The UK’s largest independent travel company, Hays Travel, has recently seen an increase of around 193% in foreign holiday bookings over the last two weeks. The relaxation of travel restrictions has led to this sudden surge of last-minute sun bookings and Winter getaways.
Britons favourite destinations such as Spain, Frances, Greece, Croatia and Portugal are allowing travel so what better time than now to brush up on your travel lingo?
Preply, alongside NI Travel News, have put together a list of common sayings and phrases most used when abroad.
Hello, how are you?
Spanish- Hola, como estas?
French- Bonjour, comment vas-tu?
Portuguese- Olá, como vai ?
Croatian- Bok, kako si ?
Greek- Geia pós eísai?
Where is the restaurant?
Spanish- Dónde está el restaurante?
French- Où est le restaurant?
Portuguese- Onde é o restaurante?
Croatian- Gdje je restoran?
Greek- Pou eínai to estiatório?
Please can I have …
Spanish- Por favor puedo tener …
French- S’il vous plaît, puis-je avoir…
Portuguese- Por favor, posso ter…
Croatian- Molim vas, mogu li…
Greek- Boró na écho parakaló…
Can you help me?
Spanish- ¿Me puedes ayudar?
French- Pouvez-vous m’aider?
Portuguese- Pode me ajudar?
Croatian- Možeš li mi pomoći?
Greek- Boreís na me voithíseis?
Please can I have the bill?
Spanish- Por favor, ¿puedo tener la factura?
French- S’il vous plaît, puis-je avoir la facture?
Portuguese- Por favor, posso ficar com a conta?
Croatian- Mogu li dobiti račun?
Greek- Parakaló boró na écho ton logariasmó?
Don’t think you’ll be fluent in time for your getaway? Here are some tips to help get underway with learning a second language:
- Immerse yourself in the language
Become immersed in the language by listening to foreign films and music. As your language improves, start reading books in the language and use a dictionary to translate any words you don’t understand.
- Make sure to study pronunciation
Many language learners can fixate on grammar and vocabulary, however, pronunciation is much more difficult to fix in the later stages of language learning. Make sure to practice pronunciation by impersonating other language speakers.
- Practice speaking early
Many people fear speaking in another language due to embarrassment or saying something wrong, however, it’s easier to learn the language while you’re practising it. Try and have daily conversations in the language, or use speaking apps to help yourself learn.
- Be consistent
One classic New Year’s resolution is learning a new language, however many of us don’t follow through with the goal. The key to language learning is to stay motivated and keep going. It will be challenging at times, but worth the effort in the long run.
- Make it fun
Language learning can and should be fun. Immersing yourself in a new culture and new possibilities will only open doors to new opportunities. You’ll make new friends and gain new experiences all through.
Check out Preply.com for more tips on how to learn a second language: How To Learn a Language Fast: Polyglot Shares His Secrets (preply.com)
