New Canadian EnglishPhrasebook
Every key phrase with its meaning. Download a lesson as a PDF, or keep this page on your phone for your next visit.
Lesson 1: Talking to Your Doctor
Download PDF| Phrase | What it means |
|---|---|
| "I'd like to see a doctor, please." | = a polite way to ask for a doctor "I'd like" = "I want" (more polite) |
| "I don't have an appointment." | = you did not book a time walk-in clinic = no appointment needed |
| "Here it is." | = said when you hand something over In Ontario, your health card is your OHIP card · Bring it to every visit |
| "This is my first visit." | = you are a new patient The clinic will make a new file for you |
| "What's the reason for your visit?" | = Why are you here today? You will hear this question a lot |
| "I've had ___ for ___." | = how long you have felt sick I've had a headache for two days. · I've had a cough for one week. |
| "Please have a seat." | = please sit down and wait "We'll call your name." = they will say your name when the doctor is ready |
| "What brings you in today?" | = Why did you come to the doctor? Doctors often say this instead of "What's wrong?" |
| "It started ___ ago." | = when the problem began It started yesterday. · It started two weeks ago. |
| "Mild or severe?" | mild = a little · severe = very bad "It's pretty bad." also works |
| "It hurts when I ___." | = when you feel pain It hurts when I walk. · It hurts when I breathe. |
| "Are you taking any medication?" | medication = medicine If not: "No, I'm not taking anything." |
| "I'm allergic to ___." | = something that makes you sick I'm allergic to peanuts. · I'm allergic to cats. |
| "I'll write you a prescription." | = a doctor's note to get medicine Take it to a pharmacy (drugstore) |
| "How often should I take it?" | = asking about your medicine schedule once a day · twice a day · every 8 hours |
Lesson 2: At the Pharmacy
Download PDF| Phrase | What it means |
|---|---|
| "Are you dropping off or picking up?" | drop off = give your prescription · pick up = get your medicine Look for the DROP OFF and PICK UP signs |
| "I'm dropping off a prescription." | = you are giving them your doctor's note Say it when you arrive at the counter |
| "Is this your first time here?" | = the pharmacy will make a profile for you Name · date of birth · health card · allergies |
| "Do you have a drug plan?" | drug plan = insurance that helps pay for medicine Many people get one through work · "No, I don't have a drug plan." |
| "Is this covered by OHIP?" | covered = paid for OHIP pays for doctor visits — most adults pay for prescriptions · Age 24 or younger, no private plan? OHIP+ can help |
| "It will be ready in ___." | = when you can pick up your medicine It will be ready in one hour. · It will be ready tomorrow. |
| "I'll wait." / "I'll come back later." | = two easy ways to answer I'll wait = stay at the pharmacy · I'll come back later = leave and return |
| "Your prescription is ready." | = you can pick up your medicine now They often ask your date of birth to check it's you |
| "How should I take it?" | = the most important question at the pharmacy How much · how often · when |
| "Take it with food." | = eat something when you take your medicine on an empty stomach = before you eat |
| "Do I need to finish all of it?" | = should I take every pill? Some medicines: yes · some: no — always ask |
| "Are there any side effects?" | side effect = an unwanted effect of a medicine upset stomach · feeling sleepy |
| "Are there any refills?" | refill = more medicine without a new doctor visit Your label shows how many refills you have |
| "Can I pay by debit?" | tap = touch your card on the machine "Can I pay by credit card?" |
| "Would you like a receipt?" | say yes — keep your receipts! You may claim medical expenses on your taxes · A drug plan may pay you back |
Lesson 3: Opening a Bank Account
Download PDF| Phrase | What it means |
|---|---|
| "I'd like to open a bank account." | "I'd like" = the polite way to ask Say it when you arrive at the bank |
| "Newcomer package" | = a special offer for people new to Canada Often lower fees for the first year · Ask: "Do you have a newcomer package?" |
| "Two pieces of ID" | ID = documents that show who you are Passport · Work permit · study permit · PR document |
| "Here's my passport." | "here's" = when you give something Here's my work permit. |
| "Chequing or savings?" | chequing = everyday spending · savings = money to keep groceries · bills → chequing |
| "What's the difference?" | = ask this when you don't understand two choices A great question anywhere! |
| "I'd like both, please." | both = the two things I'd like both chequing and savings. |
| "Is there a monthly fee?" | fee = money you pay the bank Some accounts have a monthly fee, some don't |
| "When will I get my debit card?" | debit card = pays with money from your chequing account Tap or insert it to pay |
| "Choose a PIN." | PIN = your secret 4-digit number Never share your PIN — not even with the bank |
| "Can I send an e-Transfer?" | e-Transfer = send money by email or phone number Use your bank app |
| "Direct deposit" | = your pay goes right into your account "How do I set up direct deposit?" |
| "Account number" | = the number for your account On your direct deposit form or in your bank app |
| "Is my money safe?" | CDIC protects eligible deposits Up to $100,000 per category, at member banks |
| "Thank you so much for your help." | = a warm, polite thank-you Use it anywhere in Canada |