How To Say Common Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Japanese Words in English

Whether you’re traveling abroad, learning a new language, or just curious, knowing how to say common words and phrases in other languages can open doors. This guide shows you how to say everyday expressions — like “happy birthday,” “thank you,” or “I love you” — in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese.

How to Say Common Words & Phrases in Spanish

How To Say Happy Birthday in Spanish

Feliz cumpleaños

Pronounced: feh-LEEZ koom-pleh-AHN-yohs

It literally means “happy birthday” — use it in cards, messages, or parties.

Merry Christmas in Spanish

Feliz Navidad

Pronounced: feh-LEEZ nah-vee-DAHD

A festive way to spread holiday cheer.

Good Luck in Spanish

Buena suerte

Pronounced: BWEH-nah SWER-teh

Use this before exams, interviews, or performances.

I Love You in Spanish

Te quiero (casual) / Te amo (romantic or serious)

Pronounced: teh KYEH-roh / teh AH-moh

Choose based on how deep your feelings go.

You’re Welcome in Spanish

De nada

Pronounced: deh NAH-dah

Literally means “it’s nothing.” Works in any polite exchange.

How to Say Common Words & Phrases in Italian

How To Say Happy Birthday in Italian

Buon compleanno

Pronounced: bwohn kom-pleh-AHN-no

Say it with a smile and maybe a slice of cake!

Thank You in Italian

Grazie

Pronounced: GRAHT-tsyeh

A simple “thank you” that Italians use constantly.

Good Night in Italian

Buona notte

Pronounced: BWOH-nah NOH-teh

A warm, gentle phrase before bed.

You’re Welcome in Italian

Prego

Pronounced: PREH-goh

Short and sweet — perfect after someone says grazie.

Hello in Italian

Ciao (casual) / Salve (formal)

Pronounced: chow / SAL-veh

How to Say Common Words & Phrases in French

How To Say Happy Birthday in French

Joyeux anniversaire

Pronounced: zhwah-YEU ah-nee-ver-SAIR

Celebrate like the French — maybe with a song!

Good Night in French

Bonne nuit

Pronounced: bun nwee

Used when tucking someone in or ending the day.

Good Morning in French

Bonjour

Pronounced: bohn-ZHOOR

Use it until about noon — after that, switch to bonsoir (good evening).

Earth in French

La Terre

Pronounced: lah TAIR

Used in science, geography, and environmental topics.

You’re Welcome in French

De rien

Pronounced: duh RYEN

A common, humble response to merci.

Hello in French

Bonjour (formal), Salut (informal)

Pronounced: bohn-ZHOOR, sah-LOO

How to Say Common Words & Phrases in Japanese

How To Say Happy Birthday in Japanese

お誕生日おめでとう (Otanjoubi omedetou)

Pronounced: oh-tahn-joh-bee oh-meh-deh-toh

Add “ございます” (gozaimasu) at the end to be extra polite.

Thank You in Japanese

ありがとう (Arigatou) — casual

ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — polite

Pronounced: ah-ree-gah-toh / ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mas

How to Say Common Words & Phrases in German

Good Night in German

Gute Nacht

Pronounced: GOO-teh nahkt

Use it just before bed — it’s calm and formal.

I Love You in German

Ich liebe dich

Pronounced: ikh LEE-buh dish

Strong and heartfelt — use it wisely!

You’re Welcome in German

Bitte

Pronounced: BIT-teh

Also means “please” — context tells you which one.

No in German

Nein

Pronounced: nine

Simple, direct, and unmistakable.

Hello in German

Hallo (universal)

Pronounced: HAH-loh

How to Say Common Words & Phrases in Portuguese

Thank You in Portuguese

Obrigado (if you’re male) / Obrigada (if you’re female)

Pronounced: oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah

Adjust depending on the speaker’s gender.

Most of these greetings and phrases are beginner-friendly and make a big impression when speaking with native speakers. If you’re learning, even one of these in your pocket can make a conversation warmer and more personal.