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Useful foreign phrases, Part 1: how to say, "I'm just looking" in 10 languages
I've frequently pimped Lonely Planet's Phrasebooks on this site, but I swear I don't get kickbacks from the company. It's just that I'm a big believer in not being a). A Tourist (although, let's face it, if I'm not at home, I am indeed A Tourist) and b). helpless.Even if you're the biggest xenophobe on earth--which would make foreign travel a really weird and pointless pastime you might want to reconsider-- it's hard to dispute the importance of knowing how ask "Where's the bathroom?" in certain urgent circumstances.
It's with such experiences in mind that I came up with this fun little series. There are a handful of phrases I've cultivated in various languages that have served me well, in situations both good and bad. Not only are they inscribed on the dog-eared inner covers of my trusty Phrasebooks; they're etched into my mind, so I can summon them at will. Whether you need to ward off annoying vendors, personal humiliation, potential suitors, or would-be attackers, it pays to be prepared and know what to say, when. Since things like "Yes, No, Thank you, Please, Hello," etc. are generally not too challenging, for the purposes of this series, I'll leave them out. That doesn't mean they're not very important to learn, however.
This week's lesson: "I'm just looking." Invaluable for politely but firmly stating your desire to see with your eyes, not your wallet. It may not stop persistent hawkers from trying to close a deal, but at least you're showing respect by speaking in their native tongue (or an approximation thereof). And who knows? If you change your mind, that alone may help you score a better bargain.
P.S. I don't claim to be polylingual: I'm compiling phrases based on past experience or research. If I offend anyone's native tongue, please provide a correction in the "Comments" section. Be nice!
1. Spanish: Solo estoy mirando.
2. Italian: Sto solo guardando.
3. French: Je regarde.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Gerry Balding]
4. German: Nur schauen.5. Czech: Jen se dívám.
6. Portuguese: Estou só a olhar.
Many languages, especially those spoken in Asia and the Middle East, use written characters. Transliteration will vary, depending upon the guidebook/translator, which is why the spelling or phonetics below may be different from other sources. Since these languages are largely tonal (and may require accents or characters not available on a Western computer), look at this way: odds are you're going to mangle the pronunciation anyway, so just do your best! It's the thought that counts.
7. Chinese (Cantonese): Tái haa.
8. Japanese: Watashi ga mite iru dakedesu (here's to Japan getting back on its feet and attracting travelers soon!) To make a Red Cross donation, click here.
9. Vietnamese: Tôi chỉ xem thôi.
14. Moroccan Arabic: Ghir kanshuf.
What's the most useful phrase you've ever learned in a foreign language? How has it helped your travels? We want to hear from you!
[Photo credit: Flickr user wanderer_by_trade]
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Business, Food and Drink, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Morocco, Thailand, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Deals, Middle East, Central America, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave Kearns Mar 24th 2011 12:43PM
The most useful phrases in any language are: "thank you" and "excuse (pardon) me"!
AdA Mar 24th 2011 1:31PM
In order to translate the French sentence a little better, I'd say: 'je suis juste en train de regarder', but I guess both are acceptable while shopping...
kenc29 Mar 24th 2011 4:26PM
Most useful?
Where is the men's toilet?
PROXAK Mar 27th 2011 5:15AM
Here in Germany it's just "Schauen mal." "Nur schauen." is too literal of a translation for it.
For most useful, it seems that you eat at restaurants more often when you travel, so translations for things like "I'd like to order...", "How much is...", "Check please." etc. is usually helpful.
And beyond translating the language, knowing the proper social etiquette and customs. For example, here in Germany holding utensils in both hands while eating, Germans don't rest one hand in their lap. Also when you're finished eating, placing the knife and fork together on the side of the plate signals that you are finished and the waiter can take the plate away.
Kevin Iga Jul 14th 2011 7:15PM
Learning numbers is very useful. Not only for buying stuff, but also hearing announcements like "Train number 23 is 5 minutes late and will be arriving on track 6".