of Tanzania and Kenya.

The majority of the most spectacular safari countries are situated in the Swahili language area, so speaking the language might allow you to take a more authentic safari or another tour that’s more geared towards locals.

Most useful in: Southeast Africa

Though among the poorest regions on earth, Southeast Africa is also raved about by visitors as one of the friendliest and most welcoming .

From the hippo-filled Okavango Delta of Botswana, throughout Zimbabwe and to the remote northern beaches of Mozambique, Shona is the mother tongue of most locals you’ll meet.

Learn a few words of Shona and visit the nature of the Zimbabwean countryside, or enjoy the well-maintained roads and highly developed cities of Botswana. Even simple phrases like “thank you” or “your country is beautiful” are sure to endear you to everyone you meet.

Depending on where you plan on going, you may want to make your language learning even more niche than some of the options above.

Here are a few additional languages you might choose to learn to make your global travels a bit smoother, or at least a bit friendlier:

• Japanese is spoken by a large population, with 125 million speakers, but its limitation to travelers is that it doesn’t go very far outside Japan.
• Korean is spoken by about 75 million people, although a good number of them are in North Korea (still not very tourist friendly) and the rest are mostly in South Korea, so it’s also a relatively location-specific tongue as well.
• Dutch is the national language of Suriname and six Caribbean Islands, and it’s an official language in Belgium and the Netherlands in Europe, too.
• Quechua is one of the biggest indigenous languages of the Andes, and will get you far in more remote areas of South America.
• The Serbo-Croatian dialects of the Balkans are all mutually intelligible, and will give you a priceless opportunity to ditch the resorts and explore natural beauty that can’t be beat in the rest of Europe.
• Turkish will help you not only in Turkey but also in regions that speak similar Turkic languages in Central Asia.
• Hausa in West Africa is a large Bantu language with many millions of speakers and lots of mutually intelligible dialects.
• Amharic is spoken by nearly 22 million people in Ethiopia, which is arguably the African continent’s most culturally distinct country due to its unique history.
• Telugu can be handy in South Asia, specifically in India, as it’s spoken and understood throughout several of the southern states.
• Tibetan will give you priceless access to cultural opportunities if you want to trek into the remote regions of Tibet and northern China in Asia.
• Tagalog is the official language of the Philippines in Southeast Asia, and Spanish speakers will find it easy and even familiar.

Of course, there are plenty of factors to consider when deciding which language to learn . Perhaps the most important aspect, however, is your interest in said language.

If you’re planning to travel to a place that speaks a foreign tongue, that likely means you’re interested in the culture and the way of life in that place. This is great motivation for when language learning seems a bit more challenging than you expected.

So, if you really don’t know what language to learn for your travels, pick the one that captures your attention the most !

Language learning takes time and effort. If you’re on the fence about whether it’s really worth learning a language for your travels, let me argue in favor of it with these points:

• The local language can help you during your travels. You may be able to haggle and get discounts. You can ask for directions and assistance. It might even save your life (or at least some money) in case of emergencies.
• You’ll have a more authentic travel experience . Language is the key to a treasure chest full of history, authentic cultural experiences and new friends. You’ll be able to find out what a place is really like by chatting with locals, who can usually offer advice, tips and/or company on your excursions.
• The right language(s) can take you many places. You may have noticed that many languages on the list above are spoken in more than one country, and often (thanks to colonialism) on more than one continent, too. By knowing more than one or two languages, you greatly increase your ability to communicate anywhere in the world.

There are many resources and blogs out there for learning a language that will help you prepare for your journey.

To get ready for a trip abroad, you can start by reading travel guides and phrasebooks—you’ll arrive knowing about the destinations, local language, culture, etiquette and customs. Lonely Planet has travel guides and phrasebooks for virtually every region and language under the sun, so it’s a great place to start learning.

Apps are also an option if you prefer pocket-sized language guides. Dictionaries and flashcard apps are super handy for immediate translations and language practice, while programs like FluentU are helpful for authentic language immersion whenever you have time to spare.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Anything you can do to prepare yourself before traveling makes a difference. But if you want to continue learning while you’re on the go, you have additional options:

• Teach English in your destination country. If you’re reading this, chances are you speak English. Use this skill by teaching as you travel. The best part is that you generally don’t need previous experience to start . Teaching English will also offer you a way to earn money as you travel.
• Live with a host family. This is a great way to learn a language. Living with people who speak your target language means you’ll hear and use it every day out of sheer necessity. In fact, immersion language learning  is one of the most effective and natural ways to learn a new language.
• Volunteer.  Volunteering with a local non-profit or humanitarian organization is also a great way to learn new languages while traveling—with the bonus that you’ll be helping people in need at the same time.
• Ask lots of questions. Actually using the language is perhaps the fastest way to learn it. Ask locals about their favorite restaurants or places to visit, or ask for directions (even if you already know where you’re going!). Remember: When it comes to learning a language, the focus isn’t the destination but the people you’ll learn from along the way!

We know there are a ton of benefits for learning a language, but no one benefits from it as much as a world traveler.

If you’re planning a big trip in the near future or dreaming of traveling the world one day, you can start brushing up on your language skills today!

If you dig the idea of learning on your own time from the comfort of your smart device with real-life authentic language content, you'll love using FluentU .

With FluentU, you'll learn real languages—as they're spoken by native speakers. FluentU has a wide variety of videos as you can see here:

FluentU App Browse Screen.

FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.

Didn't catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.

Interactive, dual-language subtitles.

You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU's "learn mode." Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

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And FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You get a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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28 Beautiful Travel Words that Describe Wanderlust Perfectly

Describe your travels with these unique and beautiful travel words from different languages around the world.

I love travelling and I love languages, so imagine my excitement when I came across a treasure trove of travel words and wanderlust synonyms that describe how we feel before, during, and after we travel. 

Just like a photo can’t fully capture what it feels like to stand on the edge of a fjord , neither can ‘wanderlust’ fully express how we feel when we crave our next adventure. These travel words are literary gems which have been gathered from languages around the world. From Japanese to Swedish , Latin to Greek , travel brochures of the future will be peppered with travel words like of resfeber , livsnjutare, and coddiwomple .

Wanderlust meaning

As you’ll see in the list below, every language has its own variation of how it explains and defines what wanderlust is. In English, wanderlust means to have a strong desire for or impulse to travel, wander and explore the world.

Learn a language from home

During these times it can be bittersweet to think about travelling when we have to stay at home and practice social distancing, let this list of wanderlust-filled words inspire you to a learn a language from home and prepare yourself for your next trip. Being travel fluent is the best way to enrich your travel experiences.

Without further ado, here are 28 beautiful travel words you should slip into your vocabulary. When you’re done, take and look at this collection of inspirational travel quotes . I’d love to hear which ones are your favourites in the comment section below.

1. Resfeber  (n.)

Origin: Swedish

Definition: The meaning of resfeber refers to the restless race of the traveller’s heart before the journey begins when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together.

It’s that moment just after you buy your plane tickets and excitement and fear floods in all at once, creating a mixture of emotions that make you feel anxious or physically ill.

For more inspiration, don’t miss my guide to cool gifts for language learners and the best travel accessories and travel gadgets here.

2. Sonder (v.)

Origin: Unknown

Definition: The realisation that each passerby is living a life as complex as your own.

The full definition, taken from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows reads:

[Sonder is] the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.

I often feel this way when I pass groups of strangers, speaking a language that is completely foreign to me, and realise just how incredibly big the world is. We all have a life that is full of different connections, memories and possibilities. That’s sonder.

The internet suggests this may not be a real word, either way, the concept is beautiful.

3. Solivagant (adj.)

Origin: Latin

Definition: Wandering alone. A solitary adventurer who travels or wanders the globe.

Not all those who wander are lost, but all those who wander alone are definitely solivagants . From the Latin word solivagus , meaning lonely or solitary, solivagant describes anyone who enjoys meandering around new countries, alone, in order to take it all in.

4. Fernweh (n.)

Origin: German

Definition: This German word,means an ache to get away and travel to a distant place, a feeling  even stronger than wanderlust. If wanderlust wasn’t poetic enough for you, allow me to present fernweh , a German word that literally translates to “distance-sickness.”

While someone with wanderlust might sit at home and happily fantasise about all the places they might visit, someone with fernweh would feel a deeper sense of longing, a sort of homesickness but for foreign lands.  For me, it’s wanting to be back in Rome . Fernweh is one of most those beautiful untranslatable words I’ve ever come across.

Carry this beautiful word with you with my Fernweh T-Shirt available in men’s and ladies styles and black or white. Buy it here.

5. Sehnsucht (n.)

Definition: A wistful longing and yearning in the heart for travels past and future.

One author translated it as the “ inconsolable longing in the human heart for we know not what .” Another compared it to “ a longing for a far-off country, but not one which we could identify.”

When you return from travelling and wish you could do it all over again and experience every moment like it was the first.

6. Eleutheromania (n.)

Origin: Greek

Definition: An intense and irresistible desire for freedom.

We all want to be free, and travelling shows us how the freedom in the lives of others that is different from our own. Eleutheromania describes a person who has a strong desire and obsession for freedom.

7. Cockaigne (n.)

Origin: French , Middle French

Definition: An imaginary land of luxury and idleness.

Every destination seem like a wonderland or cockaigne before you set foot there and see it for yourself.

The term c ockaigne ” comes from the Middle French phrase pais de cocaigne, which literally means “the land of plenty.” The word was first popularised in a 13th-century French poem that is known in English as “The Land of Cockaigne.”

8. Quaquaversal (adj.)

Definition: Moving or happening in every direction instantaneously.

This perfectly describes my state when I’m in a new place and want to see and do everything at once.

9. Dérive (n)

Origin: French

Definition: A spontaneous and unplanned journey where the traveller leaves their life behind allows themselves to be guided by the landscape and architecture.

Literally translated as “drift”,  dérive is the idea that even if you drift you will end up on the right path. This could describe life in general, but it also describes small journeys. When you’re wandering through a new city and you just happen to wander on a path that takes you to great discoveries.

10. Ecophobia (n.)

Origin: English

Definition: This word came into English word via Greek and means a fear or dislike of one’s home.

I don’t dislike my home, but recently I can’t stop thinking about going back to Lofoten, Norway.

11. Numinous (adj.)

Definition: A powerful feeling of both fear and fascination, of being in awe and overwhelmed by what is before you.

Originally, this word refers to having a strong religious or spiritual quality; but it can also be used to describe how you feel when you see things that are so beautiful that you realise how wonderful the world is and the small part you play in it.   Hiking Trolltunga was a numinous moment for me.

12. Schwellenangst (n.)

Definition: Fear of crossing a threshold to begin a new chapter.

From s chwelle (“threshold”) and a ngst (“anxiety”), this word explains that feeling you get before deciding to set out on a new journey. Argh! Did I make the right decision?

13. Strikhedonia (n.)

Definition: The pleasure of being able to say “to hell with it”.

Another personal favourite word on this list. Not only is it the joy I feel, but the freedom to be able to say “to hell with it” and book that next trip and embark on your next adventure.

14. Vagary (v.)

Definition: A whimsical or roaming journey.

From Latin, vagārī meaning “ to roam”, is an unpredictable idea, desire or action to travelling without knowing the destination, and not caring.

15. Livsnjutare (n)

Definition: Literally meaning, “enjoyer of life”, this describes a person who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme.

If you’re reading this, that’s probably you!  Need more inspiration?

16. Commuovere (v.)

Origin: Italian

Definition: To stir, to touch, to move to tears.

Just like the euphoric emotions I felt whilst whale watching.

17. Sturmfrei (adj.)

Definition: The freedom of being alone and being able to do what you want.

Literally translating to “stormfree”, this describes the freedom of not being watched by others and being alone in a place where you have the freedom and ability to do what you want.

Another great German word. Travelling solo can be especially rewarding because you have complete control. No compromises, no one else to please. Just you and the big wide world.

18. Saudade (n.)

Origin: Portuguese

Definition: This Portuguese word describes the emotional state of nostalgia and longing for someone or something distant. S audade  was once described as “the love that remains” after someone is gone.

Saudade  is the recollection of feelings, experiences, places, or events that brought excitement and happiness but now triggers the senses and makes one live again.

19. Yūgen (n.)

Origin: Japanese

Definition: A profound and mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe.

An awareness of the Universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and powerful for words.

20. Acatalepsy (n.)

Definition: The impossibility of comprehending the universe.

Henry Miller said “ One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. ” Do we ever really understand the world and what we see on our  travels,  and how they mould us? Sometimes, if at all, it takes time to discover how these things change our lives.

21. Trouvaille (n.)

Definition: A chance encounter with something wonderful.

Whether it’s stumbling across a hidden back street, a quaint cafe, or connecting with a local, trouvaille describes those magical moments we experience in our journeys. 

22. Hygge (n.)

Origin: Danish

Definition: Pronounced hue-guh , hygge describes the warm feeling you get while enjoying the company of great friends and all life has to offer.

Hygge is the conscious appreciation of recognising everything you have and enjoying to the present moment.

23. Onism (n.)

Definition: The world is a big place as not everyone will get to see it. Onism describes understanding that we’ll never get to see it all. It’s the frustration of being stuck in just one body that can only inhabit one place at a time. I felt this way before going to Copenhagen !

Similar to the Swedish word ‘resfeber’, onism describes the feeling of knowing that you’ll never be able to see it all. They say that the more you travel, the harder it gets to stay in one place.

24. Novaturient (adj.)

Definition: A desire to change and alter your life.

This was exactly how I felt when I quit my job and moved to Rome . There was this strong urge that pulled me towards my dream of pursuing a life of speaking Italian and travelling. I knew I  wouldn’t be living my life if I didn’t go.

25. Yoko meshi (n.)

Definition: This untranslatable gem describes the stress of speaking a foreign language .

The Japanese word ‘meshi’ literally means ‘boiled rice’ and ‘yoko’ means ‘horizontal,’ together it means ‘a meal eaten sideways.’ The Japanese have created a beautiful way of describing the unique kind of stress you experience when speaking a foreign language. Furthermore, ‘yoko’ also references the fact that Japanese is normally written vertically, whereas most foreign languages are written horizontally. Clever, right?

Related: 69 Wonderful Japanese Expressions That Will Brighten Your Day

26. Selcouth (adj.)

Origin: Old English

Definition: When everything you see and experience is unfamiliar and strange, yet you find it marvellous anyway.

It’s that feeling you get when you travel to a foreign land and food, culture, customs, or language, is strange and different to everything you’ve experienced before, yet you love it and find it fascinating.

27. Eudaimonia (n.)

Definition: A state of being happy whilst travelling and everything feels great.

That intense excitement and appreciation when you travel and everything feels great. Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the best experiences of my life, a feeling I won’t forget.

28. Coddiwomple (v.)

Origin: English slang

Definition: To travel purposefully towards an unknown destination.

A brilliant word, coddiwomple is when you have a vague idea of your destination within a care for how long it takes to arrive. A great example is when you go hiking, you know you’ll eventually reach the summit, but every part of the trail along the way is just as beautiful.    Like the time I hiked Norway’s Trolltunga.

If you enjoyed these words, then let wordsmiths Stephen King, Mark Twain and the Dalai Lama transport you around the world with these inspirational travel quotes or start using some of the beautiful untranslatable words from other languages.

Want to know more about learning languages? Start here!

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Over to you!

Which one of these travel words do you identify with the most? What others would you add? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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124 inspirational travel quotes that’ll make you want to travel in 2022, 12 comments.

Amazing list! One word I’d add is the Dutch word “gezellig” or “gezelligheid” – similarly to hygge, it describes a feeling of warmth/comfort/coziness/quaintness in certain settings or around certain people.

Thank you so much for sharing this Heba. So interesting to learn that Dutch has a similar word :)

This is such a fun article! Love these words and phrases!

Glad to hear it! Thank you so much, Eric :)

So many of these describe me or my feelings about seeing the world. But, if I had to pick one, the one that best describes how I choose my destinations would be “selcouth”. I so want to be a stranger in a strange land. To have my belief that there is no such thing as “normal” affirmed again and again and over again.

What a beautiful word. Thanks for sharing, Janet :)

Thanks Michele what a wonderful list of inspirational words. It nearly made me cry as I realised that I suffer from acute eleutheromania! ha

Thanks Juliana :) I’m so glad you enjoyed this list. Eleutheromania? I know how you feel hehe

Unique list i must say – If you want to add one more word than check this !

In Hindi language (India) traveler called as “Musafir”

thanks Niraj :)

Thanks for sharing this! Really enjoyed it a lot ❤

Thanks Donah, I’m so glad you enjoyed it ;)

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Traveling to a foreign country can be an exciting and enriching experience , but it can also be challenging if you can't speak the local language. Knowing even just a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way toward connecting with locals and making your trip more enjoyable.

Ready to make your trips even more meaningful? The best languages to learn for travel will get you there.

We'll explore the best languages to learn for travel and provide language learning tips for travelers. So, get ready to find out about the best languages for traveling internationally and starting planning your next adventure.

How learning a language makes travel more meaningful

Learning a new language can make traveling a more meaningful and rewarding experience. Not only can it help break down communication barriers, but it can also provide insight into the local culture and way of life.

Firstly, speaking the local language can make travel easier and more enjoyable. Simple tasks like ordering food or asking for directions become much easier when you can communicate with locals in their own language. This can lead to a more authentic travel experience as you are able to connect with locals on a deeper level and gain a better understanding of the local customs and traditions.

Learning a new language also provides a window into another culture. Language and culture are closely intertwined, and by learning the language, you are also gaining insight into the way of life and values of the people who speak it. This can lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of the country you are visiting.

Finally, learning a new language is a valuable skill that can benefit you in many areas of life, not just when traveling. It can open up new job opportunities , help you make new friends , and even improve cognitive function.

[ Get a discount on language classes with Lingoda ]

14 best languages to learn for travel.

Here are the 14 best languages for traveling:

Spanish is an incredibly important language to learn for travel. It is the second-most spoken language in the world , making it a valuable language to know for travelers. With over 20 countries speaking Spanish as an official language , including Spain , Mexico , and much of Central and South America, knowing Spanish can be a huge asset while you’re off seeing the world.

Learning Spanish is relatively easy compared to other languages. Its grammar is straightforward and its vocabulary is largely derived from Latin, making it easy to recognize words and understand their meanings. In summary, Spanish is an important language to learn for travel due to its widespread use, its ability to help you connect with locals, and its relative ease of learning.

• Best place to learn: Mexico
• Recommended program: Learn Spanish and Surfing in Mexico

Put your French skills to good use by touring boulangeries while you’re traveling.

French is an important language to learn for travel for several reasons. Firstly, it is an official language in 29 countries , widely spoken in Western Europe, Africa, and Canada , so knowing French can be useful for those traveling to these regions. French is also considered one of the most romantic languages and is often associated with high culture. It is the language of literature, art, and cuisine, and knowing French can provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of these areas.

Finally, learning French is a valuable skill that can benefit you in many areas of life, not just when traveling. It is one of the official languages of the United Nations and is widely used in the fields of business, education, and diplomacy. Whether you're traveling to Paris, Montreal, or any of the other French-speaking regions, knowing French can greatly enhance your travel experience.

• Best place to learn: Morocco
• Recommended program: ISA Study Abroad in Meknes, Morocco

3. Mandarin

Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world , making it a valuable language to know for travelers. With over 1.3 billion speakers , Mandarin is the official language of China and Taiwan, making it a great choice for travelers to these regions. Knowing Mandarin can provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of Chinese culture.

China is a country with a rich history and unique traditions, and knowing Mandarin can help travelers gain a better understanding of these areas. Learning Mandarin can also benefit you in many areas of life beyond travel. China has become an economic powerhouse in recent years and knowing Mandarin can open up new job opportunities and business partnerships.

• Best place to learn: Singapore
• Recommended program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese (8 Cities)

Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world and is the official language in over 20 countries , including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. It is one of the best languages to learn for travel as popular tourist destinations in the Middle East and North Africa operate in Arabic.

Arabic is a language with a rich cultural history. Arabic literature, music, and art are revered around the world, and knowing Arabic can provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of these areas. Furthermore, the Middle East is an area of increasing global importance, and knowing Arabic can open up new job opportunities in the future.

• Best place to learn: Egypt
• Recommended program: Arabic Language Intensive Program (ALIN) at AUC

You can’t go wrong by learning Hindi if you’re planning a trip to India.

Hindi is a critical language to learn if you're planning on traveling to India . It's one of the more commonly spoken languages of India and is spoken by over 500 million people worldwide , so knowing Hindi can really come in handy when communicating with locals.

Another cool thing about learning Hindi is that it can give you a better appreciation and understanding of Indian culture. India is a really diverse country with a rich history, amazing food, and Bollywood films loved around the world.

Knowing Hindi can help you better understand and appreciate all of these things. It is also a stepping stone toward learning other Indian languages and even Sanskrit if you’re interested in pursuing a more spiritual path someday!

• Best place to learn: India
• Recommended program: Homestay Hindi Language Immersion Program in Jaipur, India

If you're planning a trip to East Africa, you might want to consider learning Swahili. Swahili is a really important language in East Africa and is spoken by over 140 million people . It’s the official language of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda , making it one of the best languages for traveling—and it’s also a really beautiful language!

Swahili has a melodic quality to it that many people find really pleasing to the ear. Plus, it has lots of words and phrases that just roll off the tongue in a really satisfying way.

Another reason why people enjoy speaking Swahili is that it's a language with a lot of history and cultural significance. Swahili has been spoken for centuries, and it's a language that's deeply tied to the region's culture and traditions. So for many people, speaking Swahili is a way to connect with their heritage and identity.

• Best place to learn: Tanzania
• Recommended program: Swahili Language Course in Tanzania

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Knowing Thai can help travelers navigate the country more easily and communicate with locals, which can enhance their overall travel experience. In addition, Thai is the official language of Thailand and is spoken by about 60 million people worldwide .

Learning Thai can be a gateway to understanding the culture and traditions of the Thai people and can help travelers connect with locals on a deeper level. But why do people want to learn Thai? Well, for one thing, Thai is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change based on the tone used to say it. This makes it a fascinating and challenging language to learn, and many people enjoy the intellectual challenge of mastering Thai.

There are plenty of reasons why Thailand is a top tourist destination, and learning Thai will take your visit to another level.

Furthermore, Thai has a rich and diverse vocabulary, with many words that don’t have direct translations in English. This means that learning Thai can expand the ways in which you can express yourself. Thai people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and knowing Thai can help travelers form meaningful connections with locals and gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture.

• Best place to learn: Thailand
• Recommended program: Thai Language Course and Immersion in Chang Mai, Thailand

8. Portuguese

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, and several other countries in South America and Africa. This means that knowing Portuguese can be really helpful if you're traveling to any of these regions, as it can make it a lot easier to communicate with locals and really immerse yourself in the culture.

In addition, Portugal and Brazil are known for their amazing food, music, and art, and speaking Portuguese can help you better appreciate and understand these aspects of their cultures. From the samba rhythms of Brazil to the fado music of Portugal, the Portuguese language is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of these countries.

With its lilting rhythms and romantic intonations, Portuguese is a language that's often described as melodic and poetic. Portuguese also has a unique ability to convey a wide range of emotions and sentiments.

From expressing love and passion to conveying sorrow and longing, Portuguese is capable of evoking powerful emotions and feelings. Whether you're sharing stories over a glass of port wine in Porto or chatting with locals at a samba club in Rio, knowing Portuguese can help you forge meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

• Best place to learn: Brazil
• Recommended program: Study Portuguese Language Online or in Salvador, Brazil

Italian is the official language of Italy, and it is also spoken in parts of Switzerland and Croatia. Italy is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious food.

Italy is also known for having an aging population—many elderly people in Italy likely do not speak English. Italians are known for their friendliness, and knowing Italian can help travelers navigate the country more easily and communicate more efficiently, which can enhance the overall travel experience and help you tap into that Italian wisdom!

That could be you, enjoying the Italian sunshine, getting ready to make conversation with locals.

Italian is also a beautiful language with a rich cultural history. From the art and literature of the Renaissance to the operas and music of the modern era, Italian has played a significant role in shaping Western culture. As one of the Romance languages, it can be your gateway to other languages like Spanish, French, and Portuguese—or it will be a much easier endeavor picking up Italian if you already have a foundation in these other languages!

• Best place to learn: Italy
• Recommended program: Learn Italian in Tuscany at Il Sasso Language Institute

Korean is the official language of both North and South Korea and is spoken by about 75 million people worldwide , including in parts of China and Japan. Learning Korean is a great idea if you’re interested in that region. Firstly, South Korea is a very attractive place to visit , with their delicious food, rich history, and cutting-edge technology. Korean is also a unique language with its own distinct writing system and grammar rules.

Many people are drawn to the challenge of learning Korean and enjoy the intellectual stimulation that comes with mastering a new language like this. Furthermore, South Korea is a major player in industries like technology, entertainment, and automotive manufacturing. Knowing Korean can not only open up potential future opportunities but will also allow you to appreciate K-pop and K-dramas on a deeper level!

• Best place to learn: South Korea
• Recommended program: Summer Korean Immersion Program with Homestay in Seoul

German is a widely spoken language in Europe and has over 100 million speakers worldwide . Learning German can be a gateway to understanding the culture and traditions of German-speaking countries like Germany , Austria, and parts of Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.

German is a language of innovation and industry, with a reputation for precision and efficiency. Many people are drawn to German because of its association with fields like engineering, science, and technology, and see it as a valuable skill to have in today's global marketplace. Furthermore, German is a language with a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to fields like philosophy, literature, and music.

From the works of Kant and Nietzsche to the operas of Wagner, German has played a significant role in shaping key European history. Finally, German people are known for their directness and honesty, and knowing German can help travelers form meaningful connections with locals with a better understanding of cultural barriers.

• Best place to learn: Austria
• Recommended program: Eurolingua Study Abroad Program - German in Vienna

12. Japanese

Japan’s iconic sights are calling. Start studying Japanese and get your answer ready!

People all over the world are interested in learning Japanese for a variety of reasons. Japanese is the official language of Japan and is spoken by over 130 million people worldwide . Apart from Japan, it is also widely spoken in Brazil due to the early immigration of Japanese people for many generations. Learning Japanese can be a gateway to understanding the culture and traditions of Japan, from historic art dating back centuries to contemporary manga and anime.

The language itself is immensely fascinating. Japanese has many honorifics and polite language expressions that are used to show respect and politeness in social interactions. These honorifics can be used to show respect to someone of higher social status or to express gratitude, and are an important part of Japanese culture and language .

Japanese vocabulary also includes onomatopoeic words. These are words that imitate sounds, like "pika-pika" for sparkling or "gacha-gacha" for clattering. Onomatopoeic words are used frequently in Japanese and add a fun and playful element to the language.

Japanese has a rich and diverse vocabulary, with many words and phrases that don't have direct translations in English. This means that learning Japanese can help you think in new and different ways. Japanese people are known for their politeness and hospitality, and knowing Japanese can help travelers form meaningful connections with locals and minimize language gaps.

• Best place to learn: Japan
• Recommended program: Meiji Academy - Study Japanese in Fukuoka

13. Russian

Russian is spoken by over 258 million people worldwide and is an official language of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan . It is also widely spoken in other former Soviet republics like Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, making it one of the best languages to learn for travel. Many people in these countries learned Russian as a second language during the Soviet era, and it remains an essential language for business and communication.

Knowing Russian as a traveler will allow you to appreciate the richness of such countries and the vast diversity it has to offer. Russian is known for its complex grammar rules and unique vocabulary. For example, Russian has a rich system of word endings that indicate grammatical cases, which can be challenging for English speakers to learn.

All that studying will pay off when you can handle grammatical cases with ease.

In addition, Russian has a lot of loanwords from other languages, particularly French and German, which add to the richness and diversity of the language. Russian is also spoken by diaspora communities all over the world, particularly in the United States, Israel, and Germany. These communities often maintain cultural and linguistic ties to Russia and use Russian as a means of communication and cultural expression.

• Best place to learn: Latvia
• Recommended program: Russian as a Foreign Language in Daugavpils, Latvia

14. Turkish

Turkish is the official language of Turkey and is spoken by over 80 million people worldwide , including in parts of Cyprus and Bulgaria . Turkish is a language that many people aiming to be polyglots want to master as the language is known for its agglutinative nature . This means that words are created by stringing together different morphemes which can result in long and complex words and can be challenging for English speakers to learn.

In addition, Turkish has many loanwords from other languages, particularly Arabic and Persian. These loanwords add to the richness and diversity of the Turkish vocabulary and can be interesting for language learners to explore.

Furthermore, Turkish is a vital language for trade and commerce, with Turkey being a major player in industries like textiles, agriculture, and tourism. Turkish media like drama series and music are also gaining popularity lately, so learning this beautiful language will allow you to appreciate and indulge in a wider variety of art forms.

• Best place to learn: Turkey
• Recommended program: Turkish Language Course and Immersion in Istanbul, Turkey

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Traveling is a great motivator for learning a new language.

Which of these languages will you choose to learn first?

Learning even a few basic phrases in any of these languages can greatly enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals. Exploring the world is a never-ending journey, and enhancing your experience by learning various languages will be priceless.

Not only is learning a language a great way to improve your own capabilities, but it’s also a great way to connect with people around the world and appreciate other places! So why not give it a try and see where your language learning journey takes you?

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How to Say Good Morning in 100 Different Languages

Do you want to learn how to say good morning in different languages? If so, you have come to the right spot! 

In terms of words that you should learn when preparing to visit a new country, good morning is one of the most important. Most often, when saying good morning we mean to convey an expression of good wishes to the other party, which is why this greeting is so important to know when traveling. 

I have learned to speak three languages, and studied many others for my travels, and always try to learn this common phrase before traveling to a new country or when experiencing a new culture. I consider myself a forever student of linguistics as well. To help you in your language studies and future travels, you will find a list of the 101 ways to say good morning in this post. 

This post begins with the top 25 most spoken languages and then breaks up each of the remaining languages by continent of origin.

Table of Contents

Saying Good Morning

“Good morning” is more than just a common greeting; it can set a positive tone for the entire day. This simple phrase constitutes a heartfelt expression of goodwill, wishing the recipient a day full of possibilities, joy, and accomplishment. Used universally, it transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering warmth and camaraderie.

Whether used in personal contexts or professional settings, “good morning” underpins human interactions with an undercurrent of positivity and respect. In various languages across the globe, the sentiment of “good morning” carries a similar connotation of warmth and positivity as well. 

Good Morning in Different Languages: The Top 25 Most Spoken Languages

I’m starting off this post with the languages that are most spoken around the globe, and therefore the most useful languages to know if you are studying a foreign language. Also, known that there are often many different ways to say goodbye in any language, but I’ve listed the most common options here. 

Note: This “top 25” list, is based on speakers’ mother tongue vs. languages studied. 

1.  Mandarin : 早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo)

Zǎoshang hǎo is a formal way to say good morning in Mandarin. The literal translation is “early good morning”. A more informal morning greeting would be 早 (zǎo), which literally means “first sun”. You would use the latter with family members or a close friend. 

Note: Mandarin Chinese is primarily spoken in China and Taiwan.

2.   Spanish :¡Buenos días! 

This Spanish phrase is literally translated to “good days”. In the past, this phrase was “buenos dios os dé Dios”, which meant “may God bless you with good days”. But this phrase shortened over time to the phrase that we know today. For a more casual morning greeting, you can simply say “¡Buenos!

Note: The Spanish language is a romance language, and is the second most spoken language in the world. It is spoken in over 18 countries and territories, including Spain, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.  

3.  English : Good Morning

This phrase has been in common use since the 1100s. You can simply shorten to just “Morning!” as well. 

Note: English is a major language in the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As as a second language, there are more English speakers than any other language in this earth. 

4.  Arabic :صباح الخير (Sabah el kheir)  

Sabah el kheir  is a formal and informal way to say “good morning”. If someone says this to you, you would respond with صباح النور (Sabah el noor), which means “Morning of bright light.” 

Note: Arabic is spoken in 25 countries, but the language does differ greatly from African countries (e.g., Morocco, Algiria) to the Gulf / Middle East countries (e.g., Kuwait, the UAE). Egyptian Arabic is most commonly taught as a “neutral” version that can be understood by the majority of speakers. 

5.  Hindi :शुभ प्रभात (shubh prabhaat)

Shubh prabhaat  is the more formal way to say goodbye, but  Namaste  is by far the most common way to greet to someone.  Note: Hindi is one of the official languages of India (alongside English).

6.  Portuguese : Bom dia

Bom dia  literally means “Good day” and is the common morning greeting in both Brazil and Portugal. Note that in Brazil “dia” is pronounced “gee-ah” and in Portugal it is pronounced “dee-ah”. 

Note: Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor. 

7.  Bengali : সুপ্রভাত (Suprabhāta)

Note: Begali is spoken in Northeastern India and Bangladesh. 

8.  Russian : доброе утро (Dobroye utro)

This phrase translates literally to “good morning” and can be used in both formal and informal situations. For greetings in messages or when addressing an audience, you can use this greeting: С добрым утром (s DOBrym OOTram). 

Note: Russia is a slavic language and the official language of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgystan, and Kazakhstan, and spoken in several former Soviet countries. 

9.   Japanese :  おはよう (Ohayō)

Ohayō  is the informal way to greet someone in the morning. For a more formal greeting, use the phrase おはようございます (Ohayō Gozaimasu). For reference, gozaimasu is a common suffix to indicate greater politeness and respect. 

Note: Japan is the official language of Japan and spoken widely in Hawaii too. 

10.  Landha (Western Punjabi) : ਸ਼ੁਭ ਸਵੇਰ (Śubha savēra)

Note: Landha is spoken in parts of Pakistan and India. 

11.  Vietnamese:  Chào buổi sáng

Chào buổi sáng literally translates to “hello morning period”. This greeting works in informal and formal situations. 

Note: Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. 

12.  Turkish : Günaydın

This phrase literally translats to “bright morning”, and very pleasant way to start the morning. 

Note: Turkish is the official language of Turkey and also spoken in nearby countries such as Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, and more. 

13.  Marathi : शुभ प्रभात (Śubha prabhāta)

Note: Marathi is spoken in western and central India (including Mumbai).

14.  Telugu : శుభోదయం(Śubhōdayaṁ)

Note: Telugu is spoken in Southern India.

15.  Malay : selamat Pagi

This phrase literally translates to “safe morning”, and can be used in any setting. 

Note: Malay is spoken primarily in Malaysia, and some neighboring countries. 

16.  Korean : 좋은 아침이에요 (jal joh-eun achim-ieyo)

This is the formal phrase to use in the morning, and translates to “Did you sleep well?” To respond to this phrase, you’d say 네, 잘 잤어요” (ne, jal jasseoyo), meaning “Yes, I slept well.”  

​Note: Korean is spoken in both North Korea and South Korea. 

17.  French : Bonjour 

This phrase means “good day”. You can also say “Salut” to say Morning!

Note: French is the official language of 28 countries, including France, Benin, Congo, Monaco, Senegal, and more. 

18.  Tamil : காலை வணக்கம் (Kālai vaṇakkam)

Note: Tamil is the official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 

19.  German : Guten Morgen

This phrase translates directly to “Good Morning”, and can be used in informal and formal situations.

Note: The German langauge is official in German, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It also is widely spoken in the Italian province of South Tyrol, Luxembourg, and Belgium. 

20.  Urdu :صبح بخیر (Subah bakhair)

Note, this greeting is not often used. Instead, it is more common to say السلام علیکم (Assalamu Alaykum). 

Note: Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, and it has strong lexical similarity to Hindi (both derived from ancient Sanskrit). 

21.  Javanese : sugeng enjang

Note: Javanese is the official language of Indonesia. 

22.  Italian : Buongiorno

This phrase means “good day”, and can be used in both informal situations.

Note: Italian is the official language of Italy, as well as San Marino, and certain provinces in Switzerland. It is the closest language to ancient Latin. 

23.  Farsi : سلام, صبح بخیر ( Salām, sobh bekheir )

This phrase means “Wishing you a good morning”. The most common greeting in the morning is simply  Salām.

Note: Farsi is also known as Persian, and is the official language of Iran. 

24.  Gujarati :સુપ્રભાત(Suprabhāta)

While this is the official way to say good morning, the typical AM greeting is કેમ છો (kem chho), which is closer to saying “hi” or “hello”. 

Note: Gujarati is primarily spoken in the Indian state of Gujarat. 

25.  Pashto : سحر په خير (sahar pakhair)

This is the official way to say good morning, but simply saying Salam is the best greeting in this language. 

Note: Pashto is spoken in Afganistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

Good Morning in Different Languages: African Languages

26.  afrikaans : goeie more, 27.  amharic : ምልካም እድል(milikami idili), 28.  bambara : a’ ni sɔgɔma, 28.  fulani : jam waali , 29.  hausa : barka da safiya, 30. igbo : ụtụtụ ọma, 31.  malagasy : salama, 32.  oromo : akkam bulte, 33.  shona : mangwanani akanaka, 34.  somali : subax wanaagsan, 35.  sudanese : wilujeng énjing, 36.  swahili:  habari za asubuhi, 37.  tigrinya : ከመይ ሓዲርኩም, 38.  twi : mema wo akye, 39.  xhosa : mholo ngalentsasa, 40. yoruba : e kaaro, 41.  zulu : sawubona.

Good Morning in Different Languages: Asian Languages

42.  armenian :Բարի առավոտ (bari arravot), 43.  assamese : সুপ্ৰভাত, 44.  azerbaijani : sabahınız xeyir, 45.  burmese : မင်္ဂလာနံနက်ခင်းပါ (main g lar nannaathkainnpar), 46.  cantonese : 早晨 (zou san), 47.  cebuano : maayong buntag, 48.  dzonghka : ངྲོ་པདེ་ལེགས། (dobro delek), 49.  filipino : magandang umaga, 50.  georgian : დილა მშვიდობისა (dila mshvidobisa), 51.  hebrew : בוֹקֶר טוֹב (boker tov), 52.  indonesian : selamat pagi, 53.  kannada : ಶುಭೋದಯ (Śubhōdaya), 54.  kazakh : қайырлы таң (qayırlı tañ), 55.  khmer : អរុណសួស្តី (aroun suostei), 56.  kurdish : beyanî baş, 57.  kyrgyz : Куттуу таң (kuttuu taŋ), 58.  laotian : ສະບາຍດີຕອນເຊົ້າ (sa bai di ton sao), 59.  mongolian : өглөөний мэнд (öglöönii mend), 60.  nepali : शुभ – प्रभात (Śubha – prabhāta), 61.  sinhala : සුභ උදෑසනක් (subha udǣsanak), 62.  thai : สวัสดีตอนเช้า (s̄wạs̄dī txn chêā), 63.  turkmen : ertiriň haýyrly bolsun, 64.  uzbek : xayrli tong, good morning in different languages: european languages, 65.  albanian : miremengjes, 66.  basque : egun on, 67.  bosnian : dobro jutro, 68.  bulgarian : добро утро (dobro utro), 69.  catalan : bon dia, 70.  corsican : bonghjornu, 71.  croatian : dobro jutro, 72.  czech : dobro jutro, 73.  danish : god morgen, 74.  dutch : goedemorgen, 75.  estonian : tere hommikust, 76.  finnish : hyvää huomenta, 77.  galician : bos días, 78.  greek : καλημέρα (kaliméra), 79.  hungarian : jó reggelt kívánok, 80.  icelandic : góðan daginn, 81.  irish : maidin mhaith, 82.  latin : bonum mane, 83.  lithuanian : labas rytas, 84.  luxembourgish : gudde moien, 85.  macedonian : добро утро (dobro utro), 86.  maltese : bongu, 87.  norwegian : god morgen, 88.  polish : dzień dobry, 89.  scottish gaelic : madainn mhath, 90.  swedish : god morgon, 91.  ukranian : добрий ранок (dobryy ranok), 92.  western frisian : goeiemoarn, 93.  welsh : bore da.

Good Morning in Different Languages: North American Languages

94.  hatian creole : bonjou, 95.  nahuatl : cualli tlanecic, good morning in different languages: oceanic languages, 96.  hawaiian : aloha kakahiaka.

Fun fact: Aloha means both  hello  and  goodbye  in the Hawaiian language. This is why Hawaii is known as the “Aloha state”. 

97.  Maori : ata pai

98.  samoan : manuia le taeao, good morning in different languages: south american languages, 99.  aymara : aski alwakipana, 100.  guarani : mba’éichapa ndepyhare, 101.  southern quechua : rimaykullayki, the best apps and resources for language learning.

If you are interested in learning a new language, here are a few apps and resources I think may be the most helpful to you:

As I mentioned in my post on  Spanish  p hrases , practicing is really key to feeling comfortable using a new language. You can practice with native speakers by using my favorite language resource,  iTalki .  On this site you can practice with a tutor, formal teacher, or others just seeking to do a language exchange (for free!). It is hands down the best way to expand your language skills. 

This app is best for improving your reading comprehension. And believe it or not, improving your reading comprehension is maybe the best way to consistently expand your vocabulary. (Consider how babies learn languages). On this app, you are provided with videos that come with captions to help you pick up on the vocabulary that you hear.  Try Lingopie today !

While I can’t recommend Duolingo alone for learning a langauge, I recommend using this free app to expand and practice your vocabulary in a new language. Note, there is a paid option, but I think the free version is all that you need with this one. 

Even better for building vocabulary is Drops, in my opinion. It has a variety of more real-life categories that you can opt for yourself to learn from. You do have to pay an annual fee, but it is absolutely worth it. 

Google Translate

If you don’t have time to learn a language before you travel. I recommend using one of the best translation apps out there – Google Translate. This app does wanders for picking up live conversations so you can chat with people like taxi drivers or other new friends in the local language. Even if it is a little indirect. 

FAQs on Good Morning in Different Languages

In English, there are several alternative ways to express the sentiment of “good morning.” One might opt for a more casual, “Morning!” or extend the greeting to, “Wishing you a wonderful morning!” Alternatively, a more formal and slightly old-fashioned greeting could be, “Top of the morning to you!”

In Latin, the phrase for “good morning” is “Bonum mane”. This phrase reflects the rich historical roots and influence of Latin, a language that has greatly contributed to the development of many modern languages.

In the United Kingdom, the most common way to say “good morning” is simply using the phrase itself, “Good morning”. However, in a more casual or familiar context, Britons might also simply say “Morning”.

In Summary | Good Morning in Different Languages

I hope that this post has inspired you to explore languages more, or at the very least, inspired you to experience a bit of wanderlust. Learning how to say words like  good morning  in different languages is the start to breaking down language barriers and is a great way to get to know new people in any new place.

More Words in Different Languages

• Travel in Different Languages
• I Love You in Different Languages
• Goodbye in Different Languages

Interested in Learning More? Check Out these Travel Language Guides:

• Spanish for travel
• Portuguese for travel
• Japanese for travel
• Greek for travel
• French for travel
• Thai for travel
• Languages and travel

Don’t forget to pin this for later!

Christen Thomas is the founder of TravelWanderGrow, established in 2018. She has lived abroad and traveled extensively to over 30 countries. In addition, she is a certified Travel Advisor and is an expert in planning trips focused on city history and culture. As a frequent traveler, she also shares tips on how to prepare to travel well and how to save money while doing so.

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The 6 Most Useful Languages for Travel (and How to Learn Them!)

• Post author By Damon Lane
• 8 Comments on The 6 Most Useful Languages for Travel (and How to Learn Them!)

Learning a new language for travel is a great way to feel a deeper connection to the places you visit and the people you meet. Many of us dream of being able to converse freely and fluently with people wherever we go. But with more than 6,500 languages spoken in the world today, it isn’t practical to learn them all. 

So which languages are most useful for travel, and how should you go about learning them? 

In this guide, we detail the top 6 languages to learn for travel and provide tips and resources to make language learning easier.

Our experience learning languages for travel

When we were first bitten by the international travel bug, we knew our travels would take us to many countries that were not natively English-speaking. So, our language-learning journey began!

We went to a bookstore and picked up a book about Switzerland, the first country we eventually visited in Europe. The cover of the book looked so cool. There were mountains… and skiers… and snow. All the things that we enjoy!

The book also mentioned all the languages that are spoken in Switzerland: German, English, Italian, Spanish, French… and then something called Swiss-German. Children in Switzerland, and in much of the world, are taught a second language beginning in grade school, if not younger.

Yet foreign language is still not something that is actively and earnestly taught in the US public school system until at least high school. That is when we decided to learn another language… maybe two… or three. And we made it our goal to ensure our daughter learns a second language, as well. 

The 6 best languages for travel to learn

If you want to learn a second language for travel, you first need to determine which language would be most beneficial and useful during your travels.

Here are the top languages that have the most travel value and why.

The fact that you are reading this in English tells me you are likely already a native English speaker or at the very least fluent in the language. So, you probably don’t need to learn English. However, I included it on the list because in terms of the top languages for travel, English is undoubtedly number one. 

There are 67 different countries in the world where English is the official language, as well as numerous non-sovereign entities. Residents from countries like the United States , United Kingdom, and Canada speak English as their native language.

Surprisingly, English is even the official language of the Central American country of Belize and of many of the countries on the continent of Africa.

Additionally, many countries teach English as a second language beginning in kindergarten. So nearly 20 percent of the world’s population, or 1.35 billion people can speak some English.  

However, don’t think you can get by everywhere just by knowing English. Because that leaves more than 75 percent of the world who do not speak or understand English at all. 

Aside from English, Spanish is one of the most important languages to learn for travel.

It is the official language in at least 20 countries – and a large section of two continents.  If you want to travel to Spain , Mexico , or to most countries in Central America and South America , Spanish will be beneficial.

Spanish is also the second most-spoken language in the United States. An estimated 13% of US residents speak Spanish as a first language. 

As a romance language, learning Spanish also makes it easier to learn other romance languages like French, Italian and Portuguese. 

For English speakers, Arabic is a challenging language to learn, at least compared to Spanish. Arabic has its own alphabet, grammatical complexities, and pronunciation.

Additionally, there are a lot of different dialects of Arabic that can make learning it difficult. But, since Arabic is the official language of 26 countries, including areas where international tourism is growing rapidly, like Dubai, UAE and Morocco , it is one of the best languages to learn for travel.

If you have a desire to visit the Middle East or any of the countries in Northern Africa, you should at the very least learn some Arabic.

Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese makes our list of the best languages for travel, simply because it is the most spoken language in the world.

Although only 5 countries have Chinese and one of its dialects, like Mandarin, as the official language, many of those countries are extremely populated.

So, if you have a desire to see the Great Wall of China , any of the fascinating sites in Beijing or elsewhere in China, Mandarin Chinese is a useful language. And considering Beijing is one of the best places to visit for a family vacation in Asia , learning at least a few key phrases would be a good idea.

In fact, Mandarin is a good language for travel and for business and will always be as long as companies around the world continue to outsource production to China.

Like Spanish and Arabic, French is widely spoken around the world. There are 29 countries where French is the official language.

So, if you dream of Paris to see one of the most famous bridges in Europe or you want to wander around the Louvre and gaze at famous European statues and paintings, or explore beautiful gothic cathedrals , French is a great language to learn. 

French is also spoken in parts of Canada , like Quebec and even in some of the Caribbean islands, like St. Martin .

Portuguese is a romance language, like French and Spanish. While Portugal is the home country for the language, it is not the largest country that uses the language.

Portuguese is also the official language of Brazil, the largest country in South America. 

Portuguese is spoken in 10 countries around the world, and if you want to visit Lisbon or any of these other popular places in Portugal , learn a few words and phrases in Portuguese to make your trip easier.

Two bonus languages to learn for travel

Although the seven languages above are the most beneficial languages for travel, it may make sense for you to learn others that aren’t on this list.

The language you will use the most

A great language for you to learn would be the one that you would use the most, even if it is not one of the more widely spoken languages above. 

If you have grandparents from Japan , for example, it might make more sense for you to learn Japanese to communicate and connect with your relatives and your heritage.

In fact, in this example it would also be helpful to learn about the culture and the unique Japanese habits and customs so you can preserve and honor your heritage, as well.

The language that interests you

Another great language to learn would be the one that interests you the most. For instance, if you are of Polish descent and are interested in learning Polish, do it!

Even if no one in your family still speaks Polish and you have no plans to travel to Poland , if the language interests you, you will be more likely to stick with it. 

Why you should learn a language for travel

Travel is a great way to learn. In fact, many of our favorite family travel quotes revolve around the idea that travel is the best form of education.

Through travel, you can learn so much about the world and its history, and about other cultures and religions. But to truly connect with a place and its people, it is important to learn at least a little of the native language for travel.

Learning a language opens up new possibilities

If you live in the United States and never plan to travel outside its borders, then you may not need to learn a language other than English.

But the USA only accounts for 4.25% of the entire world population and only 6.1% of the land on this planet. That means that more than 95% of people in this world, and 94% of the beautiful lands to explore are in other countries.

While there are a lot of great places to visit in the United States , there is so much you will never discover if you don’t leave the country.

So, if you want to see more than just 6.1% of the world, then learning a language for travel would be beneficial. And the further you go off the tourist path in a city or country, the more likely it is you will have to interact with people who do not speak English.

Speaking a country’s native language earns respect from locals

Even if you only know a few key phrases in a language, it will ultimately earn you a lot of respect from the locals you interact with while you are traveling. 

A few years ago, when we took a family trip to Costa Rica , we tried to make a reservation at a restaurant at the resort where we were staying, RIU Guanacaste . Unfortunately, the restaurant was booked. However, when we started to speak to the manager in Spanish, the native language of Costa Rica, he made an exception and reserved a table for us.

Our Spanish was far from perfect. In fact, it was likely pretty terrible. But by simply attempting to speak it, we earned the managers respect or favor, and ultimately, we were able to secure a reservation.

Language helps you connect with locals in other countries

Interacting with locals takes on an entirely new dynamic when communication is more fluid because you took the time to learn a language for travel.

When we are even somewhat comfortable speaking the language in a new country, we are able to break off the tourist path, see more of the country, and interact more with the people that make that country unique. 

There is something about sitting down in a pub and having a beer in areas that only the locals go that will make you feel more connected to a city.

More importantly, you can establish cross-cultural friendships and do so while giving your brain a nice boost.

How to learn a new language for travel

Learning a language can admittedly be hard, especially for adults. But it can also be one of the coolest and most rewarding things you ever do. 

In our household, we personally spend at least 20 minutes each day practicing another language. It helps us feel more connected to other cultures even when you aren’t traveling , and ultimately helps us be more prepared for future trips.

Of course, immersion is always the best way to learn a new language. But most of us don’t have the opportunity to move abroad for months at a time. So, for those who are learning from home, here are some of the most popular resources to learn another language for travel.

Duolingo is a free app that you can install on your phone so you can take language learning with you wherever you go.

Did you miss the part where I mentioned it is FREE ?

In reality, you will not become fluent in a language using Duolingo alone. However, it is a convenient app that can help you learn 19 distinct languages. It has a fun, engaging gamification platform, and is easy to use, even on the go. We personally use Duolingo daily in our household.  

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is another great language-learning resource that we personally use.

Rosetta Stone teaches you language the way you learned your first one, beginning with easy nouns and phrases. However, like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone is great for building vocabulary but not as great for everyday, practical use and language comprehension. 

Still, at the current price for a lifetime subscription for all languages, Rosetta Stone is well worth the investment. In fact, it even makes a great gift for moms who love to travel .

Like Rosetta Stone, Babbel is a paid-app or language learning program. It was designed with real world use in mind.

Babble does a better job than Rosetta Stone at explaining translations but offers fewer languages. Rosetta Stone offers 25 languages, whereas Babble currently only offers 14.

For those wanting to dive deeper into language learning, Babbel Live is extremely beneficial as the courses are live online classes taught by speakers and teachers of the language. However, Babbel Live is only offered in Spanish, French, Italian, and German.

Language-learning Podcasts

Who doesn’t love a good podcast these days?

If you commute for work or are trying to pass the time on a road trip, a language learning podcast like Coffee Break Languages (currently offered in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Swedish, and English) are great!

These free podcasts teach the basics of a language for travel or practical purposes. For example, one podcast may be solely dedicated to ordering in a restaurant.

Children’s movies

“How did you learn English?” is one of my favorite questions to ask someone who learned English as a second language. Many times the answer is from watching movies!

So, as you become more studious in language learning, watch some of your favorite children’s movies in the language you are trying to learn and turn the closed captioning on. 

Disney movies are great for this. Not only are many Disney movies inspired by places you can actually visit , but children’s movies tend to use simple vocabulary which is easier to understand as you are trying to learn a new language.  

Tips for practicing a new language when traveling

Speaking a new language to those who speak it natively can be intimidating. But here are a few tips to help you practice your new skills with confidence.

Conquer your fear of mistakes

Don’t be afraid to say things incorrectly. Even if your grammar or pronunciation is off, chances are people will still understand the gist of what you are saying.

And the more you practice speaking a language to others the more comfortable you will get.

Learn the basics and know them well

You don’t need to learn the language from front to back. But learning some of the more popular phrases and sayings in multiple languages is beneficial. 

So what should you learn? Here are a few phrases that we try to learn in the native language of any country we visit: 

• Excuse Me/Pardon Me
• Please 
• How are you? 
• I am good/fine/great/wonderful
• How much does this cost?
• I would like to eat/drink
• Do you know
• Table for (2, 3, 4, or however many people are in your family)

In most cases, this will cover the bulk of necessary interaction you will have when traveling, if you’re trying to get by with the bare minimum. But learning these simple sayings can really make you stand out.

Have a question or comment about the best languages to learn for travel? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Like it? Pin this list of languages for travel to save for later!

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8 comments on “The 6 Most Useful Languages for Travel (and How to Learn Them!)”

Well said. I stayed with a family in Austria for a few days when I was 14. The other same-aged kids already knew English on top of their German, and they were all deciding which language to learn next – French or otherwise. I was so jealous.

Isn’t that amazing?! It still baffles me that kids aren’t required to learn a foreign language in the states. It is much harder to learn one as an adult.

Germany is BEAUTIFUL! You will love it. I was an exchange student in the Allgäu region for a full year and it was the best experience of my life, bar none. There is so much to do and see, so hopefully you booked at least a week there, as you’ll need every second. I went there language blind…not a lick of Deutsch….but by the 6-month mark I was dreaming in German…that’s when you know you’ve got it down good. I know you have limited time there, but just know everyone loves tto be able to talk to Americans in English, but are super helpful in helping you to speak German when you try as well. I def recommend you try the Späetzle noodles–one of my favs! Also their cheeses and breads…and of course, their beer selections :). If you need any pointers, etc, definitely feel free to contact me. Happy travels!

Thanks for the tips Mandi! I’m excited to try all the foods and beers in Germany. We had a German exchange student live with us when I was growing up. I still consider him my brother. He now lives in Switzerland, and we actually went and visited him and his family a few years ago.

I will NEVER forget an American lady, probably in her late thirties, that instead of trying to understand the language being spoken simply started to shout in English at the young Guatemalan shop-keeper. Then had the audacity to yell at him, “why can’t you stupid people learn English?”. I didn’t know spanish but had my handy dandy guidebook with phrases and was treated like a friend wherever I went. The locals had a lot of laughs at my inability to roll an R or make that LL sound, but they really appreciated me at least trying. We seriously need to have our school focus on languages and make it a requirement for graduation..

I completely agree! In high school, we had exchange students from various European countries live with us for a year, and at the age of 16, they knew perfect English, as well as their native language, and usually a third language. I think American kids are really at a disadvantage because foreign languages aren’t taught beginning in grade school or Pre-K.

I have unfortunately run into these situations far too frequently as well. When people leave the borders of their own country (which I encourage everyone to do), they can’t expect the world to cater to them. Why would anyone want to go somewhere that’s exactly like home anyway? I was very fortunate that in Canada, we must learn French up to Grade 8 and then are highly encouraged to either continue with it or choose another language throughout high school. It is not even the language itself that matters, but rather the process of learning another language.

It’s been several years since I’ve used it, so my Spanish ability has regressed quite a bit, but I used to be very capable and confident in that language and traveled to several places in Central and South America. Knowing the language allowed me to experience so much more than I ever could have otherwise. I made some great friendships with locals who couldn’t speak English.

Years later (about ten years ago now) I got a job in Korea. It was my first experience traveling to a place where I could not speak the local language. I could get around, and I managed fine, but my experience traveling was so different. I couldn’t make friends with locals (unless they spoke English) and I getting off the beaten path was much more challenging. I only planned to stay there a few years so never made a concerted effort to learn Korean, but two years turned into ten before I finally decided to leave. It saddens me to think of how richer my experience could have been if I had started right away to learn the language and if I had been committed to trying harder.

Earlier this year, we moved to China and I decided I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. I’ve been trying to learn Mandarin. It’s so much more difficult than Spanish. I think I could study it for ten years and not have the same level I achieved after a year studying Spanish. My kids are picking it up so much faster than I am. It makes me happy for them, but frustrated with myself. But in the end, all we can do is try, right?

I applaud your efforts to get out there and not be intimidated with your lack of language. It shows your kids that you value other cultures and languages.

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Travel in Different Languages

Discover 'travel' in 134 languages: dive into translations, hear pronunciations, and uncover cultural insights..

Updated on March 6, 2024

Travel: it's a word that evokes excitement, adventure, and discovery. But did you know that the word 'travel' has different meanings and connotations in various cultures? In English, 'travel' refers to the act of going from one place to another, typically for pleasure or business. However, in some languages, the word for 'travel' carries a deeper cultural significance.

For example, in Spanish, 'viajar' not only means to travel but also to enjoy the journey, emphasizing the importance of the experience over the destination. Meanwhile, in German, 'reisen' implies a sense of wandering and exploration, capturing the spirit of adventure that many travelers seek.

Understanding the translation of 'travel' in different languages can enrich your cultural knowledge and enhance your travel experiences. Imagine being able to say 'I love to travel' in French ('J'aime voyager'), Italian ('Mi piace viaggiare'), or Japanese ('Tabi ga daisuki desu').

In this article, we'll explore the translations of 'travel' in various languages, shedding light on the cultural significance of this word and providing you with a new perspective on this exciting activity.

Travel in Sub-Saharan African Languages

• Travel in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Travel in Western European Languages

Travel in eastern european languages, travel in south asian languages, travel in east asian languages, travel in south east asian languages, travel in central asian languages, travel in pacific languages, travel in american indigenous languages, travel in international languages, travel in others languages, travel in north african & middle eastern languages, click on a letter to browse words starting with that letter.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

How To Say Hello In 100 Different Languages

Published: September 19, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Imojean Mccue

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Essentials & Accessories

Introduction

Traveling to a new country is an exciting adventure that allows us to explore different cultures, traditions, and languages. One of the best ways to immerse ourselves in a new culture is by learning the local language and, of course, knowing how to say “hello.” Greeting someone in their native language not only shows respect but also helps to break the ice and build connections with locals.

In this article, we will explore how to say hello in 100 different languages from around the world. From the widely spoken languages of Europe to the diverse languages of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, we will cover a wide range of linguistic gems. We will also venture into the lesser-known and indigenous languages, as well as sign languages used by the hearing-impaired community.

So, whether you are planning a backpacking trip around Europe, an exotic vacation in Asia, or a safari in Africa, this guide will equip you with the basic greetings to start conversations and make new friends wherever you go. Let’s embark on this linguistic journey and learn how to say hello in 100 different languages!

Languages of Europe

Europe is a continent known for its rich cultural diversity and a multitude of languages spoken across its many countries and regions. Here are a few greetings to help you say hello in different languages of Europe:

These are just a few examples of the languages spoken in Europe. Each country has its own unique language, and within those countries, you may find regional dialects and variations. Learning a few basic greetings can go a long way in starting conversations and showing respect for the local culture.

Europe is also known for its multilingual countries. In countries like Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg, several languages coexist. For instance, in Switzerland, you can greet someone in French with “Bonjour,” in German with “Guten Tag,” or in Italian with “Ciao,” depending on the region you are in.

It’s important to note that while English is widely understood in many European countries, making an effort to learn greetings in the local language can make a positive impression and open doors to deeper connections with locals.

Languages of Asia

Asia, the largest continent, is home to a vast array of languages and cultures. From the Indian subcontinent to the Far East, here are a few ways to say hello in languages spoken in different regions of Asia:

Asia’s linguistic diversity is immense, encompassing languages from various language families and linguistic traditions. Many countries in Asia have multiple official languages, reflecting the cultural and historical diversity of the region.

For example, in India, where over 1,600 languages are spoken, Hindi is one of the official languages and is widely understood and spoken. However, it is important to note that India has numerous regional languages, such as Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and many others, each with its own unique greetings.

Similarly, in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where Malay is the official language, there are numerous local languages and dialects spoken by different ethnic groups. Taking the time to learn a few basic greetings in these languages can greatly enhance your cultural understanding and interactions with locals.

Remember, languages are not just a means of communication but also a reflection of a rich cultural heritage. Embracing the diversity of languages in Asia can lead to more meaningful connections with the people you encounter during your travels.

Languages of Africa

Africa, with its vibrant cultures and diverse linguistic landscape, is a continent that boasts a multitude of languages. Here are a few ways to say hello in languages spoken in different regions of Africa:

Africa is home to over 2,000 languages, representing a diverse range of language families and dialects. Swahili, spoken widely in East Africa, is recognized as one of Africa’s lingua francas, and greetings like “Jambo” are commonly used. However, it’s important to note that there are many other languages spoken within specific regions and ethnic communities across the continent.

For instance, in West Africa, countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal have a rich linguistic heritage with several indigenous languages. Yoruba, Hausa, and Mandinka are just a few examples of the languages spoken in these countries. Greeting someone in their local language can be a wonderful way to show respect for their culture and build connections.

It’s also worth mentioning the influence of colonial languages in Africa. Many countries have adopted European languages like English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish as official languages alongside indigenous languages. Understanding and using greetings in both the colonial and local languages can be highly appreciated by locals.

As you explore different regions of Africa, remember that each language carries its own unique cultural significance. Embracing the linguistic diversity of the continent will not only enrich your travel experience but also foster meaningful connections with the people you meet along the way.

Languages of the Americas

The Americas, with its rich tapestry of cultures and heritage, is home to a wide range of languages. Here are a few ways to say hello in languages spoken in different regions of the Americas:

The Americas encompass a vast cultural and linguistic diversity, from the Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America to the Indigenous languages spoken by various Native American tribes. Spanish, as the most widely spoken language, can be heard in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and many others. Similarly, English is spoken in countries like the United States, Canada, and several Caribbean nations.

Indigenous languages play a crucial role in the cultural fabric of the Americas. Quechua, spoken by indigenous communities in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, is one of the most widely spoken Native American languages. Learning basic greetings in these languages can demonstrate respect for indigenous cultures and enhance your cultural interactions.

In North America, Native American languages such as Mohawk, Hopi, and Inuktitut carry the heritage and traditions of their respective communities. Greeting someone in their indigenous language can be a meaningful way to honor their heritage and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Moreover, it is important to acknowledge the impact of colonization, which brought European languages like French and Portuguese to the Americas. These languages coexist alongside indigenous languages, creating a unique linguistic landscape.

By familiarizing yourself with various languages spoken in the Americas, you can connect with both the history and the vibrant present of these diverse cultures and communities.

Languages of Oceania

Oceania, a vast region comprising thousands of islands and diverse cultures, is home to a fascinating array of languages. Here are a few ways to say hello in languages spoken in different parts of Oceania:

Oceania is a region rich in indigenous languages that represent the cultural heritage of its diverse communities. Māori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, is widely spoken and carries significant cultural importance. Learning and using greetings like “Kia ora” can foster connections and show respect for Māori culture.

In the Pacific Islands, the Polynesian languages of Tongan, Samoan, and Fijian are prevalent. Tongan, for example, uses the greeting “Mālō e lelei,” which is an essential phrase when interacting with locals. Similarly, in countries like Papua New Guinea, a linguistically diverse nation, Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely spoken alongside other indigenous languages.

It’s worth noting that English is also spoken in many countries across Oceania due to colonization and globalization. However, incorporating greetings from local languages can still show an appreciation for the unique cultures and traditions of the region.

Oceania’s linguistic diversity is a testament to the vastness of its cultural landscape. As you explore this region, take the opportunity to learn and understand the languages spoken by the indigenous communities, allowing you to connect more deeply with the people and their heritage.

Lesser-known and Indigenous Languages

Beyond the well-known languages, there are numerous lesser-known and indigenous languages across the globe, each with its own unique greetings. Here are a few examples of greetings from lesser-known and indigenous languages:

These languages represent a small fraction of the rich linguistic heritage of indigenous communities around the world. Indigenous languages carry invaluable cultural knowledge and traditions, and learning basic greetings in these languages can offer deeper insights into their way of life.

Unfortunately, many of these languages are endangered and face the risk of disappearing. By learning and appreciating these languages, we can help preserve and revitalize them, giving a voice to indigenous communities and honoring their culture.

When traveling to regions where lesser-known or indigenous languages are spoken, making the effort to greet locals in their native tongue can show respect, create meaningful connections, and foster positive cultural exchanges.

So, whether it’s a greeting in Basque, Inuktitut, or any other lesser-known language, embrace the diversity of these languages and celebrate the cultures they represent.

Sign Languages

While spoken languages play a significant role in communication, it is important to recognize the importance of sign languages, which are used by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Here are a few examples of greetings in sign languages from different regions:

Sign languages rely on visual gestures, body movements, and facial expressions to convey meaning and communicate effectively. Each sign language has its own unique grammar and vocabulary, making it a distinct and complete language system on its own.

Learning a few basic greetings in sign language can go a long way in creating an inclusive and accessible environment. It shows respect for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and facilitates communication with individuals who rely on sign language as their primary mode of communication.

It’s important to remember that sign languages are not universal; they vary from country to country. American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most well-known sign languages, but there are numerous other sign languages used around the world. British Sign Language (BSL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan), Japanese Sign Language (JSL), and South African Sign Language (SASL) are just a few examples.

By taking the time to learn and understand sign languages, we can promote inclusivity, bridge communication gaps, and foster a more inclusive world.

Learning how to say hello in different languages is not only a practical skill for travelers, but it also represents a sincere effort to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Greetings are more than just words; they demonstrate respect, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace and understand different perspectives.

Throughout this article, we have explored greetings in various languages spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, Oceania, lesser-known and indigenous languages, and sign languages. Each language represents a unique cultural heritage and embodies the customs and traditions of the people who speak it.

By taking the time to learn a few basic greetings in the local language of the country you are visiting, you can make a positive impression, foster meaningful connections, and show respect for the local culture. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between cultures, engage in conversations, and gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit.

From the melodic greetings of Asia and the rich linguistic tapestry of Africa to the indigenous languages of the Americas and the sign languages that bridge communication for the deaf community, we have explored the vastness of human language and expression.

As you embark on your journey, whether it’s across continents or within your local community, remember that greetings are the first step in building connections. Embrace the diversity of languages, cherish the cultural nuances they represent, and celebrate the richness it brings to our global community.

So, next time you find yourself in a new country or encounter someone from a different culture, don’t hesitate to say “hello” in their native language. It may be a simple word, but it has the power to break barriers, create friendships, and leave a positive and lasting impact.

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• Mobile Apps

The Best Language Learning Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip

These apps can help you get the most out of traveling abroad — and many are free or low cost.

While arriving in a new country is beyond exciting, it can also pose challenges — especially if you don't speak the local language. Even leaving the airport can be difficult when you can't communicate where you need to go. And while many of us learn a second language in school, we don't always retain that knowledge later in life. Digital translators are great, but you may not want to carry an extra device with you every day. So, whether you need to brush up on a language you once knew or you're looking to learn a brand-new one, a language learning app may be useful as you plan your next trip.

"When you're preparing to visit a foreign country, learning the language of your destination can go a long way," Michaela Kron, a spokeswoman for the free language app Duolingo, told Travel + Leisure by email. "Not only will it help you better understand your surroundings and get around more easily, but it'll also make a big impact in helping you connect with the people you encounter while there. In general, it's a great sign of respect and empathy when you make an effort to say even a few words in the local language — and the effort will not go unnoticed."

Matt Hulett, the president of language for Rosetta Stone, echoed the sentiment, adding that locals will appreciate it if you learn the basics. "Learning even a few words in a new language can help when you travel because you'll find confidence in being able to communicate about basic things," he told Travel + Leisure by email. "[You can] say hello and thank you, order food and drinks, ask how to find the bathroom, etc."

There are many tricks to learning a new language, but flexibility is a major advantage of using an app. Unlike a class that takes place at a set time, you can fit learning sessions around your daily schedule, dipping in during a commute or whenever you have downtime. Plus, many apps are free or inexpensive, making them a budget option.

We've rounded up seven of the best language learning apps on the market, so not only will you be able to read the menu at that quaint little restaurant abroad, you'll know how to thank the waiter.

This free app includes more than 40 languages and is set up like a game, with users earning points for lessons. You can take a placement test or start as a beginner, but no matter which you choose, you decide how much time you want to dedicate to learning each day. After you master the basics, you can learn vocabulary for topics like travel and food.

Download it : Duolingo

This app first asks you to choose your skill level in the language you want to learn, then it drills you on key words and phrases using videos and text. You earn points for things like accuracy and speed, and you can set goals for how long you want to spend working on the language each day. There's even a leaderboard for competitive learners. The basic app is free with ads, but if you want to access all language courses and features, you may want to pay for the ad-free Memrise Pro. Annual subscriptions start at around $131.

Download it : Memrise

Rosetta Stone

This is one of the oldest language-learning programs on the market, and it comes with a variety of subscription tiers. A monthly fee of around $15 gets you lessons in a single language (offered on a quarterly or yearly schedule), while a lifetime subscription (around $400) comes with permanent access to all 25 of the app's languages. Rosetta Stone doesn't use any English, instead conducting lessons exclusively in the language you are learning — with pictures to help. If you're going to opt for this app, set aside some time each day, as core lessons tend to take about 30 minutes each.

Download it : Rosetta Stone

This subscription-based app offers 10- to 15-minute lessons that focus on matching up phrases and mastering spelling. Users are asked to repeat basic phrases and to fill in the blanks to test their vocabulary (in whichever of the app's 13 languages they choose). App subscriptions start at under $10 per month, but those seeking intensive learning may want to choose the pricier Babbel Live. For a monthly fee of $50 and up, this program allows you to take online group classes with a teacher in real time.

Download it : Babbel

Whether you want to learn Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, or one of the app's other 11 languages, Busuu promises to teach you in just 10 minutes a day. You start by determining your goal: for instance, do you want to feel like a local when you travel, or are you hoping to communicate better with friends and family? From there, the app encourages you to pick a regular time of day to practice (it'll even send you a reminder when the time comes) and provides you with a study plan. You can study one language for free with limited access, or pay for a subscription to access more features.

Download it : Busuu

This app offers users five minutes of learning every day. Why only five minutes? The app says that it helps people maintain focus and is an easy habit to maintain. Users can choose from over 40 different languages and perform gamelike exercises like dragging words to a matching photo and connecting letters like a word search. The basic app is free to use, but the paid version comes with various perks, like an ad-free interface and the ability to opt into longer lessons.

Download it : Drops

This app offers a whopping 51 languages, including some with variations (like Latin-American Spanish and the version spoken in Spain). It's an offshoot of the Pimsleur method, a language-learning program that's been around for decades — long before apps and smartphones. Pimsleur asks learners to commit to 30 minutes a day in its app iteration, but the lessons are audio-based, making it easy to tune in during your commute or at the gym. Learners can choose between monthly subscriptions or packs of courses to purchase.

Download it : Pimsleur

Related Articles

The 5 Languages I Needed to Travel 90% of the World

The Single most powerful tool you have as a traveler is the power to communicate in different languages with the local population. This is what will make the difference in your experience in that country you’re visiting abroad.Yet many people are scared of going to countries that don’t speak their native one and will exclude them entirely from the choice range. When you leave home to this new holiday adventure, would you rather be a simple observer or a full-blown participant? Well, the answer was pretty clear for me when I started traveling, and this is one of the reasons why I am still on the road after more than 10 years, keeping things interesting! I am now learning my 7th language and still have plans to learn more.

See it like this: Not knowing English nowadays is like not being able to read 30 years ago. Let me tell you that with the world’s borders getting smaller and communication between nations easing up, not mastering at least a second language in 30 years from now will be equal to being illiterate 30 years ago.

Some countries have been quick on the trigger in understanding that! Swedes and Dutch already speak better English than many native English speakers! I actually understand them better than most accents in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Having a country which speaks your language better a second language than your primary language… well that’s pretty awkward, isn’t it… I was recently in Romania and was blown away how many people are already fluent in English, as well as how many English expressions and slang have been absorbed by their native Romanian language. Coming from a country that not even 30 years ago was still in a deep dictatorship and closed to the outside world, that’s pretty damn good!

But isn’t “English just enough, everybody speaks it anyway”? True, if you one of those that stick to those boring holidays all included for a week in a 4-star hotel sipping piña coladas all day and not even seeing a local person outside the pool bartender… Or the good old overdone and overcrowded destinations like Paris, Barcelona, Rome and other Western European Capitals… But that’s not who I’m addressing myself to right here. We’re talking about those new destinations, a little bit of exploration, getting out of the beaten track, at least a little bit, making your adventure more interesting! Locals will treat you differently; you will make new friends, not just another backpacker buddy in a hostel! That’s boring… I’m talking about local friends, with different culture, different behaviors things that will shock you, inspire you! That’s like adding seasonings and spices on a steak! It gives your travel flavor.

“Isn’t there too many languages in the world, like trillions of them”, you might say? Yup, There are many of them out there… But the good news is, 5 of top 10 most spoken languages of the world can get you covered in most the world!

To illustrate my point, just have a look at the following maps I Created Bellow.

#1. English

With English, you can get by most countries that’s for sure, I have highlighted them in Green where they are official languages, but also where they are unofficial, co-official, majority spoken or widely understood by over 50% of the population.

Adding French to the equation, that widens the reach by quite a lot! And that with only two languages in your toolbox! You can now travel to many African countries by yourself and most people will understand you. I have also highlighted Canada, Switzerland, and Cameroon in lighter blue here because of their very high population of French speakers.

#3. Spanish

Adding Spanish, start packing because you are sorted for Central and South America, covering almost the whole continent from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego! And quite sincerely, I’ve seen many Spanish speakers get by quite easily in Brazil with no problem!

#4. Russian

This one is a no brainer, and has been one of my favorite languages to learn in the past 4 years. It has created countless opportunities and interesting experiences. Most eSoviet countries are still very absorbed in their “own world” and you will find very few English speakers in those ex-soviet states. So Russian is definitely a plus and local populations will welcome your efforts. One personal favorite story of mine was when I was received for 2 weeks in a family of 20 in Dushanbe in Tajikistan, close to the Afghan Border while waiting for a Visa, Russian being our only mean of communication.

#5. Portuguese

Now adding Portuguese, you are set to explore Brazil, which by itself takes a lifetime to explore. As I have already explained in my Brazilian Page, Brazil is more of an empire containing 26 states, which could be easily be countries of their own. That makes Portuguese even more interesting. You also now have access to Mozambique and Angola, as well as a pocket of other African countries. I even managed to speak Portuguese in Goa and in Macao in China with an old lady in the market!

So with these 5 languages, you are pretty much sorted for most of the world. But I decided to add another bonus one.

#Bonus. Arabic

Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people in over 25 countries, and this is the reason I am learning it at the moment, as I am preparing to set off for many of those countries while I finish my last countries left in the world. I added it as a bonus and not an essential one because, in most Arabic countries, you can get by with English or French just fine. This is the only language I don’t speak yet, but plan to learn.

I didn’t include country-specific languages like Indian, Indonesian or Mandarin. Because in the case of Mandarin for example, outside of China, that won’t help you much… Unless you hang around those Chinatowns you’ll find in any country that has a decent diaspora of Chinese.

So here it is, Languages is one of your most important tools as a world traveler and you should definitely start now if you haven’t! How to learn them is a totally different story, and I will cover them in another article, but definitely, learning them at school or going to a language school is not my recommended way to learn… It just doesn’t work for most people… If it did work, then English-speaking Canadians would all speak fluent French after learning over 7 years of mandatory French at primary and high school… Which sadly, numbers are more around 10 to 15%…

Make no mistake, Even though I speak 6 languages and learning a 7th, I’m no language genius… I just work hard and created my own personal strategy that I know works. My strategy is what I call the “passive way”. If there is interest about it let me know and I can write an article about it to help you get on the right foot. But basically, I just recommend learning basic grammar in books, and then immerse yourself for a while in a country that speaks the language, that way you and practice with locals, effortlessly! If you’re single, why not meet a local girlfriend or boyfriend? That will definitely push you to learn, quickly!

As a side note, many people ask me how I learnt all these languages… I am a strong believer that learning by yourself, and immersion is the best strategy. I have never had a teacher for Portuguese, Italian and Russian, I only used an Amazing language book that I completly VOUCH for. Its called ASSIMIL and it WORKS! Its the only book that really makes sense, with their 90 days. When they say 90 days, it really is 90 days. Their strategy is just amazing! One lesson a day, for 30 minutes, and in 90 days you speak the language. Here are links where to get the books:

Get it Here

Do you agree with my argument about the importance of languages and communication in traveling? What would be your choice as your next language to learn? Let me know!

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10 Of The Most Useful Languages To Know When Traveling

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Skip Greece: 7 Places That Are Better (And Less Crowded)

The tiny nyc island with a million buried bodies & a dark history, 10 places where you don't have to be 21 to drink.

The reality for English-speakers is that foreign travel is certainly possible without learning any other languages at all. English is spoken in many countries around the world, even if it’s not the official language. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t bother learning other languages.

RELATED: Top 10 Tips For Visiting Eastern Europe

Knowing other languages allows you to connect with locals on a deeper level. It also helps you to better understand the culture and customs of a particular destination, and definitely helps you to avoid standing out as a tourist. Plus, getting around is just easier when you understand the local tongue. Check out 10 of the most useful languages to know while traveling.

10 English: The Most Popular

This should come as no surprise. English is the most influential language in the world, as well as one of the most popular and widely spoken. That’s why you’ll find that English is commonly spoken, even in countries where it’s not the official language.

Often, English-speakers don’t bother to learn other languages because it’s not necessary for most destinations that they travel to. But we recommend still getting to know other languages. Even if locals speak English, it’s always polite to make the effort to learn at least a few words in their language.

9 Mandarin: The Language With The Most Speakers In The World

English may be the world’s most influential language, but Mandarin is the language with the most speakers in the world. Naturally, learning Mandarin comes in handy if you’re planning on traveling to China. While you’ll find that many people still speak English, you’ll be less limited if you can speak a little Mandarin.

Keep in mind that not everybody in China speaks Mandarin, but it will certainly help you to gain a little independence while traveling. Mandarin is also widely spoken in Taiwan, where it is the official language.

8 French: Seven Million Mother-Tongue Speakers In Canada Alone

There are several destinations around the world where knowing a little French will be an enormous benefit to you. The most obvious location is France, where locals are known for being much friendlier to those who can speak a little bit of their language.

French will also help you when traveling through Canada, where seven million people hold the European language as their mother tongue, according to Fluent U . There are also several countries in the Caribbean and Africa where knowing French will give you the upper hand.

7 Russian: Spoken Throughout Eastern Europe

Russian is not just the official language of Russia but is also the official language of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is also spoken as a minority language in Uzbekistan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Norway. If you’re planning on traveling through Eastern Europe, Russia is the language to know.

While the Soviet Union is no more, the Russian language is a remaining legacy that is still prevalent in many former states today. Understanding Russian and the Cyrillic alphabet will help you immensely in all of these countries.

6 Italian: One Of The Romance Languages

A Latin-based Romance language, Italian is a popular language that is helpful to know when traveling throughout Europe. Besides Italy itself, countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia, and San Marino are all home to many Italian speakers, according to Tourist Maker .

RELATED:  5 Ways Italy Will Be Different From What You Expect (5 Ways It’s The Same)

As far as language-learning goes, Italian is one of the easier languages to learn as it is extremely phonetic. Many of its root words and formations are also similar to French and Spanish, so knowing Italian can help you in countries where these languages are spoken. Interestingly, Italy itself boasts a different dialect for every region and vast differences between Southern and Northern vernaculars. But many locals will understand the Standard Tuscan Italian.

5 Portuguese: Useful In Europe, South America, And Asia

Portuguese is helpful to know in Portugal, even if there are many locals who speak English. But it’s also the official language of Brazil and various countries throughout Asia. In Macau, for example, Portuguese is the official language and you might not stumble across too many English-speakers, so it’s definitely a handy weapon to have at your disposal.

Many people don’t realize that Portuguese is also commonly spoken in Japan. While it’s not the official language, it is spoken due to the large numbers of Brazilian immigrants who brought their language to the Asian country.

4 Arabic: Spoken From North Africa To The Middle East

Arabic can seem a little daunting for an English-speaker to learn, but it is hugely beneficial to have under your belt. Travel Managers points out that Arabic is spoken throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and with immigration, it is also found in communities on just about every continent on the planet.

RELATED:   10 Etiquette Tips You Should Know When Traveling To The Middle East

The site also explains that the Arabic language is a crucial element of many local cultures in Africa and the Middle East. By learning some Arabic, you’ll be better able to understand the specific beliefs and customs of the local people.

3 Japanese: 127 Million Native Speakers

There is at least one good reason to learn Japanese: the language has 127 million native speakers, in addition to many more who have learned it as a second or third language. Due to the strength of the Japanese economy, Japanese is especially beneficial to know if you’re traveling for business.

Though it seems extremely difficult to learn, Japanese isn’t overly hard once you get your head around the various symbols. Day Translations explains that it’s actually not any more difficult to learn that the majority of European languages.

2 German: Helpful In Central Europe

If you’re planning a trip through central Europe, it’s a good idea to know at least a little German. Aside from Germany, the language is widely spoken in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

RELATED:  Know Before You Go: 10 Things To Know About Germany Before You Go

Some German words can seem almost otherworldly to a native English-speaker, but there are also plenty of words that are similar to English. Once you get a hang of the pronunciations, it’s not too demanding at all. There are also some words in the English language, such as kindergarten, that have been taken from German.

1 Spanish: Used On Many Continents

With over 500 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is one of the most popular and widely spoken languages in the world. Extending far beyond the confines of Spain, the language is the official tongue of countries in South America, Africa, and Europe.

By knowing some Spanish, you’ll be in a much better position to travel throughout South and Central America. According to Live Anywhere , there are also destinations in North America that are becoming increasingly popular among Spanish speakers. Another Romance language, Spanish will help you understand other languages that originated from Vulgar Latin.

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20 Beautiful Travel Words In Different Languages

• , July 13, 2021

Craving for new ways to describe an experience or a longing for an adventure? In today’s post, we will walk you through the top travel words from languages across the globe to help you describe better what you are feeling. These words are perfect as captions to social media posts and can be used especially when you are finding yourself speechless with the natural beauty of the foreign country before you.

As humans, we have this natural desire for freedom and break out of the seemingly small cities we are from. One way by which we do this is by constantly traveling to places far from home. For adventure seekers, exotic places or countries on the other side of the world are what they long for. On the flip side, some want to travel purposefully by chasing after places with unique natural landscapes and architecture to die for. But, no matter what type of traveler you are, we bet there are instances when you feel that the words you know are just not enough to describe something.

In this post, we will walk you through 20 of the most beautiful travel words existing today and also list down other unusual vocabulary words for travel.

The Most Beautiful Travel Words

Speaking a foreign language is one thing, but knowing how to express using mere words fully can be a great thing too. Below is our list of the best words that describe travel and the sense of wanderlust perfect for all  hodophiles,  globetrotters , roadies, and  itinerants   out there.

1. Resfeber (n)

Origin: Swedish

Definition:  This word describes the restless race of someone’s heart before the journey begins. The fast racing heart is due to the mixture of fear and excitement of what lies ahead.

2. Solivagant (adj)

Origin: Latin

Definition:  This term refers to someone interested in traveling or wandering alone. This is perfect to be used, especially if you feel that you want to experience the freedom of being alone to do some soul searching.

3. Fernweh (n)

Origin: German

Definition:  This vocabulary word refers to a deeper sense of wanderlust wherein you will start feeling some sort of distance sickness for a foreign land. This is interesting because you can use this word even if you have never been to that place before.

4. Hireath (n)

Origin: Welsh

Definition:  This term is quite poetic in the sense that it describes some type of homesickness for a home that you cannot return to or an intense yearning for a special place in your past life.

5. Sonder (n)

Origin: French and German

Definition:  This word refers to realizing that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as yours. This word is also a reminder that the people you meet will have their own stories to tell and have reasons behind every action they do.

6. Hygge (n)

Origin: Danish

Definition:  This Norwegian term is popular, especially during the wintertime, since it is related to the sense of having a warm and inviting atmosphere. This can also be directly translated to a feeling of warmth and coziness while enjoying and making use of simple things in life.

7. D érive (n)

Origin: French

Definition:  This French word is also a simple reminder for travelers to not just take pictures but to let themselves be drawn into the beauty of a place before them. It can also be used to describe spontaneous travel wherein you are only guided by the desire to see something new.

8. Sehnsucht(n)

Definition:  This word directly translates to an intense longing for something that is indefinable or for a place that is far off from where you are.

9. E leutheromania (n)

Origin: Greek

Definition:  This term is from the ancient Greek language which refers to the wistful longing for freedom.

10. T rouvaille (n)

Definition:  This melodious term refers to a lucky find or a chance to experience something lovely. This can be used when you found a special place or unusual shop that is not popular with tourists yet is truly a good find for you.

11. Eudaimonia (n)

Definition:  This Greek word is directly related to a state of being content, happy, and prosperous about something. It can be used now just for traveling but in all aspects of life.

12. L ivsnjutare (n)

Definition:  If you are someone who loves life deeply and enjoys adventure, then this word is definitely for you. This directly translates to someone who has a desire to live life to the extreme and make every single day count.

13. Selcouth(adj)

Origin: English

Definition:  This unique word refers to a type of travel in a purposeful manner towards an unknown/new destination.

14. Coddiwomple (v)

Definition:  This unique word refers to a special type of travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.

15. Yugen (n)

Origin: Japanese

Definition:  This unique word is based on the traditional Japanese study of aesthetics. This can be used to describe an unusual or mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe that triggers some sort of deep emotional longing and admiration.

16. Vagary (v)

Origin: Latin

Definition:  This Latin word refers to the type of traveling or roaming that is unpredictable. Usually, this also means that you do not have a specific destination but are merely on a road trip for the sake of an adventure.

17. Onism (n)

Origin: Danish

Definition:  This term directly states that there is an awareness of how little of the world you actually get to experience in your lifetime. However, it also has a negative connotation for some as it also reflects the frustration of being stuck in a place and not being able to experience all that the world has to offer fully.

18. Saudade (n)

Origin: Portuguese

Definition:  This term describes a triggered emotional state where you long for someone or something far and gone.

19. Schwellenangst (n)

Origin: German

Definition:  This German word refers to a type of fear of crossing a threshold or starting a new journey. This word can be also be used for people who are afraid of working on a new chapter despite the promise of solace and relaxation.

20. Novaturient (adj)

Definition:  This word refers to the unusual desire to change their way of life and to move closer towards one’s dreams. This word is so powerful and it is usually related to starting a new chapter in a foreign country.

Other Words Related To Travel

As we reach this part of the post, we hope that you could find the perfect set of words for travel. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it on social media and send it to your friends who love life deeply and live it to the extreme through constant traveling. For more languages tips, feel free to read out previous posts like how to  say cheers in Czech ,  Greek travel phrases , and  Afrikaans idioms .

Before you travel or wander to a place unknown, we invite you to enhance your language skills first using the  Ling App  by  Simya Solutions . This language learning application allows you to learn over 60+ languages anywhere on the go using your mobile devices. This is available for free and can also be accessed through the website. So for those who love to travel or simply an enthusiast, this app is definitely for you!

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• 17 Eye-Opening Foreign Travel Words That Describe Wanderlust
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• World Travel

Have you ever been to a place so beautiful, amazing, or surreal that there were no adequate words in your language to describe it? Or maybe you’ve been to a place where everything is just so different from home that it’s hard to find the right way to talk about it.

Blake Miner

Do you ever feel like you need a new word to describe your travel experience? Something that really captures the feeling of being in a new place, seeing amazing things and living life on the go? Well, you’re in luck. Because foreign languages have all sorts of great words for describing travel . Here are 17 of our favorites that help describe feelings you experience on the road in a way English just can’t.

These thought-provoking foreign words each explain a concept that isn’t as simply or easily expressed in English.

Bon voyage !

Travel Words From Foreign Languages

1. flânerie.

Definition : Aimless strolling or sauntering without a set plan or defined destination; walking at a leisurely pace, simply observing as you’re being taken along. 

Part of Speech : Noun

Origin : French

Definition : A longing or craving for distant, far-off places; “homesick” for places you’ve never been to. Literally: farsickness. 

Origin : German

  Definition : To become free or untied; to break loose .

Part of Speech : Verb

Origin : Tagalog

4. Novaturient

Definition : Desiring to alter your life; a feeling that pushes you to want to travel. 

Part of Speech : Adjective

Origin : Latin

5. Metanoia

Definition : The journey of transforming your mind, heart, self, or way of life .

Origin : Greek

Definition : A deep, profound awareness of the universe; an unfathomable realization that triggers an emotional response .

Origin : Japanese

7. Peripatetic

Definition : A person who spends his time walking or traveling from place to place .

Definition : A deep, nostalgic, melancholic yearning for something or someone absent; accompanied by the realization that what you’re longing for will never be experienced again.

Part of Speech : Noun  

Origin : Portuguese

9. Lebenskünstler

Definition : A “life artist” who is able to deal with any arising problems in a very artful, almost magical manner. Literally: someone who has mastered Lebenskunst (the art of life).

Definition : A quality of coziness and comfort accompanied by feelings of well-being, relaxation, contentment and presence; often likened to the feeling of drinking a warm cup of cocoa on a snowy day .

Parts of Speech : Noun, adjective

Origin : Danish

11. Resfeber

Definition : The restless feeling before starting out on a journey; a mix of anxiety, excitement and anticipation.

Origin : Swedish

12. Shinrin-yoku

Definition : The practice of going into the woods seeking out a mentally soothing experience; taking in the forest atmosphere with your senses. Literally: “forest bathing.”  

13. Nefelibata

Definition : Someone who doesn’t conform to the conventions of society, literature, or art; an unconventional, unorthodox person who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams . Literally: “cloud walker.”

Definition : A vague sense of unease, sadness, melancholy, nostalgia or yearning; a type of spiritual anguish.

Origin : Russian

Definition : Drifting; a spontaneous, unplanned journey in which the traveler relinquishes control and is guided solely by the landscape and architecture.

16. Rasāsvāda

Definition : The sensation of bliss in the absence of all thought.

Origin : Sanskrit

17. Trouvaille

Definition : A chance encounter with something wonderful; a valuable discovery; a lucky find .

A Final Word

We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief foray into the strange, wonderful world of foreign travel words. What’s your favorite? Leave us a comment below! And don’t forget to share with your friends – they may find some of these words useful on their next trip abroad (or even just in their day-to-day lives).

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Aw I love these words! I know a little French and an even smaller amount of Spanish but putting these words from all different languages is such a good idea. Alpas is a great one! Soph – https://sophhearts.com x

I know the feeling of yugen well. It’s being moved to tears when you watch the sunrise from a mountain top, or suddenly realizing how very small you are when confronted with the vastness of the ocean.

Interesting list. I’m curious to also know how you discovered these words.

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73+ Essential Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know

Disclosure: This essential travel phrases article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

How do you say “ You have a nice smile ” in Samoan? How to say “ You have beautiful eyes ” in Fijian? Those might not be the essential travel phrases , like Hello or Thank you. But we can all agree that (mis)communication is part of traveling. And language barriers are real. That is why I always find it extremely useful to learn words and phrases in the language of a country I am visiting. Why? It shows respect. People will be nicer to you. A new language will enhance local experiences and understanding of the culture . IT will make traveling easier and it is a great way to make new friends. So what are those common travel phrases ?

🔢 If you have been wondering “In how many languages does Anja know how to count to 10?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Traveling to 40+ countries I’ve learned that only knowing Slovenian will not help me. Shocking right! I was also wrong to assume that everyone speaks English . Knowing KiSwahili gave me a better starting point when bargaining for the prices in Zanzibar . Knowing essential phrases in French helped me in Vanuatu , and knowing how to ask for directions helped me in Japan . And learning Samoan and Fiji helped me when buying fruits in local markets. So next time, when planning your trip, don’t just search for the best things to do in Zanzibar, Japan itinerary , or about Dubai hotels . You should also learn useful phrases for traveling. What are those phrases? Let’s have a look at some useful phrases for traveling .

for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES: • 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know • 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF • 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download • 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet • 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download • 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages: • How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages spoken In the World • How to say Happy New Year in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation

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Table of Contents

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1. What are Travel Phrases?

Travel phrases are useful phrases to know when traveling abroad. They are a collection of the most common and frequently used words and expressions we use when visiting foreign countries.  From basic greetings to phrases for seeking directions , ordering food , and engaging in cultural exchanges. From a simple ‘’hello’’ and ‘’thank you’’ to longer phrases like ‘’where is the bathroom” and “what is the WiFi password”. Travel phrases equip you with the confidence and ability to connect with locals , by speaking their language , and immerse yourself in authentic experiences .

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2. How to learn short Travel Phrases and Travel Terms

Before we find out what those useful travel phrases are, let’s talk about how to learn them . It might seem daunting but it is actually fun. The reality is, if you will be traveling for at least a couple of days, you will pick up the basic words while abroad . And if you will be spending some time with locals, they will teach you the bad words first anyway. Which you will remember the fastest. 🙂 Now, depending on your destination country, some travel words and phrases will be easier for you to remember than others. People who know these things say that a person can memorize 50 new words per day . My humble estimation would be 10 . This would potentially mean, you can learn all the essential travel phrases in a day or two . I am a realistic optimist and would say to start learning sooner. Like a week before or more.

2.1. Duolingo

I love using Duolingo . It is a free app, where you choose how many minutes you can invest in learning a language and the purpose of your learning (travel). You can choose from more than 30+ languages and I love that lessons are bite-sized . Currently learning Italian for my Tuscany trip but love Polynesian languages – like Hawaiian and Samoan. Duolingo makes learning a language easy . It uses text, speech and is showing cards. So you can hear the pronunciation, see how the word is written and the translation of it plus a visual representation of the words. A great way to learn no matter where you are. Language: Italian, Hawaiian, Swahili  (40+ languages) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free & In App purchases

There are other apps, that have a free trial and then offer paid memberships. Among those, I tried and loved Babbel and Innovative languages . When I was using those two, I was more invested in actually learning the language and not just common travel phrases. Feel free to test out a few and find which one works best for your learning style.

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3. Essential travel phrases

3.1. basic travel phrases.

Those travelling words in English combine expressions that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and serving as a basis for every communication.

• I don’t understand
• Do you speak [language]?
• What is the WiFi password?
• Could you take my picture?
• Where is the bathroom?

ALSO READ: • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages

3.2. Common travel phrases for greetings and introductions

Below you will find what are some basic greetings tourists should know. Travel greetings lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression.

• Good morning
• Good evening
• Nice to meet you
• How are you?
• My name is …
• How do you say […] in [language]?
• Speak slowly, please

3.3. Essential travel phrases for directions and getting around

Basic phrases for asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around.

• What time is …
• How do I get to …
• How far away is …
• Do you have a map?
• When does the next … arrive?
• How long does it take to get to….?
• Spatial demonstratives: here / there
• Cardinal Directions: North / South / East / West
• Directions: left / right / straight / back / up / down
• Mode of transport: car / bus / train / taxi / metro / plane
• Buildings and places: bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospital

ALSO READ: • 73+ Essential Greek Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday

3.4. Useful phrases for traveling when ordering food and drinks

Useful phrases when travelling for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines.

• I’m allergic to …
• The bill, please.
• I would like to have …
• May I see the menu?
• What are the specials? 
• What do you recommend?
• Types of diets: Vegetarian / vegan / gluten free
• Food flavors: sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicy
• Drinks: coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beer
• Food allergens: milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeans

3.5. Practical travel terms for shopping

Essential phrases for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques.

• Could I try this on?
• Do you have this in …
• Excuse me, I’m looking for… 
• Is this on sale?
• When do you open/close? 
• Do you accept credit cards?
• Size: bigger / smaller
• Numbers: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
• Larger numbers: 50 / 100 / 1000
• Colors: white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / black

🔢 “In how many languages does Anja know how to count to 10?” right now probably in around 7 or 8, but when living abroad this number was between 13-15 languages.

ALSO READ: • 73+ Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan

3.6. Useful phrases for travelling when checking in a hotel

Phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate.

• … is not working.
• Do you have WiFi?
• Can I drink the tap water?
• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Essentials: toilet paper / key / towel
• Amenities: air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryer

3.7. Helpful travel terms in case of emergencies

Here you will find helpful important phrases to know when traveling in case of emergencies, natural disasters or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations.

• There is a …
• Please call the …
• I lost my passport
• My money was stolen
• Natural hazards: fire / flood / earthquake
• First responders: police / firemen / ambulance

3.8. Beyond essential travel phrases to compliment someone

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the essential travel phrases. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

• You have beautiful eyes
• You have a beautiful smile

4. Best language Apps for traveling abroad

When it comes to language learning , the options are diverse. You can choose from apps, traditional textbooks, and language courses to podcasts and YouTube videos. I would recommend the previously mentioned Duolingo . In case you fell short and can’t learn the essential travel phrases, or if the situations come your way when those phrases won’t be enough , below you will find language apps I use for you to download before your next trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places. I’m sure you are already familiar with this best language app for travel. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘ camera translation ’. All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone. Language: 133 languages Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

4.2. VoiceTra

VoiceTra is a language translation app that translates speech into another language . It is a perfect app for all travelers, supports 31 languages and can be used for free . Although, to make VoiceTra work you will need an Internet connection . The app translates in both ways. From English to foreign language and vice versa . It also offers text input. VoiceTra is great for simple, everyday conversations that you may encounter. Perfect to conquer the language barrier and even more amazing since it allows instant switching between two languages. Use it when buying admission tickets, asking for directions, when on a train or bus, while shopping, or when checking in at a hotel. Language: English, French, Spanish (32 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

4.3. SayHi Translate

SayHi Translate language app is an easy-to-use app, designed to be quick, and simple. All you have to do is press a button and start speaking. The app will transcribe your speech quickly and accurately. It supports 101 languages and dialects. It is a free app without any advertisements or hidden fees. In order for the app to work, you will need an internet connection . As soon as you speak, the app will return text and audio in another language. It super easy to change languages quickly and you can even speed up or slow down your speech and choose between male and female voice. Use it on your travels when in an UBER or taxi in a foreign land, when buying local souvenirs from a local lady or when checking in a lovely and unique homestay. Language: English, Arabic, Polish (101 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

5. Final thoughts on Essential Travel Phrases and Words

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, are only a few useful phrases when traveling that not only open doors to easier communication but also show respect and help you to understand the destination in a different way. Before traveling abroad, learn at least a couple of common travel phrases that will help you navigate through various situations abroad. Travel terms for greetings and introductions and words showcasing politeness. Basic phrases for asking for directions, ordering food, and checking in a hotel. 

Learn useful phrases for traveling with the help of a language app like Duolingo, learn words when on a destination, or combine both with a language translation app like Google Translate. Find what works best for you and overcome language barriers. What travelling phrases do you think are essential? Bon voyage, Anja

➤ What you should read next …

• How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages • How to say Happy New Year in 100+ different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages

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What are essential travel phrases?

Travel phrases are useful phrases to know when traveling abroad. They are a collection of the most common and frequently used words and expressions we use when visiting foreign countries. From basic greetings to phrases for seeking directions, ordering food, and engaging in cultural exchanges.

What are some basic travel phrases for greetings and introductions?

Hello | Goodbye | Nice to meet you Phrases for greetings lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. Find more essential travel phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are some common English travel phrases?

Thank you | Please | Excuse me These common travel phrases showcase politeness and cultural respect, fostering positive interactions with locals. Find more common travel phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are some useful travel phrases for directions and getting around?

Where is … | How do I get to … ? | How long …? Useful expressions for travelling for directions enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around. Find more useful sentences for travelling and common travel language phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are essential travel phrases when ordering food and drinks?

May I see the menu? | What do you recommend? | Is this … | I’m allergic to … Those are useful travel phrases in English for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences to ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines. Find more English travel expressions on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are practical travel terms for shopping?

How much does it cost? | Could I try this on? | Do you accept credit cards? Practical travel words in English for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques. Find more useful English phrases for travelling on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are helpful travel terms in case of emergencies?

Help | I am lost | Please call the … Helpful travel English phrases to learn when traveling are great to know in case of emergencies, natural disasters or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations. Find more English travel terms and phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

2 thoughts on “73+ Essential Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know”

I love languages and love this idea. I always try to learn a little of the local language when travelling – I find it so much fun. Love this post!

Thank you so much Maryanne! There is more of those coming … Planning to post one for the language of each country I have visited…

Comments are closed.

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Learn a New Language for Travel and Why You Should

How to Learn a New Language for Travel and Why You Should

Three months! That’s the completely arbitrary number I just pulled out of my ass. How to learn a new language in three months.

To become fluent? Hah, no, you’re dreaming. It’s going to take a lot longer than that to become fluent in another language.

But to a communicational point? Yeah, easy-peasy.

Here’s some context for how much you can achieve in three months. In roughly four months, I taught myself the entire Japanese writing system usually spread throughout twelve years of Japanese school education (roughly 2300 unique characters) and was speaking conversationally (albeit a jilted conversation). And, mate, my brain ain’t anything special; I’ve taken well over the statistical average amount of drugs for any single person’s lifetime.

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But we’re not just talking about learning a new language; we’re talking about learning one for travel (and through travel). And, honestly, I can’t see any better way to learn a second language: immersed in the culture and language surrounded by people wanting to help and teach… it’s actually, to be frank, a spiritually-fulfilling experience. It’s rewarding, challenging, and teaches you to see the world with a whole new set of eyes (and ears).

I would consider it the pinnacle of cultural immersion (which is why it’s also part of the The Broke Backpacker Manifesto ).

So, what is the best way to learn a language for, through, and while travelling? Well, that’s a complex subject with a variety of answers depending on who you ask…

But you’re asking me! And I’m answering – my way! So here is what I can teach you: methods, techniques, and tools to learn a new language… for travel! Consider it a ‘Language Learning 101’.

Why Learn a Foreign Language

The best way to learn a language, language learning 101: how to learn a language in 3 months for travel, tips on learning a new language, the flashcard-shark method of learning a language, final thoughts on learning a new language for travel.

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Here’s a thought experiment: think of everyone you’ve ever met in your travels who spoke English as a second language. Presumably, that’s pretty much anyone who spoke with a funny accent. That’s a lot of people.

Now, imagine if none of them had spoken English. All those previous encounters have just been retroactively wiped. Poof, gone; oh no, how sad.

I imagine you’ve just lost some pretty beautiful memories. Some significant conversations… some intimate friendships. Because you couldn’t communicate.

I think, sometimes, we take for granted the importance of learning a foreign language because we don’t have to. We’re already sitting at the top of the ivory tower with the peasants coming to us to offer their tithes. English is the desired language to be taught around the world and that makes us, in a way, ignorant.

My first experience of learning another language was eye-opening. Previously to that, I had been backpacking in New Zealand with a Japanese “eccentric” who had rudimentary English abilities. After our big journey, I went with him to Japan… and it was a complete role-reversal.

It was hours spent in car rides watching pretty views and trying to decipher what pieces of native Japanese conversation I could. Plus, the occasional nap. Realistically, that’s not such a bad way to travel.

So, I hit the books hard. But here’s the cool thing, right. I didn’t just start learning to speak Japanese; I started learning to communicate better all around.

Because of my studies, I started to understand how to simplify my speech for communicating with non-native English speakers and I started to empathise with their difficulties. I learnt about the intricate stupidity of the English language (dude, it’s such a dumb language). I even started to see how the nuances of language affect culture and people.

The list benefits of learning a foreign language that I discovered goes on, but storytime is over. Consider that tale context for the basis of this article. But also consider it context for the ‘Why?’.

If none of us ever made the effort to learn another’s language, we’d just stay in our bubbles. Communication, I’d argue, is the top reason why learning a foreign language is important. The world needs more communication.

Of course, that’s not all, right? There’s gotta be more reasons to learn another language, especially for a traveller. Oh sure, there are most definitely some pretty major benefits of learning a second language for travel.

The Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language for Travel

I’m not going to stand here and preach to you on the necessity of learning a new language for travelling. It’s far from necessary and I really don’t care for the mentality that it is. Miming a poop-squat is a perfectly legitimate form of communication and will point you in the right direction 90% of the time!

All that said, there are some pretty major benefits of learning a foreign language for travel:

• There are significant cultural benefits to learning a second language and it’s a guaranteed method to reach a deeper level of cultural immersion. Talking with locals, understanding music and TV shows, and telling stray dogs off in their native tongue (Indians, in particular, love this).
• Learning another language is a lot of fun. Okkkkk, so you’re going to have days where you want to throw your study notes and phone off the nearest overpass. But then, sometimes, you’ll have a day conversing with a kid who’s never spoken to a foreigner before and it’ll all just feel so damn whimsical!
• On a personal note, it feels like a matter of respect to me . I’m not saying you need to become fluent in another language but making an effort shows. Even taking the time to learn a few short travel phrases separates you from other tourists in a really genuine way.
• It opens up a lot of opportunities as you travel. As the intrepid traveller, you’re always going to find yourself being a point of interest. Being able to communicate means you’ll inevitably be asked to come to stay in people’s homes (more so), go on adventures, or even be offered work.

Actually, hey! Let’s talk about that!

The Benefits of Learning a Second Language for Jobs

Speaking a foreign language inevitably leads to opportunities as you travel; I feel that’s a given. Have some basic and important phrases down and you may find yourself being offered some menial cash work. Even in places like Japan you can easily find under-the-table farm work if you know how to ask.

But if the long-term goal is becoming fluent at speaking a foreign language, things get more interesting. Translation, interpretation, tour guiding, or even working in foreign affairs for big-shot companies. The employment opportunities are a damn good reason why learning a foreign language is important.

But here’s the sweet part: English is a monumentally valuable language. It’s the most valuable language. You’ve already mastered the hardest part.

English teachers are sought after the world over. Anyone with the right qualifications can take this route. And it’s a damn good route for anyone seeking to make money while travelling.

Now, it’s certainly not necessary to know the language of the country you’re aiming to teach in, but it’s a helluva leg up over the other candidates. And immersion is also the surefire best method to learn a language – any language.

The best part is, with experience and skills, you can take this English teaching gig one step further and start teaching online . Seriously, getting involved in learning and teaching languages could be your gateway to that holy grail that is the digital nomad lifestyle.

But, to reiterate, you’ve gotta have the right qualifications i.e. a TEFL certificate. But, tell you what: if you go here to MyTEFL , enter the code BACKPKR for a 35% discount on your course, you can get your certificate online. Sign yourself up with the right employment agency and you’re away – easy-peasy-Japanese-y!

There’s no shortage of different methods of learning a language but not all methods are created equal. Largely, it hinges on your intentions. You can learn a few of the few key phrases to know when travelling and you’ll be coasting along smoothly pretty much anywhere in the world. Spend a week mastering them, and your backpacking trip is sorted.

But that’s not what we’re talking about. I’m not talking about asking where the bus stop is; I’m talking about learning a foreign language.

To paraphrase a favourite book of mine, asking someone where the bus stop is when you could be asking them their opinion on foreign immigration policy is watching pornography when you could be having great sex.

Right, ok so let’s not get carried away. If you’re wondering how to teach yourself a language fluently, then you’re in for the long haul. That whole ‘How to Learn a Language in 10 Days’ stuff… yeah, it’s BS. It takes time and it takes hard work but the basic process of learning a new language – any language – from scratch tends to remain the same across the board.

The first consideration on how to learn any language is to choose the method and environment. That choice will affect the direction of your studies.

Of course, this is primarily a travel website. Therefore, I am always going to say that the absolute best way to learn a language will be by any method that gives you full cultural immersion, by which I mean, actually being in the country.

Studying a Language Abroad

Oh, formal studies. The antichrist of any anti-establishment, backpack-wearing, address-less millennial. Sadly, you do still have your uses.

The benefits of learning a new language by studying abroad are, I would hope, pretty obvious. Structured learning founded in classical education strategies all the while surrounded by like-minded individuals.

Mind you, this is proper formal study I’m talking about – not a weekly meet-up. Not a small collective of mostly middle-aged adults who meet at the local community centre twice a week; Tuesday is Spanish classes with Gabriela and Thursdays are salsa dancing with Antonio.

This is the difference between saying ‘I’m learning French’ and ‘I’m studying French’ . I’m talking you catch a plane, go to the country, and – boom – you’re enlisted in a regular curriculum at a language school: full-scale immersion.

If that’s a route you’re interested in, then I’d recommend checking out services like Go Overseas or Go Abroad . At the very least, it’s a start in finding your preferred international language school.

The downside of this method is that it is perhaps, for many, not the most fun way to learn another language. It’s quite possibly the most efficient to learn a language fast and fluently, but it’s also exhausting.

You need to remember that while you’re assimilating to living in a brand new country and culture your brain is going a bit haywire – culture shock is a bitch. Compound that with a rigorous study schedule and a disconnection from home and you’re in for a challenge. A damn rewarding challenge!

How to Learn a Language by Yourself

Nothing quite impresses a native speaker like telling them about how you learnt a foreign language on your own. It’s easily one of the best ice-breakers.

Of course, that’s fair, because the process of learning a new language by yourself is no less challenging than by formal study. In many cases, it can be more challenging.

My journey of learning Japanese by myself was a mission in self-flagellation (of the character-building variety). This was my morning routine for 3-and-a-half months:

• 6 A.M. – Wake up!
• Make coffee.
• Drink coffee while doing kanji and vocab revision.
• 7-7.30 A.M. – Excercise, yoga, and meditate.
• 8.30-9 A.M – Brush my teeth and make the bed.
• Short ukulele sesh .
• Boom! Begin the first big study session of the day.

Every. Goddamn. Day.

It was hella rewarding but it also requires hella discipline. If you’re the kind person that tells yourself ‘I could never study from home’ or ‘…be self-employed’ , then learning a new language by yourself may not be the right method for you.

The added bonus of using this method of learning a language was that I got to still do me. I was still a traveller, not a student. I got to immerse myself in the culture, and meet a lot of wonderful humans that I wouldn’t have met had I chosen a different path.

There were still adventures, connections, hitchhikes, and ridiculous moments trying to have conversations with eccentric elderly Japanese men in parks.

The other important bonus was that I got to take my time. No darting around on a 3-week backpacking itinerary. And that’s because of the next method I want to talk about.

Learn a New Language by Volunteering Abroad

Now, this is a rewarding and fun way to learn a new language! This was the other half of my quest to learn a foreign language on my own.

A huge portion of my time studying and travelling in Japan was spent in and around the Sapporo area helping where I could. In return, I would always be gifted a bed and food (in that oh-so-lovely Japanese-hospitality fashion) and also plenty of study time. Of course, that includes practical study listening and speaking with native speakers (by volunteering).

In fact, most of my volunteering was with kids. Kids are fun and they teach you the best words; onibaba is the word for an old, hagged witch. There was no way anyone other than a 6-year-old boy playing with my dictionary app was going to teach me that word and now it’s one of my favourites.

Volunteering is, by far, one of my favourite methods of learning a foreign language. It’s rewarding as hell, it’s something that takes your mind out of the grammar studies for a bit, and it drastically reduces your travel expenses.

I’m someone that’s always encountered volunteering opportunities by word of mouth and meeting people, but that stuff is old fashioned! We have the internet today which is so much more convenient!

The Broke Backpacker recommends Worldpackers as a reputable source for finding good opportunities to get involved with ‘voluntourism’. It’s safe, it’s international, and you can check out our full review on it here .

Honestly, combining some sort of volunteering with self-orientated study methods is one of my favourite language learning approaches.

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Language Learning Technology

Luckily for you, we have modern-day technology to assist in the process of learning a new language. We’re not exactly downloading entire foreign lexicons directly into our brains yet, but it’s still come a long way since the textbook, notebook, and pen days.

The options for language learning apps available is huge. andLearning a new language by app alone is an entirely viable method nowadays. I’ll cover a variety of options and different language learning techniques applied through different apps in the Language Learning Apps section.

But the spread of language learning technology and the fun ways to apply it doesn’t end there. You have heaps of options:

• HelloTalk – There are other services in the same vein but I use HelloTalk. Basically, find yourself a language buddy. A pen pal you can chat to over the phone and swap campfire stories with!
• Podcasts – There’s a wealth of language learning podcasts around and chances are that there’s one dedicated to your chosen language too!
• Youtube (or websites featuring video content) – A super integral ace-in-the-hole if you want to learn a language by yourself. Find a video series with a teacher you vibe with and stick to their course before moving on.
• Forums – Reddit (ew), language sites, or anywhere else you can meet up and talk some smack with other like-minded students. Having peers in some form helps; we are social creatures, after all.
• Music – Yay, you get to make a playlist! Music creates further immersion to aid in language acquisition plus slowly being able to appreciate new kinds of music is another benefit of learning a new language.
• TV shows/Movies – Start off with subtitles with on with the end goal being to not need them. It’s a good end-of-the-study-session chillout.

Disclaimer: How to learn a language in three months within reason . Becoming fluent is an admirable goal but it’s also one that takes a lot of time and energy over a long long period.

The execution of learning a new language specifically for travel depends on your goal. A month backpacking around a country means you’re likely after some functional speaking knowledge, for example, ‘Where is the nearest accommodation?’ or ‘Help! I’ve just been stabbed and I can’t stop the bleeding!’.

But if it’s long-term travel, working, or even volunteering that you’re interested in, you’ll want to learn actual conversational abilities. Is it necessary? No, but it’s a damn sure way to connect at a deeper level with the people you’re travelling amongst.

“ Right,” you say, “Tell me how to learn a new language fast then!”

Sure, I can do that, but you might not like the answer. You have to study! Oh nooooo…

The secret to learning a new language fast is that it isn’t about speed; it’s about efficiency. It’s about reducing the number of false starts and wasted time as much as possible to where some progress, even a small amount, is being made every day.

Your pace and your process is your journey. Everybody learns at a different pace in their own unique way is what the institution of schooling has taught us. Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole just results in deep self-loathing and substance abuse. Yay, high school!

These aren’t necessarily the best language learning techniques, but they’re my language learning techniques. An efficient process to cover the basics of learning a new language. To be used at your discretion for your unique travel language needs.

Language Learning 102: Can Your Read It?

I’m guessing you’re not illiterate. I mean, you’re reading this so you’re probably not… which is good! Because illiteracy sucks. Imagine if every time you had to open a door it was a 50/50 chance whether it was a push or pull scenario.

Illiteracy slows down the process of learning a new language with a different alphabet. It might feel faster to skip straight to speaking a foreign language but long-term it’s an inefficient method. Remember, it’s about efficiency.

So don’t be illiterate.

Legit, it sounds difficult but – unless it’s the Chinese or Japanese many-thousands-characters – it really isn’t. You grab a pen, scrap paper, and just start writing lines; you’ll be done in a week if you’re lazy and a day if you’re hardcore.

If you’re just learning your important phrases to know when travelling, you can move on. Everyone else: don’t you be skipping this step, it’s important later.

(As a complete side away, on the chance you are learning the Chinese hanzi or the Japanese kanji, I want to send you to this resource . It is a mega-piece on how to practically tackle that behemoth of foreign language studies and the only reason I reached the point I did in my Japanese.)

Language Learning 103: Learn Your Important Phrases List

This is your list; I can’t tell you what should be on it. Ok, I can and I will in the Key Phrases to Learn in a Foreign Language When Travelling section.

But besides that! I really urge you to sit down with a pen and paper (iPad, word processor, chisel and stone) and put some thought into your important phrases list. What’s important to you? Chances are, asking ’Has anyone seen my keys?’ takes precedence over learning the words for ten different colours.

But there is one thing to take note of: notice how it’s an important phrases list. Memorising words is still good but learning phrases in a foreign lesson is crucial. That’s the next lesson.

Language Learning 104: The Next Lesson

Phrases yeah, but, more crucially, patterns.

Ok, it’s time for a practical example. Don’t get too bogged down on the details; just be aware that I’m illustrating a greater example in how to learn any language.

Here are some words in Japanese:

• okaasan – mum
• itta – went
• ni – to
• wa – the (sort of but not really)
• mise – store

How do you say “Mum went to the store?” Actually try it.

Time’s up! Was your guess “Okaasan itta ni wa mise” ? Congratulations! Nobody has any idea what you just said; that was utter gibberish, you fool!

Now, what if I told you the correct answer was “Okaasan wa mise ni itta” ? Well, you’d probably dislike me for asking such a blatantly loaded question – which is fair – BUT , I did just teach you how to speak a shitton of Japanese.

Eeeeeeee????? (That’s Japanese for “Whaaaaa????”)

Let me throw a few new words at you:

• otousan – dad
• kuruma – car
• eigakan – cinema
• hato – pigeon

Well shit… that’s a lot of sentences. Before you read this post you probably couldn’t even speak Japanese. Now you can say “Dad went to the store,” “Mum went to the car,” and even “ The pigeon went to the cinema.” (consult fig. 1). You still only know one verb too!

One of the absolute best methods to learn a language fast and fluently is to focus on learning sentence patterns. The vocab will come naturally as you need it and pretty soon, as your skills expand, you’ll be merging patterns into brand new ones. That’s when you’ll really be talking the talk.

Language Learning 105: Grammar is Important… Sort Of…

The importance of grammar in language learning is a murky debate at best and long-standing feud soaked in the blood of our enemies at worst. As with most things in life, perhaps the truth is somewhere in the middle.

It is entirely possible to learn a language without grammar studies. But if I’m honest, you kinda miss out on the magic of it. That’s right, I just said grammar was magical: deal with it!

Grammar is the cypher that unlocks the puzzle of language. Understanding language grammar means knowing why you’re saying something and not just what you’re saying.

Studying foreign language grammar means sitting down with a resource and taking the time to learn and take notes. Yeah, it’s not particularly fun but you’ll quickly begin to understand why you’re doing it.

Your grammar studies will largely depend on your chosen foreign language, but there’s something super-duper important for learning any language which really helped me: word order typology . Word order is actually an aspect of linguistics but it’s something that applies to all language studies.

If you’re serious about learning and becoming fluent in another language, I highly recommend getting a grasp on word order. Identifying the linguistic typology of your language is the first step in foreign language grammar studies. Basically, it means you know how to put words together (consult fig. 2).

Alright, now that I’ve overwhelmed your brain with grammar lessons, I need to remind you…

Language Learning 106: Grammar is Not THAT Important

This is something I partially regret about my time in Japan and that’s overvaluing the importance of grammar in language learning. There’s something way more important when learning another language and that is – to bring it around circularly – communication!

All the grammar in the world don’t mean shit if you can’t use it. You need to speak, as much as possible, all the time. That’s why I say immersion in a country is, by far, the best way to learn a new language; it needs to be an all-day-every-day occurrence.

Communicating, conversing, and – most importantly – asking questions is undoubtedly always going to help your speaking and comprehension more than sitting alone in a room with your notes. The sooner you can ask your friends “What is this called in [language]?” or “What does [so-and-so] mean?” , the sooner you won’t need your dictionary app anymore. Sure, you’ll be an extremely annoying friend, but get used to it.

And similarly, on the note of good communication, put effort into your pronunciation. Some languages it is 100% vital in (eg. tonal languages like Burmese), and some languages it’s better just to avoid condescending looks from the locals (eg. French). Either way, communication is the key.

You can completely butcher a sentence grammatically but that won’t matter if you’re capturing the feel of the language. Take my Japanese friend for example. He almost definitely couldn’t converse with you about your fractured relationship with your parents but he always knew just the right way to say “Fuck yeah, cheers, man!” when the joint arrived.

As he would say: “ It’s about feeling.”

Language Learning 107: Everything is a Language Lesson

I want to call this passive learning but I don’t feel like that’s a fair term. Remember how I said to learn your bloody ABCs? This is why.

You’re a traveller; that means you’re travelling! Think of everything around you that is absolutely plastered with study materials: street signs, kids’ books, advertisements, menus, conversations… eavesdropping on conversations! Everything is a lesson!

Read, listen, pay attention, and, as soon as a new word or expression comes your way, note it. Where do you note it? In your damn notes, of course! You’re learning a new language so you better have some form of note-taking.

It’s ok, your note-system is something I’ll cover in The Flashcard-Shark Method of Learning a Language section. The most important thing to remember about cultural immersion is that you’re always learning. Even when you feel like you just want a break, your brain is always chugging away and moving… like a shark.

Language Learning 108: Oh Boy, Language Revision!

Yep, this is a part of the process of learning a new language you have to deal with. Much like grammar studies, arguments exist on both sides of the fence as to it’s actual usefulness but that doesn’t mean you get to skip over it!

It really doesn’t have to be too overwhelming. The extent of my language revision was anywhere from 15-60 minutes a day of flashcards. That was it.

The goal is not to never forget anything; mate, I can’t even remember where I left my pants most of the time. The goal is simply to revisit old content occasionally to stop it completely decaying. The natural selection of speaking will decide, in time, what language is actually more relevant.

I’ll cover how to revise a language in the upcoming section also because it’s all linked. Lucky you.

Practical and mindset tips on learning a foreign language, the primary phrases to know when travelling, plus my own personal (and, I feel, efficient) method on learning a new language. With all these goodies, you should be able to learn any language in three months to a basic-intermediate level.

First up, ten tips on learning a new language: fresh from my brain to your plate! Ew, gross, don’t eat them! I just told you where they came from…

1. SPEAK IT!

You might be surprised at just how easy it is to be a cheaty-pants and take shortcuts. Be it shyness, laziness, or just tiredness, sometimes defaulting to English or just keeping your mouth shut becomes a preferable option.

The absolute golden number one rule of learning another language is to talk-talk-talk and keep talking. Ask lots of questions; fearlessly make mistakes right, left, and centre; tell people to correct you. If you wanna walk the walk, you gotta talk the talk.

2. Say what you can say, not what you want to say.

When you’re learning a new language, it’s like you lose a part of your personality. You won’t be able to say everything you want and that’s just part of the process. Maybe you can’t say “I’d like 2 sugars in my coffee stirred counter-clockwise,” but you can say “Coffee with sugar, please.” So say just that and take the coffee however it damn well comes.

3. Talk around a wall.

It’s easy to hit a wall in the flow of a conversation when your brain starts farting uncontrollably. The real step forward in speaking a foreign language is to verbalise your brain farts. In many ways, it’s the mark of becoming fluent in a language.

Have you forgotten (or don’t know) the word for ‘divorce’ ? Try asking “What is the opposite of marriage?” or “What’s the name of the thing mommy and daddy do when they don’t love each other anymore?”

These last three tips were built around the idea of always keeping a conversation moving. Don’t get stuck in the mud of details when you’re learning another language. Just keep practising; sooner or later it will click.

4. Find fun ways to learn.

Get creative and find your own fun language learning technique! For example, I like finding songs in Japanese and learning to play them on the ukulele. It’s speaking, reading, translation, and comprehension all rolled into one plus the increased returns when busking is another reason why learning a second language is beneficial! There are heaps of different ways to learn a foreign language so find something you enjoy more than just flashcards.

5. Prioritise learning the most common words in a language.

Fun fact: statistical analyses performed on conversational English found about 50% of our speech was comprised of only 100 words. After that, it’s all diminishing returns: 400 words cover about 75% of our regular speech with 1000 words taking us up to 80+%.

That means with a solid list of 400 common and relevant-to-you words, you can cover nearly 80% of conversational speech requirements. And realistically, 400 words is nothing: I can name that many Pokémon.

I’m linking you to a source of the 500 most common English words and from there you can tailor it to your own foreign language studies. A surprising amount of words remain equally common across countries and culture with some exceptions: I imagine ‘rice’ , ‘chai’ , and ‘Shiva’ rank a bit higher in Hindi.

6. Keep ‘chunking’ your language learning.

I covered this in learning patterns but I really want to drill it in as much as possible as it’s possibly the most valuable language learning tool for travellers. Chunking is the antithesis of long hours of rote memorisation and a necessity if you want to learn a language without grammar studying. Focus on them patterns!

Chunks are just groups of words that tend to always go together and thus our brain recognises collectively without ever considering the grammar implications. ‘How’s it going?’ , ‘by the way’ , or ‘at the end of the day’ are good examples of chunks. Once you have a natural grasp of a chunk, it becomes second-nature to utilise it eg. ‘at the end of the race’ or ‘at the end of the street’ .

7. Remember: it’s about the long-game.

HOW TO LEARN A LANGUAGE IN 10 DAYS!!! Does that sound familiar? It’s the dream, right? Forget that, it’s the linguistic equivalent of developing body issues from looking at too many photoshopped photos of Instagrammers.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint to the finish. The truth about learning a new language is that it takes a long time. Think about English: 10 to 12 years of schooling and I’ll bet you still can’t explain why it’s at 3 o’clock on Sunday in March.

Take your time.

8. It’s ok to feel the burnout.

You’re gonna have up days and you’re gonna have down days and you’re gonna have days where all your study time gets spent procrastinating on Youtube. Cut yourself some slack; learning a new language is really hard, and so is travelling – beware the burnout .

. If all you learnt that day was one new word, then that’s one more word than you knew the day before. Be like the shark: just keep swimming.

9. Don’t forget that you’re fucking awesome.

You know how people say “Man, I’d so love to learn French!” Well, you’re actually learning French. You’re not just learning French… you’re speaking French! Just take a moment to appreciate how seriously fucking awesome that is and how awesome you are for doing it… you fucking legend.

10. Appreciate the little victories.

Storytime! When I first parted ways with my Japanese companion, I found myself hitchhiking solo in Japan. Despite our most earnest efforts, the conversation with my kind driver was stilted. A lot of referring to dictionary apps, translators, and just generally getting lost.

Fast forward a couple months and I’m hitchhiking again! Only this time, I’m talking. Yeah, it’s not an extremely deep conversation but there is mutual understanding, flow in the conversation, and no crutching on goddamn smartphones! Needless to say, I was one pretty chuffed white boy in Japan!

When a moment comes along that makes you go: “Hell yeah!” … appreciate it.

Bonus tip! Get yourself a hot piece of ass!

Right, so I’ve never actually partaken in this particular method because girls are icky and have cooties, but I have it on multiple good authorities that it’s a damn fine way to learn a second language fast. Nab yourself a date (locals love adventurous foreigners) and pretty soon you’ll be getting all kinds of free language lessons. Sex, cuddles, and language lessons… this may actually trump all the previous advice I’ve given you…

Language Learning Apps

I’m going to be a renegade and recommend you away from learning a new language through apps like Duolingo. It’s not that they’re completely unhelpful, but I do I believe them to be a far inferior method of learning a language than structuring your own study plan using all the techniques I’ve spoken about. I think if we could all learn foreign languages by spending an hour a day playing minigames on our smartphones, we’d all be polyglots by now.

However, that’s not to say that your smartphone isn’t an indispensable language learning tool. As much as I like to be a whingey-whiner about modern technology, the truth is we’re walking around with a miniature god in our pockets. Legit, the thing is omnipotent.

So, I’ll steer clear of the generic recommendations for language learning apps, but there are a few that I would consider integral:

• Dictionary app – An app that has all the vocabulary you’ll need, translated from your mother-tongue to your chosen language. There’s no top dog here; the choices change from language to language. My modus operandi is to download five or so and see which I like best. Bonus tip for learning languages with different alphabets: if there is a setting to turn off romanisations (foreign scripts converted into the Roman alphabet), use it!
• Translator app – I’m begging you not to rely on this over your own brain in conversation, but it can still help you out in a pinch. Sometimes you need more than what a dictionary can provide. Again, there are lots of options, but Google Translate is one of the best travel apps for its offline capabilities with many languages.
• HelloTalk – Mentioning this again for anyone that is having trouble finding someone to practice speaking with because it’s a godsend. Italki is another hella good option with the choice to pay for online language lessons from actual teachers.
• AnkiApp – I have to talk about Anki and I have to talk about its applications but that deserves a whole goddamn section because this is easily one of the best programs to learn a language with. Long story short: it’s a build-your-own flashcards program. I’ll get to how to utilise it in a minute.

Key Phrases to Learn in a Foreign Language When Travelling

This is just a short-list to get you started. As I said, your list of important phrases will be tailored to your experiences as you travel and dabble in different languages. This is just some of the key stuff that I found never escapes my early vocab list and the goal of it is not to learn these words in a vacuum but as part of greater chunks and phrases with more applicability.

You’ll probably notice that there are some curious absentees. That’s because I don’t consider counting numbers or asking mundane things like ‘How are you?’ essential to the basics of learning a new language. The goal here is to get some rudimentary communication.

See? That’s exactly what I mean!

That’s a list of only 59 words (I counted) and look at all the sentences you can make! Some of my sentence examples don’t have good grammar, but that’s my point: grammar isn’t the be-all-end-all. Communication is.

The grammatical translation of many of these words is very different in many languages. For example, Japanese drops pronouns by default unless contextually necessary. Also, many Asian languages conclude a sentence with a verb, so that’s where ‘is’ , ‘are’ , or ‘am’ is usually placed.

Regardless, look at all those damn sentences! And how many more you can make simply by swapping words interchangeably. In the beginning phases of learning a new language, often less is more.

Ok, so here is something I would call the ace up my sleeve in my language studies. It, by no means, is entirely sufficient as a singular method, but, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, learning a second language is about having as many tools at your disposal as possible. It’s also an efficient method for the intrepid immersed traveller.

The Tools: Anki

Anki… let’s talk about this again because I swear it is the best program to learn another language with that exists… if applied right. It’s a flashcard building program with a huge array of customisation options (pictures, audio, video…). There’s even a database of downloadable decks people have shared which will probably have any language you’re interested in; for the record, I just had a browse and found Mongolian, Creole, and Swahili so you’ll easily find what you’re after.

“Excuse me, sir, but this sounds like an ad.”

Hah, nope! It’s totally free! (For everyone except iPhone users… suckers!) So if you don’t grab it, you’re a dumb-butt.

Some dictionary apps even come with a built-in “Send to Anki” function. My Japanese dictionary app does and, oh my god, that function is so so wonderful.

What’s my point? Get Anki .

The Method: Build That Deck!

You’re travelling, you’re immersed, and you have a miniature god in your pocket at most times. How can you use this to learn a new language by yourself?

Easy! Everything that can go in the deck, does. Someone asks you to get their phone from upstairs… that’s a new pattern!

Grandma locked herself in the car again. Well, now you know how to say ‘grandma’ so add that shit!

All your new vocab and grammar rules that you take notes on… those notes go in the Anki deck. That means all that information is somewhere other than a notebook you’re never going to open (plus, you’re not travelling with 5 different notebooks).

Anytime I found myself in a conversation in Japan and a new piece of vocab appeared I would exclaim ‘Atarashii kotoba da!’ (New word!) and I would pull out my phone to add the card. Over time, my deck expanded to incorporate grammar, words, expressions, lists (eg. counting), chunks… you name it!

And every day, I would revise. If you’re on top of your daily revision, it seriously takes half-an-hour max. Again, the purpose is not to remember everything; only to keep any learnt content from slipping into the aether.

The best part about this method is that it’s highly efficient for travellers. You’ll stumble across new words, slang, and phrases all the time. And, if you’re kicking around on transport, you have plenty of time to flick through your revision or cram in a few more cards.

Just slam it all in one deck. It’s like having a daily random selection of revision material.

If you’re still telling yourself, after that buttload of information, that it’s too hard to learn a new language and you can’t do it: shush your face! Anyone can learn another language, no matter how hard they try to convince themselves they can’t.

Do you know how I know? Because you’ve already mastered a language. You’re actually fluent in one of the most difficult and finely-nuanced languages around. I’m talking about English, ya dope! Learning English is way, way harder than Japanese or Swahili or Mongolian.

“Oh, but I was a kid and had parents who spoke English and blah-blah…”

Yeah, and what do you think learning another language as a traveller is? It’s like being a kid and all the way back at square one again. Except, now you’re old enough to drink – yay!

If there’s any penchant inside of you to learn a new language for travel, then I highly recommend it. At best, you’ll experience a culture at a whole new level that you never have before. And, at worst, you’ll come away with some rudimentary knowledge in another language and some new neural pathways. Not a bad deal at all, really.

To be honest, I’ve kinda fallen off the wagon with my Japanese and I can feel it rusting. So thanks, you’ve inspired me! So today I’m going to do my own studies: hit up HelloTalk, phone a friend, and practice speaking a bit. Always keep practising!

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

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11 Best Language Apps for Travel

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Living in Tokyo , I know the difference that learning a language can make as an international traveler and a digital nomad. I also know that not all language-learning apps are made equally.

I’ve loved learning languages since studying French in school - back when the concept of using an app to learn languages didn't even exist. Today couldn’t be more different. There are so many language apps on the market , each catering to a different niche or style of learning.

In this list of the best language apps for travel , I’ll break down the top options for international travelers, remote workers , and digital nomads who are always on the move and looking to learn the language of their next travel destination .

Best Language Learning Apps for Travel

1. duolingo - best for gamified language learning.

Who hasn’t tried Duolingo before? I’ve had my account for over 10 years and accumulated more than 35,000 gems - how’s that for a subtle flex? This app has perfected gamified language learning with addictive streaks, fun characters, and let’s be honest, a terrifying mascot.

Cost: Free, or you can upgrade to Duolingo Super for $12.99/month

Pros and cons:

2. babbel - great for learning actually useful phrases.

It’s hard to go a day without hearing an ad for Babbel from your favorite influencer or in the middle of a podcast, but is the app any good? I’d say yes. Where most language apps choose a fun aesthetic, Babbel opts for a clean and professional look that teaches you genuinely useful phrases to survive daily life abroad.

Cost: $13.95/month or upgrade to Babbel Live for $99/month

3. Rosetta Stone - Best for Researched Backed Learning

Rosetta Stone uses an immersive style of learning that doesn’t give you many (sometimes any) explanations, but, if you work through the entire program, you’re guaranteed a high level of language comprehension - in other words, it’s a trust-the-process sort of app .

Cost: One-language course is $47.97/3-months and $126.00/year , or get the unlimited languages lifetime subscription for $199.00

4. Lingopie - Best for Leaning in Your Free Time

Lingopie is one of those apps that has you asking how no one has thought of this before! It improves your language learning by placing subtitles on real TV shows with the ability to toggle your native language on and off . Don’t understand a phrase? Just click it to get an explanation and have the words automatically added to your flashcards.

Cost: $36/3-months or $71.88/year . There are also frequent sales - I got a lifetime subscription in the Summer Sale for $199

5. Pimsleur - Great for Dedicated Study Time

Pimsleur is unique in the way it teaches you: instead of focusing on quick vocab lessons , you’ll work through full classes led by a ‘teacher’. Using a listen-and-repeat method , Pimsleur plays a short conversation and then breaks it down word by word. The goal is to get you comfortable speaking out loud - a serious confidence builder.

Cost: $19.99/month for one language, $20.95/month for all 51 languages , or buy individual language levels (that’s 30 total lessons) for $150.00

6. Drops - Best for Quick Daily Study

If your goal is to increase your vocab , then Drops is for you. It’s essentially upgraded flashcards with great UX design that makes you want to keep going. Granted, it won’t teach you much grammar, but Drops is ideal if you’ve already got some language basics.

Cost: Free for five minutes a day or $13.00/month

7. Busuu - Ideal for Conversational Language Learning

I’m a big fan of Busuu . In my opinion, it’s the best language app for learning how to hold a conversation in another language. When I travel, I usually don’t need to learn every tense and irregular verb, I just want to be able to connect with local people and Busuu is all about this!

Cost: Premium is $10.50/month or $62.99/year (saving you 25%)

8. Memrise - Best for Memorization on the Go

For me, the most helpful thing about Memrise is the videos of native speakers that go with every single question. Hearing a variety of accents is challenging - I swear the South of France speaks a different language - but will ultimately make you a better language speaker.

Cost: Premium is $22.99/month or get a lifetime membership for $137.49

9. italki - Best for 1-On-1 Classes

One of the few negatives of life as a digital nomad is that it’s tricky to commit to classes. That’s where italki comes in! It’s an online teaching platform for finding language teachers to purchase lessons from directly . It doesn’t have courses or vocab games but will give you the chance to practice speaking a language in real-time .

Cost: Between $4 and $80 per lesson

10. Mosalingua - Built for Flash Card Lovers

Flashcards might not be the most exciting language-learning tool, but they are a tried and true method that works. Mosalingua is my pick of the flashcard apps for its spaced repetition science and personalization - you can add cards, record your own voice, and increase the number of cards studied at a time.

Cost: $9.49/month and $59.90/year

11. Beelinguapp - Best for Reading Junkies

Hands up if you’re addicted to your e-reader and always reading something. Me too, and trust me when I say, Beelinguapp is our perfect app. You can choose from their giant library of fiction, non-fiction, and news texts and read in your new language and mother tongue simultaneously . My dream has always been to demolish books in French as fast as I can in English, and this app is helping me to get one step closer.

Cost: You can read and listen for free or pay $6.99/month to unlock all stories and go ad-free

You might also be interested in:

Key Features to Look for in a Travel Language App

When I started language learning as a hobby almost a decade ago , there were slim pickings for apps or websites...so I took what I could get - helpful or not.

Now, there are numerous travel language apps to try out and choose from. Since becoming a digital nomad , these are the three features I always look for in a learning language app:

• Gamification : I need to want to be on the app or I won’t ever open it
• Offline Access : Traveling often means limited wifi and data
• Cultural Depth : I look for apps that expand on my understanding of a destination

Other FREE Useful Apps and Resources to Learn a Language

• Duolingo French and Spanish Podcasts : 20-minute stories told in English intermixed with French/Spanish
• Word Reference : My favorite online dictionary for checking translations
• ChatGPT : Did you know you can use AI to translate full sentences?
• Nemo Language Apps : Online phrasebooks with 100 of the most useful phrases in 40+ languages
• Anki : A flashcard program to make your own flashcards to use on the go

So, What Are the Best Language Apps for Travel?

If you couldn’t already tell - I’ve tried a lot of travel language apps . Every tool on this list is a great option when it comes to language learning on the go, but of course, a few stand out as the best of the best .

For easy, fun, and free daily practice, there’s no beating Duolingo . The streaks are so addictive that once you start…it’s really difficult to stop. With more serious studying, Busuu is my pick . It gives you context and native accents in a way that genuinely helps you learn faster.

You also have to check out Lingopie and Beelinguapp for more innovative ways to learn that seamlessly fit into the lifestyle of a digital nomad.

The better my Japanese becomes, the deeper my understanding of the culture gets: I’m able to make more friends and become more connected to the country I currently call home. Ultimately, your style of learning is going to be different from mine, so why not try out a few of these apps to figure out what works best for you?

Ready to Learn A New Language?

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

Jessica, a UK freelance writer and creative coach, has visited 30+ countries and lived in 4 continents. She shares her experience as a writer, coach and digital nomad on GoneTravellingProductions.com.

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7 Of The Best Language Apps For Travelers

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I have struggled with speaking French for most of my life. While I aced all my quizzes in grade school, as a backpacker I was unprepared for the fact that French people do not go around using phrases like “The teacher asked the student for chalk” or “Jimmy saw the clock on the wall.” It was equally distressing to learn that these phrases didn’t exactly come in handy when I visited a cafe in Arras or need to make inquiries at a hostel in Menton . And all those hours writing out lists of conjugated verbs didn’t exactly have my back when I was asking railroad staff in Carcassonne “Is there a train for Paris?” instead of “Is this the train to Paris?” (Spoiler: I got on the train to Rome.)

Confidence shaken, I took class after class at the community center upon my return. My vocabulary would improve for a few months — only to plummet once again during the summer break. I convinced myself that I was just bad at languages and that it didn’t matter that much, really, in an inter-connected world where everyone carried smartphones.

But now I have COVID-19 to thank for my renewed efforts to learn French. When the global pandemic canceled my month-long stay in Paris , I decided I would add on an extra week for each subsequent year the trip was delayed. It’s now looking like I’ll be enjoying a six-week sojourn in 2022, and I figure it’s now or never to finally improve my language skills — and my confidence.

There are now language apps for every possible style of learning, and I tried to reflect that in this list. Whether you prefer lessons in five-minute bursts, enjoy the traditional structure of an in-depth lesson, or would rather listen than study, there’s a little something for everyone. Including me, I hope. Bonne chance!

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1. Duolingo

With close to 40 languages (including Norwegian, Irish, Navajo, and Klingon) Duolingo offers short, game-like lessons that make learning feel more like a fun pastime. You get points for completing lessons, and you can decide how much time you want to dedicate to learning each day. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants their language education to feel as far away from traditional school as possible. Users have the choice between starting as a beginner (which is great both for actual beginners and those students who want to build their confidence by reviewing the fundamentals) or taking a placement test (which would appeal to former students who hate going over material they already know). You can use the program on your phone or desktop for free (though you can upgrade to an ad-free version for a small fee).

sdx15 / Shutterstock

If you have a slightly competitive streak, Memrise may just be the perfect language learning app. As you repeat keywords and phrases using both video and text, you earn points for things like accuracy and speed. You can be a part of the leaderboard if you want to check out how you’re measuring up compared to others who are practicing (virtually) right alongside you. This program also has a library of user-created courses (like the 500 most common French words), which helps the learning process feel more like real life and less like an academic exercise. Memrise currently offers just over two dozen languages, including Yoruba, Mongolian, Slovenian, and Swedish. This is a paid app, and you can sign up for monthly, annual, or lifetime plans.

Faizal Ramli / Shutterstock

3. Rosetta Stone

If there’s one name on this list that’s instantly recognizable to even casual travelers, it’s Rosetta Stone . The old kid on the block when it comes to language instruction, this company has been around long before apps were an indispensable part of the travel experience. They offer tuition in 24 languages (including Vietnamese, Tagalog, Farsi, and Greek). Lessons start with ten-minute segments (which is more flexible than their previous model, which relied on 30-minute units) and the focus is on total immersion. Once you’re signed up, you won’t see any English on your screen — unless, of course, that’s the language you’re trying to learn. There’s an audio companion option, which is a nice way to take a break from screen-based lessons. And if you’re worried about pronunciation, you can receive instant feedback via their TruAccent technology.

This is a paid app, and you can sign up for monthly, annual, or lifetime plans. You can feel doubly good about your investment because Rosetta Stone runs a project to help protect and preserve endangered languages. You can learn more about their efforts here .

Babbel offers just a dozen or so languages (Dutch, Indonesian, Russian, and Danish among them) but this shortlist of offerings comes with some serious bragging rights. 73 percent of users can participate in a short, simple conversation after just five hours of lessons. Part of their success is no doubt due to experience. Babbel was the first language learning app on the market, and they have honed their approach to focus on real-life, relevant topics in international travel. Lessons take between 10 and 15 minutes each, and users learn by repeating phrases, filling in the blanks to make sure they grasp the vocabulary, matching up phrases, and using correct spelling. Sign-up terms are for one, three, six, or 12 months, and the longer you commit, the less it costs per month.

Maor_Winetrob / Shutterstock

Drops is unlike any other language learning app on the market. Their focus is on lessons that last five minutes and only five minutes. Their theory is that this time period allows students to maintain an intense focus on their work and that anyone can commit to five minutes. The game-like approach (like dragging words to the corresponding photo) makes learning fun and stress free. Drop offers three dozen different languages, including Hawaiian, Maori, Thai, Finnish, and Hungarian. This free app has a paid version to eliminate ads and unlock longer lessons.

6. HelloTalk

Ultimately, the most important thing about learning any language is being able to communicate, and HelloTalk strips thing down to what really matters: having conversations. HelloTalk connects millions of members so they can teach one another through text, voice recordings, video calls, and more. It’s interactive, it’s personal, and allows you to connect to the culture of your destination. Think of it as a language app that takes its influence from social media. This free app (which has in-app purchases) supports more than 100 languages.

Postmodern Studio / Shutterstock

7. Pimsleur

If you need to learn Eastern Armenian or Western Armenian, Farsi Persian or Dari Persian, Pimsleur is the place to go. This app offers instruction in 50 languages, including Twi, Urdu, Ojibwe, Haitian Creole, Croatian, Albanian, and Lithuanian. The Pimsleur Method focuses on audio learning (which is perfect for people who aren’t visual learners), and students are asked to commit to 30 minutes a day. The content focuses on commonly used words. For instance, instead of learning to say “I speak Spanish”, you might learn how to say “I understand Spanish.” That way, you’re already well on the way to being able to say common phrases like “I understand the directions” or “I don’t understand the menu.” As such, students aren’t memorizing words so much as they’re learning how to use them in multiple contexts. If you’ve struggled with other language learning methods, this could be the app to turn things around for you once and for all. This paid program is based on a monthly subscription.

It’s Time For Me To Give French Another Chance

When I finally get to Paris again, I’ll be ready to experience everything and won’t hold myself back because of my language skills. I might not be perfect, but I know that there are more tools available than ever before to help me learn, and that in itself may just be the confidence booster I need to take things to the next level.

Related Reading:

• 7 Fears Of International Travel And How To Overcome Them
• The Rich Rewards Of Volunteering Abroad As An English Immersion Facilitator
• How To Get An International Driver’s License (And Why You Need One)

Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa coaches writers from all backgrounds, areas of focus, and experience levels on developing business strategies that support their artistic endeavors. She chronicles her cozy travel adventures at TurnipseedTravel .