For many singles, summer often means romance. But it is not always easy to make yourself understood in a language that is not your own. So, to succeed in your approach and immerse yourself in the local culture, Babbel, language learning platformand Dr. Aurore Malet-Karas, neuroscience doctor and sexologist, shares some key tips to help travelers create real connections.
Respect cultural differences
In certain cultures, such as Spain or Brazil, flirting is part of common social interactions: compliments, humor and proximity are well accepted.
“The first approach is often direct, but it is usually light games of seduction, for example with phrases like “Me encanta tu sonrisa” (“I love your smile” in Spanish) or “Você tem olhos lindos” (“You have beautiful eyes” in Brazilian Portuguese)”, reveals the press release.
Elsewhere, in the Nordic countries for example, a more subtle and calm approach is preferred.
“In these cultures, we generally wait for several exchanges before clearly expressing our interest: an attitude that is too direct can be misinterpreted and create discomfort. A phrase like “Vill du ta en fika någon gång?” (“Would you like to have a coffee one of these days?”) is preferred to an approach focused on the physical appearance of the desired being.” say the Babel experts.
The goal is therefore not so much immediate seduction as to find a pretext to start a conversation.
Dare to say a few words in the other’s language
Expressing your interest in the local language, even with a few mistakes, can have a strong power of seduction. A Babbel study has also confirmed it: three out of five French people find it sexy to date someone who speaks another native language.
“There is therefore no need to recite a perfect sentence: a simple “Do you want to drink a drink?” slipped into hesitant English or broken German is often enough to break the ice and make you smile. Whether it is “Do you want to grab a drink?” or “Hast du Lust auf einen Drink”, the main thing is not the grammar, but the approach. It shows curiosity, sincere effort, and often an unintentional touch of humor that lightens the mood.”reveals the language learning platform.
Babbel experts recommend daring to use simple and effective sentences: the real charm does not lie in grammatical perfection, but in the desire to enter the other’s universe.
“Don’t worry if you make chord, conjugation or accent errors, on the contrary, use them to ask for corrections and improve yourself”,
confirms Dr Aurore Malet-Karas.
A “Care to show me around?” (“Do you want to show me around?”) can thus be tempted, because this sentence shows a real interest in the other.
Avoid clichés and literal translations
Some expressions work in one country, but will not have the desired effect at all in others. For example, the classic “Do you come here often?” keeps its slightly cliché side in Spain and Germany.
What may seem charming in French risks falling flat, or even seeming intrusive, in other cultures where codes of seduction differ. It’s often best to soften your approach and start with simple conversation topics.
For example, in Germany, “it is better to say “Ich war noch nie ici, kennst du dich ici aus?” (I’ve never been here, do you know this place well?), while in Spain, the atmosphere of the place will rather be commented “¿Está bueno esto, no?” (It’s nice the atmosphere here, isn’t it?). more subtle on the personality are privileged”,
underline the Babbel experts.
Learn together
Sharing a word, an expression, an error: learning a language together creates moments of friendship.
“Inviting someone to learn a phrase in their language can be a first approach as well as a ready excuse to continue the conversation. For example, asking how to toast in the language of your interlocutor during a toast, or trying to repeat a local expression while laughing at the awkwardness, allows you to break the ice in a natural way.affirms the platform.
Know when to stop
One of the most seductive gestures is knowing how to hear a “no”.
“The culture of consent varies by country, but one point remains: insistence is rarely seen as romantic. In Japan, for example, it is essential to pick up on subtle signals and respect the discomfort or refusal of others; this is what is called “Kuuki wo Yomu”, the art of “reading the air” or perceiving the atmosphere and what is left unsaid.”confirm the Babbel experts.
In the United States, on the other hand, communication is often more direct: a “no thanks” (no thanks) or a “I’m not interested” (I’m not interested) are generally intended to be understood at face value.
Flirting is not convincing, it is inviting. And sometimes not pushing opens the door to a future connection. Elegance also means knowing how to slip away.
“One last piece of advice: remember to do a little research on the codes of the country you are visiting, so as not to make any mistakes or make people feel uncomfortable, because the art of seduction is greatly linked to culture, and what may seem natural to you, may be perceived as offensive in another country.” concludes the neuroscience doctor and sexologist.