So, you’ve booked your ticket to the United States. Yeehaw! You’re picturing yellow cabs, Hollywood signs, epic road trips and maybe a giant slice of pizza you can barely fold. But before you head off with your suitcase full of plug adapters and a vague sense of freedom, let’s talk survival English.
The US is big, bold and bursting with variety. From deep-dish accents in Chicago to laid-back surfer slang in California, it can be a linguistic jungle. But fear not. With just a few key phrases and the confidence to say them like you mean it, you’ll do just fine.
So grab a doughnut, practise your most charming smile and let’s dive into 10 phrases that’ll get you through airports, diners and the occasional awkward conversation like a local (or at least someone they won’t instantly ask, “Are you from Australia?”).
1. “Excuse me”
eks-KYOOZ mee
Polite, universal and gets you out of the way of someone pushing a trolley like they’re in a Formula One race. Use it when you bump into someone, need help or want to interrupt without being rude.
🗽 Hack: Americans love manners, even if they say everything at top volume. Lead with “Excuse me” and the locals are all yours.
2. “Where is the nearest restroom?”
wair iz thuh NEER-est REST-room
Yes, it’s a restroom. Not a toilet. Not a loo. Not the WC. A “restroom”, even if nobody’s doing much resting in there.
🚻 Hack: Don’t say “bathroom” in public unless you want a side-eye. And no one says “toilet” unless they’re fixing one.
3. “Can I get this to go?”
kan eye get this tuh GO
Perfect for when your pancake stack defeats you halfway through breakfast. Americans are all about the takeaway, even if they call it “takeout”.
🍔 Hack: If you say “takeaway”, you might end up with a confused waiter and a very long explanation.
4. “How much does it cost?”
how much duz it kost
You’re in a shop, you’ve spotted something shiny, but the price tag is suspiciously absent. Time to bust out this classic.
💵 Hack: Remember, the price they tell you usually doesn’t include tax. Or tipping. Or your growing sense of financial despair.
5. “Do you take credit cards?”
doo yoo tayk KREH-dit karz
Most places will say yes, but some quirky spots still prefer cash. Especially food trucks and tiny diners that look like a time machine from 1957.
💳 Hack: Don’t assume your shiny contactless card will work everywhere. And some places still ask for ID when you pay. You’ve been warned.
6. “I’m just looking, thank you”
aim just LOOK-ing, THANK yoo
Crucial in shops when the overly helpful staff swoop in with a cheery “Can I help you find something?” before you’ve even made it past the scented candles.
🛍️ Hack: Say it with a smile and keep browsing. They’ll appreciate your British politeness and your firm shopping independence.
7. “Could I have the bill, please?”
kood eye hav thuh bil pleez
In the US, the waiter won’t bring the bill until you ask. Sit there long enough and you’ll start wondering if you accidentally agreed to move in.
🍽️ Hack: In some places, they say “check” instead of “bill”. Either works. Don’t leave without tipping.
8. “Is this spicy?”
iz this SPY-see
Important if you’re trying hot wings, Tex-Mex or anything labelled “Cajun”. Americans have a funny way of defining “mild” as “mouth on fire”.
🌶️ Hack: Ask first. Cry later. Always keep a cold drink handy just in case.
9. “I’m allergic to [nuts/shellfish/etc.]”
aim uh-LUR-jik too [nuts/shel-fish]
America takes food allergies seriously, but don’t assume they’ll know yours. Say it clearly and watch them run for the manager with a clipboard.
🍤 Hack: Write it down or have it in your notes if it’s a serious allergy. That menu might say “gluten-free”, but the kitchen doesn’t always get the memo.
10. “I’m from the UK”
aim frum thuh yoo-kay
You will be asked. And once you say it, you’ll be bombarded with questions about the Queen (still), the weather (always) and whether you’ve met Ed Sheeran (probably not).
🇬🇧 Hack: Play it up. They love the accent. You could recite the bus timetable and still sound fancy.
🎬 Final Phrase-tastic Thoughts:
The US is a chatty, quirky, customer-service-loving wonderland. You don’t need a perfect American accent or a detailed knowledge of baseball. Just speak clearly, smile lots and always say thank you.
Whether you’re ordering burgers in Brooklyn or asking directions in Dallas, these phrases will keep you out of trouble and maybe even make you a few new mates. So go forth, explore the fifty states and when in doubt, just say “Have a nice day” — they’ll absolutely love you for it.
