"Good luck" is a popular phrase in Spanish. Most languages have a phrase that expresses a similar sentiment. Perhaps you are going to travel to other countries and want to have several phrases memorized. Maybe you have a new neighbor or colleague who speaks another language. It can be helpful to know how to say basic phrases like “Good luck” to make them feel welcome. Whatever the reason, it could be great to have memorization and know how to say “Good luck” in other languages. Just choose the language, practice the pronunciation and start putting it into practice!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Memorize "Good Luck" in Multiple Languages
Step 1. Look up various phrases
Maybe there isn't a specific language that you should or want to learn. It's okay! It's fun to be able to say a useful phrase like “Good luck” in multiple languages. Start by learning these phrases:
- Afrikaans: Sterkte! (pronounced "Stehrk-teh").
- Arabic: حظ جيد - بالتوفيق (pronounced "Haz jaid - be al tawfeeq").
- Bengali: আল্লাহ হাফেজ (pronounced “Allah hafez”) (Note: “Allah hafez” is not “Bangla.” It is an Arabic or Persian greeting, often used for “Goodbye” in Pakistan and Bangladesh, similar to the common phrase “Khuda hafez”).
- Bulgarian: Успех!
- Catalan: Bona sort.
- Chinese: 加油 (pronounced "Jia you").
- Danish: Held og lykke.
- Dutch: Veel geluk.
- English: Good luck.
- Persian: Bedrud.
- Filipino: Pagpalain ka.
- Finnish: Onnea.
- French: Bonne chance.
- Friesian: Folle gelok.
Step 2. Choose additional languages
Once you have learned the first languages, you are probably making good progress. Keep challenging yourself by adding other languages to your list. You can also memorize these phrases:
- German: Viel glück, alles gute!
- Greek: Καλή τύχη (pronounced "Kali tihi").
- Hawaiian: Maikaʻi pomaikaʻi.
- Hebrew: בהצלחה (pronounced "Behatzlacha").
- Hindi: Shubhakaamana.
- Hungarian: Sok szerencsét!
- Indonesian: Semoga beruntung.
- Italian: Good fortune.
- Japanese: Ganbatte kudasai.
- Kannada: Shubhavaagali.
- Korean: Haeng a.
Step 3. Create a complete list
Challenge yourself to see how many languages you can learn. Finish your memorization by memorizing the rest of this list:
- Latin: Bona fortuna.
- Malté: Awguri.
- Mandarin: Zhu ni hao yun.
- Marathi: Shubhecha (Shu-bhe-cha).
- Malay: Semoga berjaya.
- Norwegian: Lykke til.
- Portuguese: Boa sorte.
- Romanian: Noroc.
- Russian: Udachi.
- Spanish: Good luck.
- Swedish: Lycka till! (according to the International Phonetic Association, pronounced "lʏka tɪl").
- Turkish: Iyi Sanslar (pronounced "Ee-yi Shans-la").
- Welsh: Pob lwc.
- Sanskrit: Shubhamasthu.
Method 2 of 3: Choose the language
Step 1. Consider your motivations
Your first step in learning how to say "Good luck" in multiple languages is deciding which languages you want to learn. Think about your purpose. Why do you want to learn these phrases?
- Maybe you're going to go to Europe on vacation. You may be motivated to learn this phrase in the mother tongue of each country you go to.
- Perhaps you just started working for a company with global operations. It might be helpful to know "Good luck" in a business context. If you are going to work frequently with an office in Tokyo, you should learn a few phrases in Japanese.
- You may also want to communicate better with friends or family who don't speak your native language. Consider learning phrases in a language that your loved ones speak. For example, if your grandmother speaks Italian, spend a little time studying Italian phrases.
Step 2. Think about the situation
When you learn new phrases, spend a little time reflecting on how you will use them. Like Spanish, most languages have formal and informal expressions to wish someone good luck. Consider learning a few phrases in each language to prepare yourself for various occasions.
- For example, if you plan to use "Good luck" in a professional context, you will want to learn how to say the equivalent of something like "Good luck meeting the client today."
- In Spanish, you could say something like "Que te va bien!" as a casual way to wish a friend good luck. See if there are equivalent phrases in the language you choose. For example, you could search for "Informal Good Wishes in Arabic."
Step 3. Choose several options
Perhaps you are not preparing for a specific situation, such as a trip. If you're just proactive in learning new phrases, good for you! There are many other factors that you can consider when deciding which languages you want to choose.
- Consider the world population. For example, Mandarin Chinese is spoken by more than one billion people. You could stand out professionally and personally if you can learn some useful phrases in that language.
- You may be looking for ways to show cultural sensitivity. Consider learning Arabic or English, if you know people who speak those languages.
Method 3 of 3: Learn to Say "Good Luck"
Step 1. Learn the phrase
Once you've chosen your language, it's time to figure out what words to learn. For example, if you have chosen English, you will want to use an English-speaking website, book, or page to learn how to say "Good luck."
- Look for a website that offers free classes in that language. You can learn different phrases to wish someone well.
- A good website can also mention the cultural connotations of saying "Good luck." You may not want to directly translate colloquial phrases in Spanish, such as "Much shit."
- You can also use tools like Google translate to help you figure out the literal words you want to say.
Step 2. Practice the pronunciation
Pronunciation is important when speaking different languages. If you mispronounce a word or phrase, you could inadvertently look silly or even offensive. Take care to spend time carefully studying how each word in your new vocabulary is said.
- You may want to learn how to say "Good luck" in French. You'll want to start by studying the French alphabet and learning what each letter sounds like.
- Then find a pronunciation guide. You can find it online or in reference books. If you have a textbook, it probably has a complete pronunciation guide in the index.
- Listen to audios. Even free online courses usually have audios that you can listen to to help you understand the pronunciation of your chosen language.
Step 3. Ask for help
It can be difficult to learn a new language. Even if you just want to learn a few useful phrases, you may feel like you might need help. There are many ways you can get the help you need.
- Ask a teacher. If you are at school, ask your foreign language teacher for help. If you are not currently a student, search online for language tutors in your area.
- Post on the bulletin board. Many free online language boards will allow you to ask questions on their website. You could write something like, “I have problems with the pronunciation of‘Good luck’in Arabic. Can anyone give me some advice?
Step 4. Test your new skill
The best way to hone your skills is to practice a little. Wish your friends "Good luck" in multiple languages. You could even write your mom a note wishing her well in a number of ways. Probably appreciate it!
- Don't worry about being perfect. It can be difficult to learn new phrases. Be patient with yourself and keep trying.
- If you are going to travel abroad, practice the phrases before traveling. Say them out loud in front of the mirror. You'll feel more self-confident in no time!
Advice
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Practice.
If you keep memorizing, then there is no reason why you cannot remember these words.
- Match the foreign word to a similar sounding word in your mother tongue. Use a mental image of that word to help you retain it in memory.