The 20 English Words You Need to Know in New York

First things first: you can absolutely visit New York without speaking a word of English! You might also want to check out how to travel to New York without speaking English. But there’s no harm in learning a few essential words. Here are 20 English words you should know for your trip to New York:

1/ Hello: hello

• Even if you don’t speak English, I’m sure you already know this basic word! It’s the little word that will let you start a conversation with anyone, at any time of day.

2/ Vacation: vacation

• After “Hello”, this is the only English word you’ll need when you go through US immigration. It tells the officer that you’re coming to New York for a vacation, not to move there. See more about questions US immigration officers may ask you.

3/ Yes and No: yes and no

• The two most useful words in any conversation, whether in the US or anywhere else. But you already know these, right?

4/ Please and Thank You: please and thank you

• Two small words to use everywhere when you need a service or anything else.

5/ Sorry: sorry

• A handy word if you’ve just walked in front of someone taking a photo or stepped on your neighbor’s foot. A “sorry” with a sheepish or surprised look and the situation is resolved! If you don’t apologize, expect to hear “excuse you” in a not-so-friendly tone asking you to say sorry. New Yorkers take politeness seriously!

6/ Restrooms: restrooms

• In the United States, “Restrooms” is the most common word for bathrooms. So it’s good to know! Note that no one will understand you if you ask for “WC” — that’s a French invention. You can also say “toilets” if you prefer.

7/ Sales: sales

• When you see the word “Sales” in big letters on a store, it doesn’t mean the items are dirty. It means there’s a sale on, so there are deals to be found!

8/ Voucher: voucher

• When you book your tickets, tours and activities in New York, we’ll send you a confirmation with a voucher to print or keep on your phone. This voucher is your ticket, and you’ll be asked for it at the counter.

9/ Subway: subway

• To explore the different neighborhoods of the Big Apple, you’ll get around using the New York subway. Unlike London, where the London Underground is called “the Tube”, New York uses the word “subway”.

10/ Downtown and Uptown: downtown and uptown

• You’ll see these two words at the entrance of every subway station and on the platforms. They show the direction of the train. Downtown trains go south toward lower Manhattan, and Uptown trains go north toward upper Manhattan. Once you’ve got these two words down, you’ll navigate easily!

11/ Tip: tip

• The tip is often confused with a gratuity, but in New York, a tip is the service charge you must leave at a restaurant or for any service — for example, if a driver carries your bags.
• In restaurants, the minimum tip is 15% of your bill, but you can give more depending on your satisfaction. Note that 15% is the baseline. Learn more in my article about tipping in New York.

12/ The check: the check

• In British restaurants, you ask for “the bill”. In New York, you ask for “the check”. Don’t worry, the price is the same! You can also ask for “the bill” if you prefer the British way.

13/ Borough: borough

• The word “Borough” refers to New York’s five main districts: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. During your trip to New York, I strongly encourage you to visit all five boroughs! This way you’ll see the whole city, not just Manhattan.

14/ NYPD and FDNY: police and fire department

• You’ll see these two acronyms all over New York, so it’s good to know what they stand for. NYPD stands for New York Police Department, and FDNY stands for Fire Department of New York. In an emergency, don’t hesitate to call them. The number is 911, and you can use it even without an international phone plan.

15/ Open and Closed: open and closed

• Two small words to know when you’re standing in front of a store, museum, or any place you want to visit.

16/ Deli: deli

• A New York deli is a small grocery with a sandwich counter and basic products, plus takeout meals. Some delis have even become full restaurants over time. Check out our selection of the best delis in New York.

17/ Rooftop: rooftop

• Rooftop bars, simply called “rooftops”, are a must-do experience in New York! These bars sit on building terraces and offer spectacular views. Here are the best rooftops in New York.

18/ Skyline: skyline

• The skyline is the overall view of New York’s buildings and cityscape. To see the skyline, take the Staten Island Ferry, visit Paulus Hook, or go to Gantry Plaza State Park.

19/ Hop-on Hop-off: hop-on hop-off buses

• Hop-on Hop-off buses run tourist routes that connect New York’s major attractions. You can hop on and hop off at any stop, then catch the next bus. Learn more about hop-on hop-off buses in New York.

20/ Goodbye: goodbye

• You probably know this word too. It’ll be the last English word you say before leaving New York…