Esperanto was designed to be easy, but that doesn’t mean you can wing it without a few key phrases. Whether you’re lost in Budapest or ordering coffee in Tokyo, these basics will save you from the dreaded blank stare. And no, Google Translate doesn’t count as 'trying.'
The Absolute Essentials
- Saluton – Hello. The universal icebreaker. Pronounced sah-LOO-ton. Use liberally.
- Dankon – Thank you. If you learn nothing else, learn this. Pronounced DAHN-kon
- Mi ne komprenas – I don’t understand. Handy when someone replies in rapid-fire Esperanto. Pronounced mee neh kom-PREH-nahs
- Ĉu vi parolas anglan? – Do you speak English? The polite exit strategy. Pronounced choo vee pah-ROH-lahs AHN-glahn
Navigating Like a Pro
Lost? These phrases will get you unlost. Or at least get you pointed in the right direction.
Kie estas la necesejo?
/kee EH-stahs lah neh-tseh-SEH-yo/“Where is the toilet?”
The most critical question in any language. Memorise it.
Kiom kostas ĉi tio?
/KEE-om KO-stahs chee TEE-o/“How much does this cost?”
Essential for markets, shops, and avoiding tourist traps.
Pro tip: Add bonvolu (please) before any request to sound less like a demanding tourist. E.g., Bonvolu, kie estas la stacidomo? (Please, where is the train station?).
Food and Drink
Because no one wants to accidentally order tripe when they meant toast.
| Phrase | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Mi volas akvon | I want water | mee VOH-lahs AHK-von |
| Ĉu vi havas vegetaran manĝaĵon? | Do you have vegetarian food? | choo vee HAH-vahs veh-geh-TAH-rahn mahn-JAH-jon |
| La konto, bonvolu | The bill, please | lah KON-toh BON-vo-loo |
When Things Go Wrong
Because travel isn’t always sunshine and hygge.
- Mi bezonas helpon – I need help. Pronounced mee beh-ZOH-nahs HEL-pon
- Kie estas la plej proksima hospitalo? – Where is the nearest hospital? Pronounced kee EH-stahs lah play prok-SEE-mah hos-pee-TAH-lo
- Mi perdis mian pasporton – I lost my passport. Pronounced mee PEHR-dees MEE-ahn pahs-POR-ton
Why Bother With Esperanto?
Esperanto speakers are everywhere - check out this map of local clubs. Even if you only know 10 words, using them shows effort. And effort gets you further than a shrug and a sorry, English only attitude.
Final tip: Pair these phrases with Esperanto music to train your ear. It’s easier to recall words when they’re stuck in your head.
