Learn useful phrases for the next trip abroad

January 16, 2011, 12:49am

When in Japan, get to know the people better by starting with “Kon’nichiwa, genkidesu ka?” (“Hello, how are you?”). Making an effort to converse in their native tongue is a genuine display of interest.

MANILA, Philippines – After purchasing those affordable airline tickets months in advance, smart travelers can make use of their time by learning some helpful phrases in the foreign vernacular. Cebu Pacific, one of Asia’s biggest low-cost airlines, shares some useful phrases that go beyond the usual “hello” and “thank you” that most tourists arm themselves with.

Passport to politeness

Just like how tourists get more compassion from Filipinos who try to say the traditional “po” and “opo” at the end of each sentence, the same kind of humility goes for other countries as well.

When in Thailand, remember to use “krap” for men and “ka” for women at the end of each sentence as a sign of respect. In Bahasa-speaking countries like Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, the word “kita” is used at the end of each sentence when conversing with an older person. Try these simple acts of politeness, and enrich the travel experience.

Food language

Exploring foreign lands can be done through a culinary adventure. Bring these useful phrases when ordering food, and be more familiar with the cuisine of neighboring countries.

When in a Bahasa-speaking country, one will find that “kurang pedas” (ku-rang pe-das) is useful as it means “not too spicy, please”, while “saya suka pedas lagi!” (sa-ya su-ka pe-das la-gi!)  is for the daring ones who want to say “I like it hot and spicy!” For Thai food lovers who are adjusting their tastebuds to the shocking spiciness of authentic Thai food, they can say “mai ped” (mai pet) or “not spicy” to enjoy milder-tasting delicacies. A vegetarian? Kindly say “phom kin phak” (pom kin pak) (“I am a vegetarian”) to be assured of being served meat-free food.

Restroom rescuers

In countries like China and Japan where squat toilets are prominently used, travelers who feel uncomfortable with them can say “xiang de cesuo zai nali?” (si-ong de tsuh-swaw zigh nah-lee?) in Mandarin and “koko de, yoshiki toire desu ka?” (ko-ko de, yo-shi-ki toy-rey deska?) in Japanese to look for the familiar western toilets. Always load up on wet wipes, toilet seat covers, and toilet paper in case misfortune leads to a restroom without toiletries. But in any case, ask “nali shi weishengzhi?” (na-lee shuh we-shung-zuh?) in Mandarin and “toiretto pepa wa doko desu ka?” (toy-reto pepah wa do-ko deska?) in Japanese to inquire “where is the toilet paper?”

Shop talk

Be a smart shopper by smooth-talking local vendors with these useful Cantonese shopping phrases, which come in handy in Hong Kong’s famous shopping areas. Say “ching mun, gay daw cheen?” (chi-ong moon, gai daw cheen?) to ask for the price, and say “tai gwei le” (tai gwee luh) (“too expensive”) for a chance to get better prices.

Practice these phrases and put them to good use. With Cebu Pacific’s lowest year-round fares, visit all international destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Osaka, Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta and Taipei.

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

The first step starts atwww.cebupacificair.com.