Travel is about more than just seeing new places; it’s about connecting with different cultures. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to bridge cultural gaps is by learning key phrases in the local language. Even a basic effort to speak the native tongue can transform interactions, earn goodwill, and enhance your overall travel experience. In this guide, we explore the top five most widely spoken languages worldwide and equip you with essential travel phrases in each. Whether you’re using a phrasebook or a language app, these words and expressions will help you navigate with ease and engage with locals more meaningfully.
The Five Most Widely Spoken Languages for Travellers
The time required to learn a new language depends on its similarity to English, complexity, and learning environment. According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), languages are categorized by difficulty for native English speakers. Category I languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Italian) take about 24-30 weeks (600-750 hours), while Category II(German) requires around 30 weeks (750 hours). Category III (e.g., Indonesian, Swahili) takes about 36 weeks (900 hours), and Category IV (e.g., Russian, Hindi, Thai) typically needs 44 weeks (1,100 hours). Category V languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean, are the most challenging, requiring about 88 weeks (2,200 hours). These estimates assume intensive study, but personal learning pace, immersion, and effective study techniques can significantly impact progress.
- English – Over 1.5 billion speakers
- Mandarin Chinese – Over 1.1 billion speakers
- Spanish – Over 560 million speakers
- French – Over 310 million speakers
- Arabic – Over 274 million speakers
These languages dominate international business, tourism, and diplomacy, making them incredibly useful for travellers. Below are essential phrases in each language to help you along your journey, along with the etymology and some interesting places where they are spoken.
1. English: The Global Bridge Language
Etymology & History: English originated from the Anglo-Frisian dialects brought to Britain by Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) around the 5th century CE. It evolved significantly due to influences from Old Norse, Norman French, and Latin, developing into Middle English and eventually Modern English. See my humorous take on the Canadian accent.
Interesting Places Where English is Spoken:
- India – English is widely used in business, education, and government, despite Hindi being the primary language.
- Nigeria – As a former British colony, English remains the official language.
- Philippines – English is one of the official languages alongside Filipino and is used extensively in education and media.
Time to Learn? It is a Category I Language (Approximately 600-750 hours to achieve proficiency).
Common Travel Phrases:
- Hello / Hi – Hello / Hi
- Thank you – Thank you
- Excuse me – Excuse me
- Where is the bathroom? – Where is the restroom?
- How much does this cost? – How much is this?
- I need help – I need help
2. Mandarin Chinese: The Language of a Billion People
Etymology & History: Mandarin Chinese, part of the Sino-Tibetan language family, has roots dating back over 3,000 years. It evolved from Old and Middle Chinese and became the official language of China during the Ming Dynasty. Today, it is based on the Beijing dialect.
Interesting Places Where Mandarin is Spoken:
- Singapore – Mandarin is one of the four official languages.
- Malaysia – A significant percentage of the population speaks Mandarin due to a large Chinese diaspora.
- Suriname – A surprising number of people in this South American country speak Mandarin due to historical Chinese migration.
Time to Learn? It is a Category V Language (Approximately 2,200 hours to achieve proficiency).
Common Travel Phrases:
- Hello – Nǐ hǎo (Nee how)
- Thank you – Xièxiè (Shieh-shieh)
- Excuse me – Qǐng wèn (Ching wen)
- Where is the bathroom? – Cè suǒ zài nǎlǐ? (Tseh swaw dzai nah-lee?)
- How much does this cost? – Zhège duōshǎo qián? (Juh-guh dwor-shaow chyen?)
- I need help – Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù (Wor shoo-yaow bahng-joo)
3. Spanish: The Key to Latin America and Beyond
Etymology & History: Spanish evolved from Vulgar Latin and was heavily influenced by Arabic during the Moorish rule of Spain. It spread globally through Spanish colonization, making it one of the most spoken languages today.
Interesting Places Where Spanish is Spoken:
- Equatorial Guinea – The only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language.
- Philippines – Spanish was an official language until 1987, and many Spanish words persist in Filipino.
- Belize – Though English is the official language, Spanish is widely spoken due to cultural ties with Latin America.
Time to Learn? It is a Category I Language (Approximately 600-750 hours to achieve proficiency).
Common Travel Phrases:
- Hello – Hola (OH-lah)
- Thank you – Gracias (GRAH-syahs)
- Excuse me – Perdón (Pehr-DOHN)
- Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño? (DOHN-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo?)
- How much does this cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? (KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah EHS-toh?)
- I need help – Necesito ayuda (Neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah)
4. French: The Language of Romance and Diplomacy
Etymology & History: French evolved from Latin and was influenced by Celtic and Frankish languages. It became widely spoken due to France’s colonial history, spreading to Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Interesting Places Where French is Spoken:
- Vietnam – A remnant of French colonial rule, French is still spoken in business and government.
- Lebanon – French is widely spoken due to colonial ties.
- Canada (Quebec) – French is the official language of Quebec and spoken by millions.
Time to Learn? It is a Category I Language (Approximately 600-750 hours to achieve proficiency).
Common Travel Phrases:
- Hello – Bonjour (Bohn-ZHOOR)
- Thank you – Merci (Mehr-SEE)
- Excuse me – Excusez-moi (Eks-KYOO-zay MWAH)
- Where is the bathroom? – Où sont les toilettes? (Oo sohn lay TWAH-let?)
- How much does this cost? – Combien ça coûte? (KOHM-byen sah KOOT?)
- I need help – J’ai besoin d’aide (Zhay buh-ZWAN dehd)
5. Arabic: A Gateway to the Middle East and North Africa
Etymology & History: Arabic originated in the Arabian Peninsula and has deep historical roots dating back to pre-Islamic times. It spread with the expansion of the Islamic empire, becoming the dominant language in the Middle East and North Africa.
Interesting Places Where Arabic is Spoken:
- Chad – Arabic is one of the official languages.
- Eritrea – Though not official, Arabic is widely spoken.
- Comoros – Arabic is an official language of this island nation in the Indian Ocean.
Time to Learn? It is a Category V Language (Approximately 2,200 hours to achieve proficiency).
Common Travel Phrases:
- Hello – As-salamu alaykum (Ah-sah-LAHM-oo ah-LAY-koom)
- Thank you – Shukran (SHOO-kran)
- Excuse me – Afwan (AHF-wan)
- Where is the bathroom? – Ayna al-hammam? (AY-nah al-ham-MAM?)
- How much does this cost? – Kam hadha? (KAM HAH-tha?)
- I need help – Ana ahtaju musa’ada (AH-nah ah-TAH-joo moo-SAH-dah)
Bonus: Sign Language – A Universal Bridge Beyond Speech
Sign languages are fully developed visual languages with their own grammar and syntax. The most widely used sign languages include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and French Sign Language (LSF), among many others. Unlike spoken languages, sign languages are not universal—each country or region may have its own.
Time to Learn? It varies based on proficiency goals, but achieving conversational fluency can take approximately 600-750 hours(similar to Category I spoken languages). Learning basic phrases can be significantly faster and immediately useful for travel.
Common Travel Signs:
- Hello – Open palm facing outward, small wave
- Thank you – Fingers touch the chin, then move outward
- Excuse me / Sorry – Circular motion on the chest with an open palm
- Where? – Index finger moves side to side
- Help – Fist resting on an open palm, moved slightly upward
Interesting Places Where Sign Language is Widely Used:
- Gallaudet University (USA) – The world’s only university designed for Deaf students.
- Martha’s Vineyard (USA, historical) – At one point, nearly all residents used a local sign language.
- Finland & Sweden – Recognized sign languages with strong government support for accessibility.
Sign language is an invaluable skill that fosters inclusivity, enhances nonverbal communication, and makes travel more accessible. Even learning a few signs can break barriers and create meaningful connections with Deaf communities worldwide.
History of Sign Language, First Known as Hand Talk
Indigenous Hand Talk, particularly Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL), is one of the oldest documented sign languages in the world. It predates modern sign languages and was widely used across North America for centuries.
Why Is It Historically Significant?
- A Universal Trade Language – PISL was used as a lingua franca among Indigenous nations speaking different spoken languages. This made trade, diplomacy, and storytelling possible across vast territories.
- One of the First Recorded Sign Systems – Early European explorers, missionaries, and anthropologists documented Indigenous sign languages in the 18th and 19th centuries, long before formal sign languages (like ASL) were developed.
- Still in Use – Though it declined with the spread of English and other spoken languages, some Indigenous communities still preserve and teach PISL today.
What Language Are You Interested in Learning?
Learning a new language is more than just a practical skill—it’s a powerful way to rewire and stimulate your brain. Studies show that multilingualism enhances cognitive function, improves memory, and even delays the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Beyond the cognitive benefits, making an effort to speak a local language is a gesture of solidarity and community. It fosters genuine human connections, earns you the respect of locals, and allows you to experience a culture from within rather than as an outsider. Immersing yourself in a language, even in small ways, transforms a trip from a simple getaway into a deeply enriching experience.
So, the next time you pack for your travels, don’t just bring your essentials—bring a few phrases along too. They might just open doors, hearts, and a whole new way of seeing the world!
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and traveling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!