Whether you're exploring world-class museums in Berlin, mastering marketing skills in Shanghai, embracing entrepreneurship in Colombia, navigating the business scene in Hong Kong, soaking up Madrid’s free-spirited vibe—or doing your internship in Paris surrounded by culture and croissants—learning key phrases in the local language can make a huge difference.
Starting an internship abroad is exciting, but it also comes with challenges—especially in communication. Knowing a few basic phrases in the local language can help you feel more confident, navigate daily interactions, and make stronger connections with locals.
Languages can be tricky to learn, especially if you’re juggling work and travel. But with a little practice (even on the flight over), these phrases will get you through common scenarios abroad—and show locals you're making the effort.
Here are 9 unbelievably useful phrases for interns and travelers, with translations in Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and French.
1. Hello / Goodbye.
(Start every interaction the right way.)
- Spanish: Hola / Adiós
- German: Hallo / Auf Wiedersehen
- Mandarin: Nǐ hǎo / Zài jiàn
- French: Bonjour / Au revoir
- Japanese: こんにちは (Konnichiwa) / さようなら (Sayōnara)
2. Do you speak English?
(Because sometimes, you just need a lifeline.)
- Spanish: ¿Usted habla inglés?
- German: Sprechen Sie Englisch?
- Mandarin: Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
- French: Parlez-vous anglais?
- Japanese: 英語を話せますか？(Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)
3. How much does that cost?
(Perfect for market browsing or spontaneous shopping.)
- Spanish: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- German: Wieviel kostet das?
- Mandarin: Duō shǎo qián?
- French: Combien ça coûte?
- Japanese: これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
4. Could you please say that again?
(Because you might not catch everything the first time.)
- Spanish: ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?
- German: Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
- Mandarin: Qǐng nǐ zài shuō yí biàn
- French: Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît?
- Japanese: もう一度言ってください (Mō ichido itte kudasai)
5. What’s your name?
(A great way to break the ice and make friends.)
- Spanish: ¿Cómo se llama?
- German: Wie heißen Sie?
- Mandarin: Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?
- French: Comment vous appelez-vous?
- Japanese: お名前は何ですか？(Onamae wa nan desu ka?)
6. It’s an emergency!
(Let’s hope you never need it—but better safe than sorry.)
- Spanish: ¡Es una emergencia!
- German: Es ist ein Notfall!
- Mandarin: Shì jǐnjí qíngkuàng!
- French: C’est une urgence!
- Japanese: 緊急事態です！(Kinkyū jitai desu!)
7. Where is the metro?
(Because getting lost is part of the journey—but finding your way back shouldn’t be.)
- Spanish: ¿Dónde está el metro?
- German: Wo ist die U-Bahn?
- Mandarin: Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
- French: Où est le métro?
- Japanese: 地下鉄はどこですか？(Chikatetsu wa doko desu ka?)
8. Pardon me / I’m sorry.
(You’re bound to bump into someone—literally or figuratively.)
- Spanish: Perdón / Lo siento
- German: Entschuldigung / Es tut mir leid
- Mandarin: Duìbuqǐ / Hěn bàoqiàn
- French: Pardon / Je suis désolé(e)
- Japanese: すみません / ごめんなさい (Sumimasen / Gomen nasai)
9. Please / Thank you.
(Because good manners are universal.)
- Spanish: Por favor / Gracias
- German: Bitte / Danke
- Mandarin: Qǐng / Xièxiè
- French: S’il vous plaît / Merci
- Japanese: お願いします / ありがとう (Onegaishimasu / Arigatō)
Speak Like a Local (Even Just a Little)
Mastering the local language isn’t a requirement to thrive during your internship abroad—but learning these simple phrases can go a long way. They open doors, spark conversations, and show respect for the culture you’re stepping into.
Whether you're headed to Europe, Asia, or South America, start practicing these essential travel phrases and arrive ready to connect. Even if you make a few mistakes, locals usually appreciate the effort—and that’s where the real magic of cultural exchange begins.
