Basic Words

1. Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. I'm sorry

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. It's OK

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. I'm finished

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

12. Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

    Grammar Note

    "Could you say that again?" is the fuller polite version; this short form is perfectly acceptable

18. Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Add a language name: "I speak a little French"

20. Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; "Do you speak English?" is polite as it stands

21. This

    Usage

    For something within your reach

22. That

    Usage

    English does not split "that" the way Japanese, Chinese, and Korean do — one word covers both

23. That one over there

    Usage

    English has no separate distal word, so "over there" is added

24. Here

    Usage

    For showing where you are, or where to stop, on a map

25. There

    Usage

    A spot a short way off; further away is "over there"

26. Over there

    Usage

    For a place clearly further away

27. Me

    Usage

    The pointing form; as the subject of a sentence it becomes "I"

28. You

    Usage

    Same word whether you mean one person or several

29. Together

    Usage

    Shows you are with someone, or that bills should be combined

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