The study of English vocabulary is not complete without including the many elegant and descriptive words and phrases that have come from other languages directly into the English language and remain there, used by educated speakers in the international business world, connoisseurs of the arts and literature, and sophisticated travelers from the cafes of Paris to the neon-bright streets of Tokyo. Being able to smoothly and easily use and understand these terms will help promote you in your professional life, and give you the confidence to interact with people at any level.

savoir-faire (SAHvwahr FAIR)
This French term (sometimes written savoir faire) means “knowing what to do.”
Example: Julia’s calm temperament, good humor, and savoir-faire makes her our first choice to lead the development committee.

sotto voce (SOHtoh VOHchay)
This Italian term means whispering, or speaking softly (literally “under the voice”).
Example: Unlike football announcers, sports broadcasters doing live coverage must always speak sotto voce so they don’t disturb the players.

tête-à-tête (TEHT ah TEHT)
A French phrase denoting a private conversation (often held sotto voce!).
Example: The team went up to the front of the room and, after a quick tête-à-tête, announced that they had decided on their “movies” as their first category in that game of charades.

tout de suite (TOO d’SWEET or TOOT SWEET)
This is a difficult phrase for many non-native French speakers, because the “de” is elided and only briefly pronounced. In fact, some French speakers in Canada use the second pronunciation, which is the more common one among English speakers. Note that this is a three-word phrase, even though it’s pronounced almost as if it’s only two words. Tout de suite means “immediately,” and is usually used to add emphasis.
Example: If you borrow my lawnmower this afternoon, I’ll expect you to bring it back tout de suite.

What foreign words and phrases do you find useful? Do you have problems with terms you’ve read but don’t know how to use? Leave your suggestions and questions in the comments.