Arranged by frequency of use, most used first.
Download phrasebook in PDF> (252KB)
Download phrasebook with translation> (10Mb) Sound Mp3
Greetings
1. Hi! - Hi!
2. Hello! - Hello!
3. - How are you (today)?
Answer (complaining is not accepted):
4. - Very well, thank you. And you? /Yourself?
- Not bad. Not too bad.
5. What's the news?
6. How are you doing/feeling?
7. How’s your mother/sister?
8. What's up? – Nothing / Not too much
9. How are you getting on?
10. How do you do? - How do you do?
We say goodbye
11. Good bye! / Bye! / Bye-bye!
12. See you! (later / tomorrow / next Monday)
13. Have a nice evening / weekend / day
14. Take care!
15. Stay cool! (informal)
16. Stay out of trouble!
Come in, come on in...
17. Come in, please!
18. (I am) Glad to see you.
19. Reciprocal joy: Me too. / So am I. / Same here.
20. Go ahead.
21. Make yourself at home!
22. I’m sorry, I’m late.
23. I got stuck in a traffic jam (in the city center).
24. The public transportation’s awful.
25. No, it's OK. You're on time/in time.
Thank you
26. I appreciate it / your help / your time.
27. Thanks a lot!
Please
28. You're welcome!
29. (That's) All right!
30. It was my pleasure!
31. Don't mention it!
32. Never mind!
How is the weather?
33. How is the weather?
34. Do you like the weather?
35. The weather is fine.
36. It is raining / snowing / cold / hot / warm / fine / windy / hailing
37. It’s getting warm / cold.
38. I like sunbathing.
Let's get acquainted
39. (I’m) Glad to meet you, Natasha!
40. What's your name?
41. Nice to meet you, Albert!
42. Where are you from?
43. Where do you come from?
44. What do you do (for a living)?
Working with materials
45. Open your books!
46. Close your books/folders!
47. Unit/chapter/page number…
48. Read it / Translate / Repeat
49. Once more / again please
50. Write down / Cross out / Underline
51. Misprint
Tell me, tell me, explain
52. Would you tell me...?
53. Say it in English
54. Don't speak Russian
55. Speak up
56. Any questions?
57. I have a question / some questions
58. May I ask you a question?
I don't understand, I don't know, slow down
59. Pardon me.
60. I don’t understand.
61. I didn’t catch it.
62. I don't know.
63. Could you explain it?
64. Slow down, please.
65. Would you speak more slowly?
66. What does it mean? / What is it?
67. What do you mean?
68. Can you help me (with…)
69. How can I call it?
70. How can I say it in English?
71. Would you say it again?
Miscellaneous
72. Time is up.
73. 10 minutes left.
74. What's the time?
75. What time is it now?
76. That’s it / all.
77. It's enough.
78. Let's go / Go ahead
79. (It) doesn’t matter
80. They say, .. - they say
Class work
81. Fill gaps/blanks
82. Can you imagine?
83. Come on!
84. Hurry up!
85. Go on / Continue, please / Don’t stop
86. Listen to me/Look
87. Look at me / at the board
88. (Have) Are you finished?
89. I’d like to…tell you/ask you…
90. Tell me please…about / how…/
91. Try to guess.
92. Never guess.
93. Give up!
94. He caught attention (by waving)
95. Never ever (do it)
96. Calm down!
97. Take it easy!
98. Keep quiet!
99. Stop talking!
Congratulations
100. I wish you all the best / to be happy
101. Sounds great!
102. Wonderful news!
103. Merry Christmas!
104. Happy New Year!
105. Happy birthday to you!
106. I congratulate you on …passing exams/birthday!
107. My congratulations!
108. Let it be.
109. Let them be.
110.Have fun!
111. Have a safe trip home!
112. Help yourself!
It's a shame, it's a pity, I'm sorry
113. Shame on you!
114. What a shame.
115. What a pity.
116. I’m sorry.
117. I’m terribly sorry.
Health
118. Bless you.
119. Have you recovered? - Not yet.
120. I was ill/sick.
121. I got a cold.
122. I feel sick.
123. I'll do my best.
124. Say Hi to your mom for me.
Disagreement
125. Oh, no!
126. I can't agree with you.
127. I don't think so! / (Are you) kidding?
128. Certainly not.
129. Of course (not).
130. I can’t believe it!
131. That can't be true.
132. Maybe, but I’m not sure.
Mild swearing, irritation
133. Don’t shout at me!
134. Stop it!
135. Shut up!
136. (I) Can’t help it!
137. Get out of here! / Get away from me!
138. Leave me alone!
139. Give me a break!
140. Ridiculous
141. Bullshit! / Shit!
142. Damn (it)!
143. Don't be stupid!
144. Are you crazy?
In my opinion
145. Well,… I would say…
146. I think
147. I believe
148. I guess
149. It seems to me…
150. In my opinion...
151. (As far) As I know...
152. You see... / You know...
153. I see your point, but...
154. I understand you, but... I don’t agree...
155. Anyway… / ... nevertheless
156. By the way – By the way
157. No way - Impossible. (No options.)
Well done/Agreement
158. Well done!
159. Great!
160. (All) Right!
161. Absolutely!
162. Very well!
163. Good for you!
164. Good work!
165. Nice job!
Miscellaneous
166. Things take time.
167. I missed you.
168. It's up to you.
169. By heart
170. Enjoy your meal / holiday!
171. Give me a hug / Let me give you a hug!
172. Over here / there
173. Right over there
174. Here you go / are.
175. Let me tell you…
176. Let me explain…
177. Say it another way, please.
178. If I were you… (I wouldn’t do it)
179. Let me know...
180. As soon as possible (ASAP)
Video phrasebook> for beginners (more than 4 hours of video materials)
Hi all! Communication is the most important stage in learning a foreign language. Although the format of our lessons involves listening and reading, the most important emphasis you should place is live communication in English. Use the phrases you hear and read in this lesson to sharpen your speaking skills. Remember that the most important aspects of learning any language are: listening, reading, speaking, and then writing. Exactly in that order.
And if communication and writing are an initiative that should come exclusively from you, then our third audio lesson on the topic “ will help you with listening and reading. Light conversation" You can first listen to all the phrases in English with translation into Russian, training your perception of English speech and pronunciation, and then study the table. The table will present all the phrases you have previously heard with translation, but here you will already practice your reading skills
You can practice communicating in English today: with English-speaking friends online, with foreigners in your city, with other beginners English language. And you will get the initial basis for starting a conversation or conversation in English by studying today's audio lesson. So start listening now phrases for communication in English: /wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RUEN022.mp3 Listening to an audio lesson helps you learn to perceive the fluent speech of a native speaker by ear and trains your pronunciation. To practice listening skills, the audio recording of the lesson must be listened to at least 20 times. Then the same amount to practice pronunciation. Don’t be careless or slack if you want to achieve an effective result and learn how to have a full conversation with a native speaker!
Phrases for communicating in English
Try to completely immerse yourself in the language environment, surround yourself with English on all sides - study our audio lessons, listen to English radio and watch films and TV shows in English. And one more thing: learn phrases, not words. Since knowing 100 words, it is likely that you will not be able to form a single sentence. But knowing just 1 phrase, you can make 100 sentences. And when you learn 100 phrases, you will be able to communicate in English fluently.
| Small Talk | |
| English | Russian |
| Do you smoke? | Do you smoke? |
| I used to | Previously yes |
| But I don't smoke anymore | But now I don't smoke anymore |
| Does it disturb you if I smoke? | Do you mind if I smoke? |
| No, absolutely not | Absolutely not. |
| It doesn't disturb me | It won't bother me |
| Will you drink something? | Are you drinking anything? |
| A brandy? | Cognac? |
| No, preferably a beer | No, beer is better |
| Do you travel a lot? | Do you travel a lot? |
| Yes, mostly on business trips | Yes, most often these are business trips |
| But now we’re on holiday | But now we're here on vacation |
| It's so hot! | What a heat! |
| Yes, today it’s really hot | Yes, it's really hot today |
| Let's go to the balcony | Let's go to the balcony |
| There's a party here tomorrow | There's a party here tomorrow |
| Are you also coming? | Will you come too? |
| Yes, we’ve also been invited | Yes, we were invited too |
Your easy communication with English speakers is the ultimate goal of our lessons. But here a lot depends on yourself, on your desire to learn and apply your knowledge in practice. Knowing each of these expressions at once brings you several steps closer to knowing the language as a whole. Therefore, have fun learning phrases for communication and conversation from this audio lesson and put your knowledge into practice right away.
Repeat all the lessons you have completed on the topic “Conversation”:
Lesson No. 20: Phrases for communicating in English
Lesson #21: How to start a conversation in English?
Explore everything 100 English lessons for beginners, and then you will learn about 2,000 phrases, which means you will almost completely master the English language, and will be able to freely conduct a conversation on any topic proposed by the native speaker.
The list we want to offer will be extremely useful for those who want to master spoken English. This is a "gentleman's set" of the most important short phrases, which will be useful in conversation, from greeting to farewell.
We will also offer you phrases for talking with your bosses and colleagues that will be useful to you in work-related situations.
Acquaintance
1. I’m so pleased to meet you — Nice to meet you!
You've just been introduced to a stranger and you want to tell him how pleased you are with this meeting? This phrase will be just right!
2. I’ve heard so much about you — I've heard so much about you!
If your new acquaintance is a famous person, it’s time to say this phrase.
3. It’s good to have you here! — Nice to see you here!
Sometimes a new person needs to be made to feel welcome. Tell him these words, and the person will not feel like “a stranger at this celebration of life.”
4. I’d like you to meet someone! — I want to introduce you to someone!
This is how a new person is introduced into the circle of friends.
5. I am indeed! And you must be... - Yes, it's really me! And you must be...
In the context:
“Hello, is it Mark?” - “I am indeed!” And you must be James!?” (“— Hello, are you Mark? — Yes, it’s me! And you must be James?”)
6. I’ll leave you two to get acquainted! — I'll leave you to get to know each other better.
Let's say you've just introduced two people to each other and now you need to leave them - the perfect phrase for this situation!
7. Please, call me… — Please call me...
A few minutes after starting a conversation with a new acquaintance, you want to lower the degree of officialdom and invite your interlocutor to call you by name (or use a friendly, informal version): “And, by the way, Michael...” - “Please, call me Mike!” ” (“- By the way, Michael... - You can call me Mike!”)
In Russian, this is equivalent to the transition from a given name to a given name (full or short).
8. I almost didn’t recognize you! — I hardly recognized you!
Sometimes we don't see our friends for a long time. This phrase will express your emotions from meeting after separation.
9. Have we met before? — Have we met you before?
It happens that a person said hello to you, but you cannot remember who it is... Use this phrase to find out the circumstances of your acquaintance. Yes, it will be a little awkward, but what else to do in such a situation?..
10. It’s good to see you again! — I'm glad to see you!
This is how they greet an old friend or acquaintance whom they have not seen for some time.
Greetings and introductory phrases
11. How are you getting on?- How are you doing?
Same as “How are you?” - "How are you?"
12. Are you doing OK?- Are you okay?
It is a polite way to ask someone about their condition if you know that they have recently had some difficulties.
13. Hi, ...! What's new?- Hello, …! What's new?
An informal greeting for a close friend or acquaintance.
14. Hi, ...! What's up?- Hello, …! How are you?
An option similar to the previous one, with the difference that you are probably not that interested in what news the other person has.
15. Hi, ...! Long time no see! - Hello, …! Long time no see!
You have not seen a person for a long time and, in fact, want to mention this fact in your greeting.
16. Hi, ...! Have you been keeping busy?- Hello, …! What did you do? ( verbatim: You were busy?)
Standard greeting. The question should not be taken literally.
17. Do you mind asking me...?-Would you mind if I asked you about...
Leading up to a more personal question.
18. OK, here's the thing... - Well, the point is this: ...
63. I really gotta go- I really have to go.
The least formal (and most conversational) way of saying that you really need to go. The best way to end a conversation between two friends!
64. OK, I’m sorry but I have to leave now!- I'm sorry, but I have to leave you!
You need to leave while your interlocutor intends to continue the conversation - then you make it clear that you have to go!
65. See you later! See you around!- See you!
You know that you will see each other soon.
66. See you in a couple of minutes! — See you in a couple of minutes!
A phrase that is said when you leave your companion for a short period of time - for example, during an event.
67. Keep in touch!- Do not get lost!
The phrase makes it clear that you want to hear from the person from time to time and, for your part, are also going to keep in touch.
68. It was nice seeing you / talking to you, take care!- It was nice to see/talk to you, take care!
A phrase to say goodbye if you know you won't see this person for a while.
69. Hope to see you again!- I hope to see you again!
This phrase can be used at the end of a conversation with a newly acquired acquaintance.
70. Say hi/hello to...!- Give my regards to …!
A laconic and convenient way to ask someone to remind you of your existence.
End of list. What's next?
Are you thrilled to have stumbled upon this list of spoken words? English phrases, really? But there is a small problem...
Chances are that you will forget most of these phrases within a few hours, but next week you will be lucky to remember at least a couple!
Don't get me wrong - we don't mean to imply that you have a bad memory. It’s natural to forget information you’ve heard once, that’s how humans are made.
This logically leads to the next question: how can you make sure that you can use these phrases in daily conversations with colleagues, friends and new acquaintances?
Learn phrases effectively!
Most effective method remember all these phrases - by repeating them at certain intervals.
Repeat each phrase three times.
Do the same the next day.
Return to the phrases even later - in a week or two.
This regular repetition ensures that new phrases remain in your active vocabulary. This means that you can use them in the right situations - exactly what you need, right?
In contact with
Learning a foreign language should take place in a complex way: reading books and newspapers, watching TV series, writing essays and letters. Kato Lomb, a translator, a polyglot who has mastered 16 languages, most of which she mastered on her own, said that a language can be compared to a fortress, which you need to attack from different sides. That is, in addition to working with grammar textbooks, it is also important to read the press and fiction, communicate with representatives of other countries, listen to songs and watch foreign films in the original. Dialogue in English or another foreign language - quality learning.
How to learn new words and phrases?
Each language has certain speech cliches and peculiarities of word combinations. Many people make the mistake of memorizing only lists of individual lexical units. In the future, communication problems may arise due to the inability to combine words and form sentences. The process of mastering a language will be much easier if you initially pay more attention to phrases and phrases. New vocabulary It is much better remembered if used in conversation. One of the effective ways to assimilate information and learn to speak fluently in a foreign language is to compose a dialogue on each topic in English or another language being studied. The connection between the educational process and practical activities will significantly increase your chances of mastering grammar and vocabulary in the shortest possible time.
Greetings and farewells
Any conversation begins with a greeting and ends with a farewell. So it is important to know at least the minimum that allows you to ask how your interlocutor is doing and answer a similar question. There are several basic phrases and phrases for this case.
phrase and translation | a comment | example |
| An informal greeting, most often used when communicating with friends and family. | Hi Ben! I'm glad to see you! Hello Ben! I'm glad to see you! |
|
Good morning (or afternoon, evening, night). Good morning (or afternoon, evening, good night). | A common greeting. | Good morning, Mister Perkins. Nice day, isn't it? Good morning, Mr. Perkins. It's a beautiful day, isn't it? |
Good bye, bye bye. Bye see you. | Frequently used words | Bye bye, John, see you later. - Bye John, see you later. |
| Most often translated as “hello”, “good afternoon”. | Hello, my dear friend! Hello my dear friend! |
|
How are you? - How is your daughter (son, mother etc.) - Very well. Not bad. - Very good Not bad. | Simple phrases that allow you to find out how your interlocutor or his relatives, friends and acquaintances are doing. | Good morning, Mister Brown. I haven't seen your family for a long time. How are your children? Good morning, Mr. Brown. I haven't seen your family for a long time. How are your children? |
Acquaintance
When meeting a new person, you usually ask simple questions regarding name, profession, home country and many others.
Here is a small number of phrases that you need to master when starting to study. This is the necessary minimum for acquaintance and communication, which can later be supplemented with other expressions.
| phrase with translation | example |
What is your (her, his) name? - What is your (her, his) name? My name is... - My name is... | Who is that girl? What is her name? - Who is that girl? What is her name? |
How old are you (she is, he is)? - How old are you (her, him)? | How old is your best friend? - How old is your best friend? |
Where do you (does she, does he) live? - Where do you live (she, he lives)? I live in... - I live in... | Where does your brother live? - Where does your brother live? |
Do you speak (understand) Spanish? - Do you speak (understand) Spanish? I speak (a little) Spanish. - I speak (a little) Spanish. | Have you seen the new girl? She"ll be learn in our school. She"s from France. Have you seen the new girl? She will study at our school. She's from France. |
What's your (her, his) nationality? - Who are you (she, her) by nationality? I"m an (a) Italian (American, Australian, Ukrainian, Russian etc.) - I am Italian (American, Australian, Ukrainian, Russian). | What's his nationality? What is his nationality? |
Where do you work? - Where do you work? I "m a teacher (student, clerk, engineer, lawyer, programmer, pianist, composer, actor, taxi-driver, office-cleaner). - I am a teacher (student, clerk, engineer, lawyer, programmer, pianist, composer, actor, taxi driver, cleaner). | Where does she work? Where does she work? |
Gratitude
Politeness is an integral part of communication. Even those who are just starting to learn the language should include the simple phrases presented below in their dialogue in English.
| phrase and translation | comments | examples of use |
Thank you, thanks. | The easiest way to express gratitude. | Thank you for smth. (for coming so soon, for the present). Thank you for anything (for coming so soon, for a gift). |
I appreciate (that, your help etc.) I appreciate (this, your help) | A frequently used expression. | Helen appreciates their help. Elena appreciates their help. |
You are welcome, think nothing of it, not at all, no thanks at all, no problem, no trouble, don't mention it. No need to thank me for anything. The pleasure was mine, it was a pleasure With pleasure, it makes me happy. | Common responses to the Russian equivalents of which are the phrases “you’re welcome”, “you’re welcome”. | I"m so grateful to you! I'm so grateful to you! There is no need for gratitude, it makes me happy. |
I "m (very) grateful (thankful) to you. I am very grateful to you. | Another way to express gratitude. | My friend is grateful to her. - My friend is grateful to her. |
Apologies
The ability to ask for forgiveness is another side of etiquette that is important to master.
words and translation | comments | |
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. | It is used as an apology in advance, when you need to apologize to your interlocutor for questions, comments or requests that will follow. It's kind of rather a way starting a conversation, attracting the attention of the interlocutor, rather than apologizing. | Escuse me, sir, could you tell me how can I get to the station. Sorry (excuse me), sir, could you tell me how to get to the station? Excuse me, but you are wrong. I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Excuse me, could you open those windows? Sorry, could you open those windows? |
Sorry, I"m sorry, we are sorry etc. Sorry, I (we) are very sorry, sorry. | An apology for bad deeds and other unpleasant moments. | I"m sorry. My daughter has broken that chinese vase. Sorry, my daughter broke that They are sorry about that. They are sorry that this happened. |
Pardon, Sorry. | Most often used when the speaker did not hear the words of the interlocutor. Pronounced with a questioning intonation. | Pardon, I didn't catch (I missed, I didn't get) your last words (most of your words). Sorry, I didn't hear last words(most of the words). |
| This expression has a strong meaning and is used only in cases where it is necessary for damage caused on a significant scale. For example, betrayal | Please forgive me if you can. Please forgive if you can. |
|
It's all right. That's ok. - Everything is fine, nothing. Don"t worry about that. - Don't worry about it, don't worry. | This can be heard in response to an apology. | Oh, I"m awfully sorry. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. |
Any simple dialogue in English includes several of the above phrases.
Dialogue example
Using simple and most common phrases that English for beginners includes, dialogues can be supplemented with new words as your knowledge deepens.
| English version | translation |
Hello! How are you? I saw you last morning with my sister. What is your name? | - Hello! How are you? I saw you last morning with my sister. What is your name? - Hello! OK, thank you. I remember you. My name is Angela. And you? - Beautiful name. I'm Monica. I live not far from here. And you? Where do you live? - I live in that house. -You (come) from Spain? - No, I'm from France. - Where do you work? - I am a student. I study foreign languages. - Oh, that's great! - Sorry. And now I have to go. I was glad to meet you. See you later. - Nice to meet you too. Bye. |
With the help of simple expressions it is quite possible to communicate at the everyday level. Spoken English in dialogues is one of the best ways get used to the new language. It is important not only to learn a large number of words and understand grammar, but also to learn how to apply the acquired knowledge in practice.
How to introduce yourself
Table 2. How to introduce yourself over the phone in English
How to ask to speak to someone
Table 3. How to call someone on the phone in English
How to ask to wait
Table 4. How to ask to wait in English
How to ask for something over the phone
Table 5. How to ask by phone in English
How to ask to leave a message
Table 6. How to ask to leave a message in English
| Sammy"s not in. Who"s this? |
Sammy is not at home. Who's calling? |
|
I"m sorry, Lisa"s not here at the moment. Can I ask who's calling? |
Sorry, Lisa is not at home right now. May I know who is calling? |
|
I"m afraid he"s stepped out. Would you like to leave a message? |
I'm afraid he's moved away. Would you like to leave a message? |
|
He"s on lunch right now. Who"s calling please? |
He's at lunch now. Who is asking him? |
|
He's busy right now. Can you call again later? |
He is busy now. Could you call back later? |
|
I"ll let him know you called. |
I'll let him know you called. |
|
I"ll make sure she gets the message. |
Rest assured, I will pass on your message to him. |
How to leave a message
Table 7. How to leave a message in English
| Yes, can you tell him his wife called, please. |
Could you tell him that his wife is calling? |
|
No, that's okay, I'll call back later. |
It's OK. I'll call you back later. |
|
Yes, it's James from ____ here. When do you expect her back in the office? |
James is calling from ____. When will she return to work? |
|
Thanks, could you ask him to call Brian when he gets in? |
Thank you. Would you ask him to call Brian back when he gets back? |
|
Thanks. My number is 222-3456, extension 12. |
Thank you. My number is 222-3456, extension 12. |
How to confirm something
Table 8. How to confirm in English
How to listen to a message on your answering machine
Table 9. How to listen to a message in English
| Hello. You"ve reached 222-6789. Please leave a detailed message after the beep. Thank you. |
Hello, you have reached 222-6789. Please leave a detailed message after the signal. Thank you. |
|
Hi, this is Elizabeth. I"m sorry I"m not available to take your call at this time. Leave me a message and I"ll get back to you as soon as I can. |
Hello, this is Elizabeth. I'm sorry I can't take your call right now. Leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can. |
|
Thank you for calling Dr. Mindin's office. Our hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Please call back during these hours, or leave a message after the tone. If this is an emergency please call the hospital at 503-7896. |
Thank you for calling Dr. Mindin's office. Our opening hours are from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please call back at this time or leave a message after the tone. If you have an emergency, call the hospital at 503-7896. |
How to leave a message on an answering machine
Table 10. How to leave a message on an answering machine in English
| Hey Danny. It's Alice. Call me! |
Hello Danny. This is Alice. Call me back! |
|
Hello, this is Ricardo calling for Luke. Could you please return my call as soon as possible. My number is 504-5689. Thank you. |
Hello, this is Ricardo. I need Luke. Could you please call back as soon as possible? My number is 504-5689. |
|
Hello John. This is Marina from the doctor"s office calling. I just wanted to let you know that you"re due for a check-up this month. Please give us a ring/buzz whenever it's convenient. |
Hello John. Marina calls you from the clinic. I wanted to tell you that you need to undergo an examination this month. Please call back at your convenience. |
How to end a conversation
Table 11. How to end a telephone conversation in English
Glossary of terms for talking on the phone
Table 12. English vocabulary for talking on the phone
| to answer |
answer the call |
|
|
answering machine |
[ˈænsərɪŋ məˈʃiːn] |
answering machine |
|
[ˈbɪzi ˈsɪgn(ə)l] |
short beeps |
|
|
to call back/phone back |
call back |
|
|
phone screen |
||
|
cellular phone/cell phone |
[ˈseljulə "fəun sel ˈfəun] |
mobile phone |
|
wireless phone |
||
|
dial |
||
|
directory/phone book |
phone book |
|
|
hang up |
||
|
["ɔp(ə)reɪtə] |
operator |
|
|
phone booth/pay phone |
[ˈfəun buːð / pei ˈfəun] |
phone booth |
|
international dial code |
[ˌɪntə"næʃ(ə)n(ə)l "daɪəl kəud] |
international dialing code |
|
to answer a call |
||
|
handset |
||
|
phone call |
||
|
phonebook |
And in Bulgarian “Telephone directory” is “telephone index”, and in Ukrainian “telephone directory”.
