Travelling Abroad? Don't Just Say "This one, please": Simple English Phrases to Clearly Express What You Want
Have you ever had this experience?
You enthusiastically walk into a beauty store abroad, only to be surrounded by eager staff. You want to say, "I'm just browsing," but you struggle to find the words, eventually just awkwardly pointing at something and saying, "This one, this one."
Or, you're eagerly looking forward to a relaxing spa session, but the masseuse's pressure makes you wince in pain. You want to say, "A little lighter," but you don't know how to express it, ultimately turning what should have been an enjoyable experience into a "torture session."
We always think it's because our English isn't good enough, but actually, that's not the real issue.
The Real Key Isn't Fluent English, It's the "Key to Experience"
Imagine every service scenario you encounter as a locked door. Behind that door is the experience you truly desire – buying that perfect lipstick, or a massage so comfortable you drift off to sleep.
And those moments when you can't express yourself properly? That's because you don't have the "key" in your hand.
This "key" isn't complex grammar or a vast vocabulary. It's just a few simple, precise "magic phrases" that get straight to the point. Today, I'm handing these master keys over to you.
First Key: In a Beauty Store, Take Charge Gracefully
Walking into a well-stocked beauty counter, the biggest fear is having your rhythm disrupted by overly enthusiastic staff. What you need is a sense of control, not pressure.
Memorise these three phrases, and you'll instantly go from being passive to proactive.
1. When you just want to browse quietly:
"I'm just looking, thank you."
This phrase is your "invisibility cloak." It clearly and politely creates an undisturbed space for you. The staff will understand, and you can explore comfortably.
2. When you have a clear goal in mind:
"I'm looking for a foundation."
Replace foundation with anything you're looking for, such as lipstick, sunscreen, or eye cream. It's like a navigation system, directing the staff straight to what you need, efficiently and precisely.
3. When you want to experience it yourself:
"Could I try this, please?"
If you see a product you're keen on, don't hesitate. This phrase naturally allows you to start the trial experience, ensuring you don't miss out on the perfect one for you due to shyness.
Second Key: At the Spa, Customise Your Personal Relaxation
A massage is a dialogue with your body, and you are the one in control of this conversation. Stop just saying "OK" and "Yes" to everything; take the remote control of your experience back into your own hands.
1. The "Magic Switch" for Adjusting Pressure:
When the masseuse asks you, “How is the pressure?”, your answer will determine the next hour of your experience.
- Feeling it's too much? Say: "Softer, please."
- Feeling it's not enough? Say: "Stronger, please."
Don't suffer in silence! Your comfort is paramount. A good masseuse will be more than happy to adjust for you.
2. The "Precision Missile" to Target Soreness:
If a particular area needs special attention, like sore shoulders or legs after a day of shopping:
"Could you focus on my shoulders, please?"
You can even point to the area while saying:
"Please focus on this area."
The simple phrase focus on can double the effectiveness.
The Ultimate Key: When You Need a "Universal Translator"
Memorising these "magic phrases" can solve 90% of your problems. But what if you want to ask something more specific? For instance, "Is this foundation suitable for sensitive skin?" or "What are the ingredients of this massage oil?"
At this point, you'll need a more powerful tool.
Instead of clumsily typing into a translation app, why not try an AI chat translation app like Intent? It's like your personal simultaneous interpreter, allowing you to speak naturally in your native language with anyone, whether it's a beauty consultant or a therapist. You just speak in Chinese, and it will instantly translate it into authentic English, making communication completely seamless.
Instead of letting language be a barrier to exploring the world, let it be a tool to unlock better experiences.
Next time you travel abroad, don't let shyness or the inability to speak up ruin your good mood. Take these keys with you, express yourself confidently, enjoy to the fullest, and reclaim the best experiences that are rightfully yours.
Click here to learn how Intent can be your best travel companion