50languages Review: A Useful Interactive Phrasebook for Travelers

Many language learning platforms operate on the assumption that users are proficient in English as their base language. 50languages.com takes a different approach, enabling users to learn their desired language starting from almost any other language at no cost.

The limitation is its concentration on fixed phrases related to everyday subjects, giving you a foundational understanding of the language but not progressing much further. Despite this, I believe it is still worth exploring, and it appears especially beneficial for travelers or those whose first language is not English.

50Languages In Detail: What You Can Anticipate

Over 50 Languages and 2500+ Language Pairings

First of all, 50languages does indeed provide 50 languages. The selection includes popular languages such as Spanish, German, French, and Chinese, alongside less commonly studied ones like Bosnian, Tigrinya, Kazakh, and others.

Upon visiting the site, you can select the language you wish to learn either from a map or a drop-down menu. A second menu allows you to pick the base language for your studies.

This functionality allows you to study, for example, Italian from Kurdish, or Korean from Ukrainian. There are more than 2500 possible language pairs! This is an extremely valuable tool for individuals who do not speak English as their first language.

The material appears consistent regardless of the language pair selected. I tested learning Japanese from Spanish, which also translated the entire website into Spanish, simplifying navigation for Spanish speakers.

100 Lessons per Language Course

Every language course consists of 100 lessons. These lessons address a wide range of subjects, from fundamental vocabulary like colors and weekdays, to essential grammar points such as forming negatives and a brief overview of tenses.

The lessons also include common conversational themes, such as casual conversation, hotel check-in, shopping, and other scenarios relevant to daily life.

Strengths of 50languages

Interactive Phrasebook

My previous attempts at learning phrases revealed that pure memorization doesn't work well for me. However, with 50languages, I successfully recalled several Japanese phrases.

This is because the platform adds a game-like element to the standard phrasebook. Each phrase has missing letters, prompting you to recall the complete phrase. Clicking on the entry reveals the missing letters, and a button is available to show all answers immediately.

Every phrase includes an audio pronunciation and can be heard in several other languages. For those interested in learning multiple languages, this platform is an excellent method for studying phrases in various languages simultaneously.

Extra Learning Materials

In addition to the phrasebook, 50languages provides other resources to support your learning.

There are a few simple games: card matching, finding opposites, crosswords (available in only five languages), and a game that challenges you to recall the missing word. Some games support single or two-player modes.

Other sections include alphabet lessons, vocabulary flashcards, number learning, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and even access to radio stations. A translation trainer allows you to practice converting sentences from one language to another.

If you enjoy the program but prefer physical materials, you can purchase book versions of any language's workbook.

Furthermore, since internet access isn't always available while traveling, I was pleased to find that 50languages supports offline learning. You can download MP3 files for all phrases in each lesson for easy study while on the move.

User-Friendly and Straightforward Interface

50languages is transparent and direct in its design. The website layout is simple and functional. I found all features easy to understand, with clear labeling throughout.

I appreciate the ease with which you can make changes. Switching lessons or altering your base and target languages can be done effortlessly without navigating away from your current page.

Mobile Application Available

For those who prefer learning through an application, 50languages offers a primary app covering all languages and another named “STEPS” that provides a more structured journey through the program.

You can also download an app tailored to the specific language you are learning if you are focusing on just one. These dedicated apps are somewhat better organized than the main app due to their focused nature. The choice of app depends on your personal learning objectives!

Limitations of 50languages

Absence of Personalization Options

A notable aspect of 50languages is that it does not require an account to use the program. While this avoids the need to register and handle associated promotional emails, it has a downside.

The lack of an account means the program cannot save your data, resulting in no customization features. For example, you cannot mark words as favorites or create a word list for future review. You would need to return to the specific lesson to find the words again.

Focuses Exclusively on Set Phrases

The program's objective is quite ambitious: “With no prior knowledge, you will learn to fluently speak short sentences in real-world situations in no time.”

The crucial part is “fluently speak short sentences,” as that is the extent of the app's teaching. Ultimately, 50languages functions as a phrasebook—a tool for rapidly acquiring common vocabulary and phrases.

You may learn to say specific phrases, but you won't understand the underlying grammar or how to construct your own sentences from the vocabulary you learn. This might suit your needs for a brief trip, but it is not an effective method for genuinely learning a language.

Incomplete Coverage of Language Skills

50languages develops your listening and reading abilities but does not include writing or speaking practice. Even the tests provide multiple-choice answers instead of requiring typed responses.

To learn how to speak the language, you should combine this program with speaking opportunities, such as through a language exchange platform like My Language Exchange or a tutoring service like italki.

Another concern is that the phrases in the program may not reflect what native speakers actually use. For a more genuine language introduction, a program like Lingflix would be helpful. Lingflix uses authentic videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and converts them into tailored language lessons. You can test Lingflix free for two weeks. Visit the website or download the iOS or Android app. P.S. Click here to benefit from our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Presence of Disruptive Advertisements

As a free service, 50languages supports itself with ads. This is reasonable and usually not a major issue. Most ads are unobtrusive, even if they occupy significant space on some pages.

However, it is important to note that popup ads appear frequently (some of which were initially confusing to close). The site also often displays ads that mimic page content, such as prompts to "download" a free PDF with a large green button. Always be cautious about what is part of the page and what is an advertisement!

50languages is an excellent free tool for acquiring common phrases.

However, it is not a solution for truly learning a language. It does not offer sufficient instruction on grammar, sentence construction, conjugation, and other vital skills needed for creating your own sentences.

The program can be a great resource for preparing phrases for a trip or for quickly learning useful phrases for everyday situations, providing a starting point in the language.