Here are some basic English phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
| Thanks very much |
| Thank you very much |
The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:
| You're welcome |
| Don't mention it |
| Not at all |
Saying hello and goodbye
Here are some different ways to greet people:
| Good morning (used before noon) |
| Good afternoon (used between noon and 6pm) |
| Good evening (used after 6pm) |
The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:
| See you! |
| See you soon! |
| See you later! |
| Have a nice day! |
| Have a good weekend! |
Getting someone's attention and apologising
| Excuse me (can be used to get someone's attention, to get past someone, or to apologise) |
| Sorry |
If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:
| No problem |
| It's OK or That's OK |
| Don't worry about it |
Making yourself understood
| I don't speak English |
| I don't speak much English |
| I only speak very little English |
| I speak a little English |
| Please speak more slowly |
| Please write it down |
| Could you please repeat that? |
| I understand |
| I don't understand |
Other basic phrases
| Excuse me, where's the toilet? |
| Excuse me, where's the Gents? |
| Excuse me, where's the Ladies? |
Things you might see
| Entrance |
| Exit |
| Emergency exit |
| Toilets |
| WC |
| Gentlemen (often abbreviated to Gents) |
| Ladies |
| Vacant |
| Occupied or Engaged |
| Out of order |
| No smoking |
| Private |
| No entry |
