When you need this

Money is the part of a review that people prepare for most and say least. You might want to ask about a raise, understand how bonuses work, or check that your pay has kept up with your role. None of that is rude. What makes it go well is calm, clear wording, a reason based on your work, and a question rather than a demand.

"Compensation" is the umbrella word: salary, bonus, and benefits like health insurance together. "Raise" is American for a pay increase; British coworkers say "pay rise". Asking is not the same as getting, and nobody can promise you a number. What good language does is make the conversation possible, keep it friendly, and leave you with a clear answer about what happens next.

Phrases

everything you're paid: salary, bonus and benefits

an increase in your pay

a regular check of what you're paid

extra money, often once a year, for good results

health insurance, retirement savings and other extras

raises the topic calmly

introduces the reason for your request

look at your pay again

at the same level as something else

the lowest and highest pay for a role

asks for a clear path to a goal

asks for a next step if the answer is no

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.