How Do You Say: I Want to See the World?

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By Kheila Lonon

Have you ever wanted to visit Asia? Have you ever wanted to see the cherry blossom trees in Japan or the Great Wall in China? What about the Palace of Prospering Virtue in Korea? All of these exquisite landmarks show the beauty and class of each of these countries.  

The only thing that might be stopping you from completely enjoying your time is… the language. Being able to understand and speak the mother tongue of the country your visiting could make your trip even more enchanting and different.

It’s not every day that you with have to speak in Chinese, Japanese or Korean, but while visiting in these countries it might benefit you if you knew some of the common phrases and questions if you need assistants.

"Hi" or "Excuse me," are the first thing you should say when approaching a native.
Japan    Sumimasen
Korean    Shil lyeh hamnida
Chinese  (Mandarin)    Qǐngwén

 
Next, you should politely ask them for their guidance. For example, you asked for directions. "Can you tell me where …?" (… = the place you want to go)
Japan    … wa doko ni oshiete moraemasu ka?
Korean    … eodie issneunji malhae jusigessseubnikka?
Chinese  (Mandarin)    … néng gàosu wÇ’ zài nÇŽlǐ?

 
And they would reply saying, "Go left, right, straight, or turn the corner."
Japan    Hidari, migi, massugu,-kaku o magaru
Korean    oenjjog , oleunjjog, jigjin , motung-i leul dol-a
Chinese  (Mandarin)    Qù zuÇ’, yòu, zhí, huò zÇ’uchÅ« gÇ”dǐ

 
After they have told you were to go you should show your gratitude by saying, "Yhank you very much."
Japan    Dōmo arigatō gozaimaa
Korean    jeongmal gamsahabnida
Chinese  (Mandarin)    FÄ“icháng gÇŽnxiè nín

 
These are just some formal phrase and questions that could come to your advantage while visiting these countries in Asia. Have a great trip!