Are you ready to speak English with more confidence? Whether you’re learning English for the first time or just want to feel more natural in conversation, these easy English phrases will help you sound polite, friendly, and clear from day one.
I’ve grouped them into categories so you can find what you need: greetings, daily conversation, asking for help, and more. Let’s make English fun and simple—just like learning with your favorite teacher!
Greetings and Introductions
When I teach English to beginners, I always start with greetings. These are the first things you’ll use when meeting someone, whether you’re saying hello in the morning or saying good night before bed. Getting these phrases right makes a great first impression and helps you sound polite right away.
In this section, I’ll show you how to greet people at different times of the day, introduce yourself, and ask for someone’s name or country. These easy English phrases are the foundation of any friendly conversation, and they’re perfect for starting out with confidence.
1. Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening / Good night
These are different ways to say hello or goodbye depending on the time of day.
- Good morning = before lunch
- Good afternoon = from noon to 5 PM
- Good evening = after 5 PM
- Good night = when going to bed
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Good morning, Anna!
🧑🎓 Student: Good morning! How are you?
2. How are you?
This friendly question means “How do you feel?” It’s polite to ask when you meet someone.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Hi! How are you today?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m good, thank you! And you?
3. I’m fine, thank you.
This is a simple answer to “How are you?” It shows you’re doing okay.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: How are you, Leo?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m fine, thank you. How about you?
4. What’s your name?
Use this when you want to know someone’s name.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Hi! What’s your name?
🧑🎓 Student: My name is Maria.
5. My name is…
A polite way to introduce yourself.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: What’s your name?
🧑🎓 Student: My name is John.
6. Nice to meet you.
Say this when you meet someone for the first time.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: I’m Lucia.
🧑🎓 Student: I’m Ravi.
👩🏫 Lucia: Nice to meet you, Ravi!
7. Where are you from?
This question means “What country or city are you from?”
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Where are you from?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m from Vietnam.
8. I’m from…
Use this to tell someone your country or city.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Where are you from, Lucia?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m from England.
Talking About Yourself
After you’ve said hello, people usually want to know a little about you. That’s why I teach my students how to talk about their job, age, where they live, and how they’re feeling. These easy English phrases make it easier to share simple personal information without getting stuck.
I’ll also walk you through how to explain that you’re learning English or that you need help. These are important phrases to know, especially in a classroom, a new city, or while making new friends.
9. What do you do?
This means “What is your job?” or “What is your daily activity?”
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: What do you do?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m a student.
10. I’m a student / I’m a teacher / I work in…
Use this to say what you do.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: What do you do?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m an English teacher.
11. How old are you?
This is a common small-talk question.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: How old are you?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m 22 years old.
12. I’m 25 years old.
A simple answer about your age.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: I’m 33 years old. What about you?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m 29.
13. Do you speak English?
Use this when you’re not sure if someone understands English.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Do you speak English?
🧑🎓 Student: A little bit!
14. A little bit.
A humble answer that means “Yes, but not much.”
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Do you speak English?
🧑🎓 Student: A little bit. I’m learning.
15. I don’t understand.
Use this when something is confusing or too fast.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Then press the green button.
🧑🎓 Student: Sorry, I don’t understand.
16. Can you repeat that, please?
Use this if someone said something you didn’t hear.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: The meeting is at 4.
🧑🎓 Student: Can you repeat that, please?
17. Please speak slowly.
Ask this when someone talks too fast.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: So you press—
🧑🎓 Student: Please speak slowly.
18. What does this mean?
Ask this when you hear a new word.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: What does “excited” mean?
👩🏫 Lucia: It means “very happy!”
19. How do you say this in English?
Use this when you know the word in your own language, but not in English.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: How do you say “zapato” in English?
👩🏫 Lucia: It’s “shoe!”
20. Can you help me?
A kind way to ask for assistance.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Can you help me carry these books?
🧑🎓 Student: Yes, of course!
Everyday Situations and Questions
In real life, you’ll often need to ask small but important questions. That’s why I like to teach phrases that help you find the bathroom, check the time, or ask what something means. These everyday expressions may seem basic, but they’re powerful tools—especially when you’re in a place where you don’t know anyone.
I’ve chosen easy English phrases here that I know beginners can use right away. They’re useful, practical, and will make you feel more in control when you’re out and about.
21. What is this?
Use this when you see something and don’t know the name.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: What is this?
👩🏫 Lucia: That’s a teapot. You use it to make tea.
22. What time is it?
Ask this when you don’t have a clock or phone.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Excuse me, what time is it?
👩🏫 Lucia: It’s 2:30 PM.
23. What day is it today?
If you’re not sure about the day, this is a helpful phrase.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: What day is it today?
🧑🎓 Student: It’s Thursday.
24. Today is Monday.
Use this to tell someone the day of the week.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Do you know what day it is?
🧑🎓 Student: Yes—today is Monday.
25. Where is the bathroom?
This is one of the most useful easy English phrases when you’re out in public.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
👩🏫 Lucia: It’s down the hall, to your right.
Shopping and Eating Out
Shopping and ordering food are great ways to practice speaking English. I always encourage my students to learn polite, simple phrases they can use in stores, cafés, and markets.
In this section, I’ll teach you how to ask for prices, make a purchase, or let someone know you’re hungry or thirsty. These easy English phrases help you stay polite and confident—no matter where you’re shopping or eating.
26. How much is this?
Ask this to find out the price of something.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Excuse me, how much is this T-shirt?
👩🏫 Lucia: It’s $12.
27. I’d like this one, please.
Say this politely when buying something.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: I’d like this one, please.
👩🏫 Lucia: Sure! Anything else?
28. I need help.
Use this when you’re confused or need assistance.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: I need help with this form.
👩🏫 Lucia: No problem! Let’s do it together.
29. I’m hungry.
This easy English phrase tells people you’re ready to eat.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Are you okay?
🧑🎓 Student: I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day.
30. I’m thirsty.
Say this when you want a drink.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Can we take a break? I’m thirsty.
👩🏫 Lucia: Sure! Let’s get some water.
Feelings and Health
It’s important to know how to talk about how you feel, especially if you’re tired, confused, or not feeling well. I always make sure my students can express these things clearly, because it makes conversations feel more real and honest.
You’ll also learn how to ask for directions, say you’re lost, or admit when you don’t know something. These easy English phrases will help you speak naturally, even in tricky or uncomfortable situations.
31. I’m tired.
This means you need rest.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: You look sleepy.
🧑🎓 Student: I’m tired. I didn’t sleep well.
32. I’m lost.
If you don’t know where you are, say this.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: I’m lost. Can you help me?
👩🏫 Lucia: Of course. Where are you trying to go?
33. I’m looking for the bus stop.
Say this when you’re trying to find a specific place.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Can I help you?
🧑🎓 Student: Yes, I’m looking for the bus stop.
34. I don’t know.
A simple way to say you’re unsure.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: What’s the capital of Australia?
🧑🎓 Student: I don’t know.
35. I think so.
Use this when you believe something is true—but aren’t 100% sure.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Is the test today?
🧑🎓 Student: I think so.
36. I don’t think so.
Say this if you believe something is probably not true.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Are you coming to the party?
🧑🎓 Student: I don’t think so. I have homework.
37. That’s right.
Say this to agree or confirm something.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Two plus two is four.
🧑🎓 Student: That’s right!
38. That’s wrong.
Use this when something is not correct.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: The sun goes around the Earth?
👩🏫 Lucia: That’s wrong. The Earth goes around the sun.
39. It’s okay.
Use this to calm someone or show kindness.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: I spilled water!
👩🏫 Lucia: It’s okay. No problem.
40. Don’t worry.
This helps people feel better.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: I’m nervous about my speaking test.
👩🏫 Lucia: Don’t worry. You’ll do great!
Politeness and Manners
If there’s one thing I always tell beginners, it’s this: good manners matter. Saying “thank you,” “excuse me,” or “I’m sorry” shows kindness and respect, even if your English is simple.
Here, I’ll teach you the most common polite expressions in English—things I use every day myself. These easy English phrases are small, but they make a big difference in how people respond to you.
41. No problem.
Use this to say “It’s okay” or “You’re welcome” in a casual way.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Thank you for helping me!
👩🏫 Lucia: No problem! I’m happy to help.
42. Thank you.
Always say this when someone helps you or gives you something. It’s one of the most important phrases in English!
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Here’s your book.
🧑🎓 Student: Thank you!
43. You’re welcome.
Say this after someone thanks you. It’s polite and friendly.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Thanks for waiting!
👩🏫 Lucia: You’re welcome!
44. Excuse me.
This is a polite way to get someone’s attention or say “sorry” if you bump into them.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: Excuse me, is this seat taken?
👩🏫 Lucia: No, it’s free!
45. I’m sorry.
Say this when you make a mistake or want to apologize.
Example:
🧑🎓 Student: I’m sorry I forgot my notebook.
👩🏫 Lucia: That’s okay. Please bring it tomorrow.
46. What’s the matter?
Ask this if someone looks sad, upset, or tired. It shows you care.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: You look worried. What’s the matter?
🧑🎓 Student: I had a bad day.
47. Be careful!
Say this when someone is doing something dangerous or risky.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Be careful! The floor is wet.
🧑🎓 Student: Thank you! I almost slipped.
48. Let’s go!
This phrase means “It’s time to leave” or “Let’s start!”
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: The movie is starting. Let’s go!
🧑🎓 Student: Okay, I’m ready!
49. I like it.
Use this to say you enjoy something—like food, music, or a place.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Do you like this song?
🧑🎓 Student: Yes, I like it a lot!
50. I don’t like it.
Say this politely when something isn’t your favorite.
Example:
👩🏫 Lucia: Would you like more coffee?
🧑🎓 Student: No, thank you. I don’t like coffee.
Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Progress!
Congratulations! You’ve just learned 50 Easy English Phrases that every beginner should know. These simple expressions will help you:
- Greet people
- Ask questions
- Talk about your feelings
- Be polite
- Handle everyday situations like shopping, asking for help, and getting directions
The best way to remember them? Use them every day! Practice speaking out loud, repeat the example conversations, and try using a few phrases with friends or during your English lessons.
Learning English doesn’t have to be scary. With these easy English phrases in your toolbox, you’ll feel more confident, more natural, and more excited to keep going.
Want more help?
If you enjoyed this lesson and want to learn more, you can book a private English lesson with me. I’d love to help you speak English confidently and clearly. You can also check out my Youtube channel!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy English Phrases?
What are easy English phrases for beginners?
Easy English phrases are short, simple sentences that are used often in everyday life. They include greetings like “Good morning,” basic questions like “What’s your name?”, and helpful expressions such as “I need help” or “Thank you.” If you’re just starting to learn English, these phrases help you build confidence quickly.
How can I remember easy English phrases?
The best way to remember easy English phrases is to practice them every day. I recommend saying them out loud, using them in real conversations, and reviewing them with flashcards or videos. Repetition helps your brain remember them naturally—just like learning a song!
Why should I learn easy English phrases first?
I always tell beginners to start with easy English phrases because they’re useful right away. You can start having real conversations, ask for help, or understand basic questions. It’s the fastest way to feel more confident and make progress without needing perfect grammar.
Can I become fluent by learning easy English phrases?
Easy English phrases are a great first step toward fluency. They help you communicate in real situations. As you get more comfortable, you can start learning longer sentences, new words, and grammar. But yes—every fluent speaker starts with the basics!
Are easy English phrases the same in every country?
The core phrases are the same, but pronunciation and word choice might change a little between countries like the US, UK, Australia, or Canada. For example, “bathroom” in American English is often “toilet” in British English. I always explain the common differences to my students so you feel prepared wherever you go!
