How to Say in Australian: A Guide to Formal and Informal Phrases

G’day! If you’re looking to speak like a true Aussie, you’ve come to the right place. Australian English has its own unique twist, filled with colorful slang and informal phrases. In this guide, we’ll explore how to express yourself using formal and informal language, and we’ll even touch on some regional variations. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Phrases

While Australians are generally known for their casual and laid-back style of communication, there are still occasions that call for more formal language. Here are some useful phrases to help you navigate formal situations:

1. Good morning/afternoon/evening – Use these greetings to politely acknowledge others. For example, “Good morning, how are you today?”
2. Thank you – Australians appreciate good manners, so don’t forget to say thank you when someone does something nice. You can say, “Thank you very much for your assistance.”
3. Excuse me – Use this phrase to get someone’s attention politely. For instance, “Excuse me, could you please help me find the nearest post office?”
4. I apologize – If you make a mistake or need to apologize, say “I apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
5. May I have? – When requesting something politely, you can say “May I have a glass of water, please?”

Informal Phrases

Australians are famous for their relaxed and casual style of speech. Informal phrases are commonly used in daily conversations and among friends. Here are some popular Australian expressions:

1. G’day – A typical Australian greeting, short for “Good day.” You can use it to say hello to friends or even strangers.
2. How ya goin’? – This phrase means “How are you?” in a more casual way. It’s often used among friends or acquaintances.
3. No worries – Australians love to say “No worries” to express that there’s no need to worry or stress about something. For example, if someone thanks you, you can reply with “No worries.”
4. Cheers – Australians often use “Cheers” to say thank you, goodbye, or as a toast during a toast. For instance, “Cheers, mate!”
5. Arvo – A short form of “afternoon.” Australians love to use this term instead of saying the full word. “See you this arvo!”

Regional Variations

Even though Australian English is fairly consistent throughout the country, there are a few regional variations worth noting:

1. Strine: A slang term for Australian English, known for its unique accent and quirky vocabulary. In Strine, you might hear phrases like “no dramas” (no problems) or “fair dinkum” (genuine).

2. Bogan: This term refers to a lower-class Australian, typically associated with living in the suburbs. Bogans often use more colloquial phrases like “heaps good” (very good) or “give it a burl” (give it a try).

3. Cockney rhyming slang: In some areas of Australia, especially influenced by British culture, you may come across Cockney rhyming slang. Phrases like “apples and pears” (stairs) or “dog and bone” (phone) might be used.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you sound more like an Australian:

• Use abbreviations: Australians love to abbreviate words, such as “barbie” (barbecue), “rego” (car registration), or “brekkie” (breakfast).
• Avoid calling Australians Kiwis: While New Zealanders are affectionately called “Kiwis,” Australians prefer you don’t confuse the two.
• Embrace the Aussie accent: Australian English has a distinct accent. Listen to native speakers and try to mirror their pronunciation. For example, “mate” might sound like “mite.”
• Add “o” or “ie” at the end of words: Australians have a habit of adding these endings to various words. For example, “smoko” (short break), “servo” (service station), or “barbie” (barbecue).
• Learn a few Australian slang terms: Expand your vocabulary by familiarizing yourself with popular Australian slang words such as “chuck a sickie” (take a sick day off work) or “brekkie” (breakfast).

Now that you’ve learned some formal and informal phrases, as well as a few regional variations, you’re well on your way to speaking Australian English like a native. Remember to practice and immerse yourself in the language to truly embrace the Aussie way of expressing yourself.

Happy speaking and have a ripper time down under!