Urban Travel Language Basics

Essential phrases to navigate cities like a local

City Survival Phrases

Master these essential phrases for your urban adventures

Navigating foreign cities becomes much easier when you know some basic phrases. While English is widely spoken in many urban areas, making an effort to speak the local language can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals.

Transportation

English

Where is the nearest metro station?

French

Où est la station de métro la plus proche?

English

How much is a ticket to the city center?

Spanish

¿Cuánto cuesta un billete al centro de la ciudad?

English

Does this bus go to the museum?

Japanese

このバスは美術館に行きますか? (Kono basu wa bijutsukan ni ikimasu ka?)

Dining

English

Do you have an English menu?

Italian

Avete un menu in inglese?

English

I'm vegetarian. What do you recommend?

German

Ich bin Vegetarier. Was empfehlen Sie?

English

The bill, please

Mandarin

买单 (Mǎi dān)

Shopping

English

How much does this cost?

Korean

이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)

English

Do you accept credit cards?

Russian

Вы принимаете кредитные карты? (Vy prinimayete kreditnyye karty?)

English

Can I try this on?

Portuguese

Posso experimentar isto?

Emergencies

English

Help! I need a doctor!

Arabic

!مساعدة! أحتاج إلى طبيب (Musa'ada! Ahtaj 'iilaa tabib)

English

Where is the nearest police station?

Thai

สถานีตำรวจที่ใกล้ที่สุดอยู่ที่ไหน? (S̄t̄hānī tảrwc thī̀ kıl̂ thī̀s̄ud xyū̀ thī̀ h̄ịn?)

English

I've lost my passport

Dutch

Ik heb mijn paspoort verloren

Language Learning Tips

Use Language Apps

Apps like Duolingo or Memrise can help you learn basic phrases before your trip.

Carry a Phrasebook

A pocket phrasebook can be a lifesaver when you don't have internet access.

Practice with Locals

Don't be afraid to try - most locals appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.