The HEYID blog
Practical guides about talking to people across languages and cultures.
50 Questions to Ask Someone From Another Country
Fifty easy, curious conversation starters for chatting with someone from another country, plus how to pick one and what to leave for later.
Is It Rude to Be Late? Attitudes to Time Around the World
Being ten minutes late is rude in some countries and normal in others. Here's how attitudes to punctuality differ and how to avoid misunderstandings.
How to Say and Ask About Names From Other Cultures
Names work differently around the world: order, surnames, nicknames. Here's how to ask someone how to say their name without making it awkward.
How the World Laughs in Text: haha, 555, kkk and www
People write laughter differently in every language. Here's how haha, jajaja, 555, kkkk, www and 哈哈 work, and why Thai people type numbers to laugh.
Why Many Languages Have Two Words for "You
Spanish, French, German, Polish and Russian all separate a formal "you" from an informal one. Here's how it works and how to pick the right one.
How to Say Cheers Around the World
Salud, prost, kanpai, na zdrowie: how people make a toast in twelve languages, plus a few customs that are worth knowing before you raise a glass.
8 Foreign Words With No Single English Translation
Some words need a whole sentence to explain in English. Here are eight foreign words, from Portuguese saudade to Japanese komorebi, and what they mean.
What Is HEYID and How Does It Work?
HEYID is a chat app that translates messages as you talk. Here's what it does, what's free, what costs money and who it's for.
False Friends: Words That Look the Same but Aren't
Some foreign words look like English ones but mean something else entirely. Meet eight false friends that cause awkward moments in real conversations.
Best Time to Chat With Someone on Another Continent
Time zones make chatting with friends abroad tricky. Here's how to find a good time, with real examples between Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Gestures That Mean Different Things Around the World
A thumbs-up, the OK sign and even a nod can mean something very different abroad. Here are six common gestures and how they read in other countries.
How to Say Thank You in 20 Languages
Learn how to say thank you in 20 languages, with pronunciation tips and small notes on politeness, from Spanish gracias to Japanese arigatō.
How Many Languages Are Spoken in the World?
There are more than 7,000 languages in the world, but a few dozen account for most speakers. Here's how the numbers break down and why it matters.
Why Do We Say Hello? A Short History of a Greeting
The word hello is younger than you'd think. Here's where it came from, how the telephone helped it spread and how other countries answer the phone.
20 Ways to Say Hello in Different Languages
Twenty ways to say hello in different languages, with pronunciation tips and notes on when each greeting fits. Start your next chat with one.
How to Start a Conversation With a Stranger Online
Starting a chat with a stranger online is easier with a plan. Learn simple openers, what to avoid and how to make your first message worth answering.
How to Keep a Conversation Going When You're Stuck
Conversations stall for everyone. Here are practical ways to keep a chat alive: follow-up questions, small stories and graceful ways to change the topic.
How to Make Friends With People From Other Countries Online
Friendships across borders start with small steps. Here is how to meet people from other countries online, build trust and keep the chat going for months.
Small Talk Around the World: What to Say and Avoid
Small talk rules change from country to country. Learn which topics are safe, which are risky and how to open a chat with someone abroad.
Greetings Around the World: Handshakes, Bows and Kisses
A handshake, a bow or a kiss on the cheek: greetings differ widely. Here is a practical guide to what to expect and how to greet people abroad.
Texting Etiquette Across Cultures: Emojis and Reply Times
Emojis, voice notes and reply times mean different things in different countries. Here is how to text people abroad without confusion.
How to Be Polite in Different Cultures
Compliments, refusals and requests are handled differently around the world. Here is how to stay polite and avoid offending people from other cultures.
Idioms That Don't Translate (and What They Really Mean)
Every language has expressions that make no sense word for word. Here are idioms from around the world, what they really mean and when to use them.
10 Ways to Practise a Foreign Language by Chatting
Chatting with real people is one of the fastest ways to improve a language. Here are ten practical ways to practise, from first messages to voice notes.
How Live Translation Works in Chat Apps (and Its Limits)
Live translation in chat apps feels like magic but has limits. Here is how it works, where it goes wrong and how to write messages that translate well.
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