Stop Just Saying 'This One, Please' When Traveling Abroad: A Few Simple English Phrases to Help You Get Exactly What You Want – No More Lost in Translation
Have you ever had this experience?
You walk excitedly into a beauty store abroad, only to be surrounded by enthusiastic sales associates. You want to say, "I'm just browsing," but you struggle to find the words, and end up awkwardly pointing at something and saying, "This one, this one."
Or, you're eagerly anticipating a relaxing spa session, only for the massage therapist's pressure to make you wince in pain. You want to say, "lighter," but don't know how to express it, and ultimately, what should have been a blissful experience turns into "torture."
We often think our English isn't good enough, but that's not really the issue.
The real key isn't fluent English, but the "key to the 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 fall asleep.
And those moments when words fail you are precisely because you don't have the "key" in hand.
This "key" isn't about complex grammar or a massive vocabulary; it's just a few simple, precise "magic words" that get you exactly where you want to go. Today, I'm handing these versatile keys over to you.
First Key: At the Beauty Store, Take Control Gracefully
Walking into a bustling beauty counter, the last thing you want is for overly enthusiastic sales associates to disrupt your browsing. You need a sense of control, not pressure.
Remember these three phrases, and you'll instantly go from passive to proactive.
1. When you just want to browse quietly:
"I'm just looking, thank you." (I'm just looking, thank you.)
This phrase is your "invisible cloak." It clearly and politely creates a space for you to browse undisturbed. The sales associate will understand, and you can explore at your leisure.
2. When you have a specific goal in mind:
"I'm looking for a foundation." (I'm looking for a foundation.)
Replace foundation with anything you're looking for, such as lipstick, sunscreen, or eye cream. This acts like a GPS, guiding the sales associate directly to what you need – efficient and precise.
3. When you want to try something out:
"Could I try this, please?" (May I try this, please?)
If you see a product you're interested in, don't hesitate. This phrase lets you naturally initiate the trial, ensuring you don't miss out on the perfect match just because you felt shy.
Second Key: At the Spa, Customize Your Personal Relaxation
A massage is a conversation with your body, and you are the one in control of that conversation. Stop simply responding with "OK" and "Yes" to everything; take back the remote control for your experience.
1. The 'Magic Switch' for Adjusting Pressure:
When your massage therapist asks, "How is the pressure?" your answer determines the next hour of your experience.
- Too strong? Say: "Softer, please." (Please lighten up.)
- Not strong enough? Say: "Stronger, please." (Please apply more pressure.)
Don't suffer in silence! Your comfort is paramount. A good massage therapist will be happy to adjust for you.
2. The 'Precision Missile' for Targeting Sore Spots:
If a specific area needs extra attention, like shoulders or legs that are sore from a day of sightseeing.
"Could you focus on my shoulders, please?" (Could you please focus on my shoulders?)
You can even point to the area and say:
"Please focus on this area." (Please focus on this area.)
A simple phrase like focus on can double the effectiveness.
The Ultimate Key: When You Need an All-Purpose Translator
Memorizing these "magic words" will solve 90% of your problems. But what if you need to ask something more specific? For instance, "Is this foundation suitable for sensitive skin?" or "What ingredients are in this massage oil?"
That's when you need a more powerful tool.
Instead of awkwardly typing into a translation app, try an AI chat translation app like Intent. It's like having your own portable simultaneous interpreter, allowing you to converse naturally in your native language with anyone, whether it's a beauty consultant or a therapist. Just speak in Chinese, and it will instantly translate into natural-sounding English, removing all communication barriers.
Rather than letting language be a barrier to exploring the world, let it be a tool to unlock even better experiences.
Next time you travel abroad, don't let shyness or being unable to speak ruin your good mood. Armed with these keys, confidently express yourself, fully enjoy, and reclaim the wonderful experiences that are rightfully yours.
Click here to see how Intent can be your best travel companion