Useful Phrases
USEFUL PHRASES
The following words and phrases will help you make your stay in the UK easier. You should firstly consider translating the following into your own language to help you refer to the vocabulary whenever necessary. Use a dictionary or ask a member of your host family or your teacher to help you translate the words and/or phrases.
Greetings
Good morning, Good afternoon
Good evening
Hello
Please
Thank you
Good-bye
See you soon/tomorrow
You are very kind
Excuse me
I would like
May I...?
I'm sorry, but
Don't mention it!
I've had a lovely time
Agreeing and sympathising
Yes, of course
What a shame!
It doesn't matter
I don't mind
I suppose so
With pleasure
Yes, I'd like to
Good idea!
Really?
That's nice!
O.K
Agreed
Congratulations!
I'm sorry but it can't be helped
Too bad
Questions
Why?
When?
Where?
What?
Who?
How much/how many?
How?
What is...like?
Is there/are there?
Helping someone else
What is the matter?
Have you/is there a problem?
Would you like me to help you?
May I help you?
Opinions
I don't know
That depends
Perhaps
I think so
I don't think so
It's not serious
It's unbelievable
It's complicated
It's easy
It's hard/difficult
If you have difficulties
I'm sorry, I don't understand
Would you repeat that please
What does that mean?
What is that called in English?
How do you say that in English please?
Speak slowly please
I've forgotten the word for
How do you pronounce that?
Would you write that for me please?
Can you explain that, please?
Can you help me, please?
Describing things and people
It's a bit like
It's bigger/smaller than
It's as big/small as
What does he/she look like?
He/She looks older
He seems nice
She seems unhappy
Phrases For Special Occasions
Good Luck!
Have a nice day!
Enjoy your meal!
Happy Birthday!
Happy New Year!
Happy Easter!
Happy Christmas!
Safe journey home!
Have a good holiday!
Cheers!
Great!
Warnings
Help!
Beware of the dog!
Mind the step!
Wet Paint!
Take care!
Be careful!
Fire!
Cheer up!
STAYING IN A FAMILY
Arriving
How are you?
I'm very well, thank you
Have you had a good journey?
The journey was very long
The crossing was bad/good
I am tired
Would you like something to eat/drink?
No, thank you, I'm not hungry/thirsty
Do you need anything?
I would like a bath/a shower
The bathroom is on the first floor
I have forgotten my toothbrush/toothpaste
Here is your room/the bathroom
You can put things in this wardrobe
Did you sleep well?
I slept very well thank you
What do you usually have for breakfast?
Is there anything you don't like to eat?
In the home
Make yourself at home
Would you like to listen to some music?
Would you like to watch TV/a DVD?
Would you like to go out this evening?
What is there to do in Bath?
May I help you?
May I give you a hand?
Shall we set/clear the table?
Will you close the window please?
What is there to be done?
What can I do to help?
I have to tidy up my room
I am going to do my homework
I like/don't like
I like playing
I prefer playing
Goodbye
See you soon/sometime
See you next year
Have a good journey home
Thank you for everything
I've had a wonderful holiday
You have been so kind
I'll come with you to the station
Have you forgotten anything?
Have you got everything?
Will you be able to come back next year?
I'd love to come and see you again
Write soon!
Yourself, Your Likes and Dislikes
Hello
May I introduce myself?
How do you do?
What is your name?
My name is
Where do you come from?
I am Spanish/Italian/French/Chinese/Japanese.....
Where do you live?
I live in Paris
What is your address
What is your phone number?
Have you any brothers or sisters?
I have one brother/sister
This is my brother/sister
He/She is older/younger than I am
His/Her name is Chris
He/She is twelve years old
What does your father/mother do?
He is a doctor
She is a teacher
When is your birthday?
My birthday is on November 30th
In which year were you born?
I was born in 1994
How old are you?
I am 14
Is this your first visit to the UK?
Have you ever been abroad before?
I went to Spain with my parents last Easter
Do you like animals?
Yes, I like animals
Have you any pets?
I have a cat/a dog/a rabbit/guinea pig
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
I prefer cats/dogs
Free Time and Hobbies
What do you do when you have some free time?
I go out with my friends
What do you do at weekends?
I play football/watch T.V
Where do you go with your friends at weekends?
I go to a cinema/disco/the youth club
Do you like sport?
Yes, I like sport very much
Which is your favourite sport?
I like tennis/rugby
Where/When do you play?
I play at the club on Saturday afternoon
Are you a member of a club?
Yes, I belong to a tennis club
Are you interested in music?
Yes, I am very interested in music
What type of music do you like?
I prefer classical music
Have you a favourite group/singer?
No I haven't a favourite group/singer
Do you play an instrument?
Yes, I play the violin/the clarinet
How long have you been playing the clarinet?
I have been playing the clarinet for 4 years
Do you watch much TV at the weekend?
No I don't watch TV very often
Which type of programme do you like?
I like documentaries/cartoons
I don't like the news
Do you like going to the cinema?
Yes I like going to the cinema sometimes
How often do you go to the cinema?
Two or three times a year
Which type of film do you like best?
I like science fiction
Do you like reading?
Yes I like reading
What type of books do you like?
I like detective stories
Have you got a computer?
Yes, I have a computer at home
Have you got any computer games?
Yes, I have a lot of computer games
Are you interested in fashion?
Yes, I am very interested in fashion
No, but I am interested in music/sport
Do you like window shopping?
Yes, I like window shopping with my friends at the weekend
Which shops do you like?
Your Home
Where do you live?
I live in Paris
How long have you lived there?
I have lived there for ten years
Is your house old or modern?
My house is quite old or modern?
Do you have a garden?
Yes, I have a big garden
Have you got your own bedroom?
Yes, I have got my own room
No, I share with my brother/sister
What furniture do you have in your bedroom?
There are two beds, a wardrobe, a table with a computer/a television and two chairs in the bedroom
Eating
I'd like something to eat/drink
Meal's ready!
What would you like to drink?
Do you like chicken/salad/bananas?
Yes, a lot
Yes, I'm not fussy
I'm sorry but I don't like chicken
Do you want some mayonnaise?
Just a little, please
Help yourself/yourselves!
Pass the salt/water/bread, please
More soup?
Another piece of cheese?
Thanks I've had enough
It is/was delicious
I'm vegetarian
SHOPPING AND PHONING
General Shopping
Is there a post-office near here?
Which is the way to the bank, please?
The market is on the right
Can I help you?
I'm just looking
I would like three peaches, please
Please could you tell me where I can buy some stamps
Have you got any postcards please?
Do you sell films?
How much is that book, please?
Have you got any change?
Have you got change for 20 pounds?
May I try on the blue pullover?
How much does this jumper cost, please?
Have you got it in a different colour?
What is your size? (clothes)
What size do you take? (Shoes)
I would like to buy a black leather bag
It's for a present
Will you gift-wrap it, please
I think there is a mistake
I have kept the receipt
At the Post Office
How much is a letter to France please?
How long will it take?
Letters usually take five days
I would like to send this parcel to Spain
Where is the letter box?
At the Bank
Is there a cashpoint here?
Here is my bank card
Which is the counter for changing money?
I would like to change some travellers' cheques, please
What is the exchange rate?
May I see your passport?
Do I have to sign?
Would you sign, please
What is today's date?
May I borrow a pen please?
What time does the bank open, please?
What time does the bank close, please?