There are a lot of English phrases that are universally understood by people even if they don’t know the language pretty well. Some of these phrases can help you in common situations that you probably encounter every day.

1. Hi! My name is…

This is one of the ways you can introduce yourself to another person that you just met. Greeting them with “Hi!” or “Hello!” will show that you are interested in talking to them then you can follow it up by letting them know your name so you could formally introduce yourselves to each other! You can also follow it up with phrases such as “It’s nice to meet you” or “Pleasure to meet you”.

e.g. Hi there! My name is Mark! It’s a pleasure to meet you

 

2.  Excuse me.

This phrase will become handy to you and your everyday life as it shows the politeness of a person when he or she is trying to get the attention of the other. For example – you can say this phrase when someone seems to be blocking your way, saying this phrase allows you to get grab the attention of that person and gives you an opportunity to appropriately ask him or her to let you through.

e.g. Excuse me ma’am, may you please let me pass through?

 

3. Thank you

“Thank you” is a phrase that is understood by many all over the world because it plainly shows gratitude to another person whether they did something small or big in your favor. Saying thank you will allow you to build rapport towards that person because the meaning of the phrase is polite and good in its nature. Saying thank you can also save a person’s day as it shows that you acknowledge his or her deeds – so if you can spare a few moments say thank you as much as you can!

e.g. Thank you for holding the elevator door for me!

 

4.  I’m sorry

“I’m sorry” is used to apologize to another person when you do something wrong to him or her. It’s a polite and humble phrase to say to a person whom you did wrong. It is understood by many as well as all over the world so learning this phrase is an actual must! Let’s say for example – you accidentally bump into someone that you didn’t mean to, you can say “I’m sorry for bumping you” so that he or she can feel that you genuinely didn’t mean to hurt him or her.

e.g. I’m sorry for not being on time for the meeting.

 

5. I don’t understand

This phrase is an essential phrase to learn because in a world of communication and connection there will still be things that you wouldn’t understand coming from other people. When you don’t understand just say “I don’t understand” and follow it up with phrases such as “What do you mean?” so that he or she can explain further. This is helpful in situations especially when you don’t have a full grasp of the English language yet because it will give them a sign that you are still trying to learn the language.