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Home » Articles » 60+ Essential French Phrases for Beginners to Start Speaking Now

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written by Benny Lewis

Language: French

Reading time: 17 minutes

Published: Jan 11, 2021

Updated: Sep 17, 2021

60+ Essential French Phrases for Beginners to Start Speaking Now

What are some French sayings? What are the most common phrases in French? And can learning a few powerful French phrases really help you start speaking right away?

Absolutely!

Even if you'll only be spending a short time in the country, learning a few basic French phrases can be very rewarding and make a big difference to your trip.

Let’s start by mastering some of the most common French phrases you need to know as a beginner:

I've long advocated that set phrases are the best thing for beginners to learn when starting out.

After all, isn't the goal of language learning to communicate?

How do you expect to communicate with anybody if the only thing you've learned so far is a verb table?

So whether you're planning to travel to Paris for a week or move to Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! for the rest of your life, here are the most important and useful French phrases that you should learn A.S.A.P.

Listen to the French Phrases:

Here's a quick “French phrases” video I made that will help you with pronunciation for most of the phrases in this article:

Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online French course, here’s the course I recommend: French Uncovered – Learn French Through the Power of Story, a course with a fascinating new method by my friend Olly.

French Greetings and Polite Phrases

Bonjour – “hello”.

There are many ways in French to say “hello” , but bonjour is undoubtedly the most well-known. It's universally polite and friendly, whether the situation is formal or informal.

Bonjour is a combination of the words bon (“good”) and jour (“day”).

In the evening, you could also say bonsoir (“good evening”). A more casual way to greet people is salut , which can mean either “hi!” or “bye!”.

S'il vous plaît / s'il te plaît – “Please”

As a tourist, the last thing you want to be is rude. So when in France, remember what your mother taught you, and say s'il vous plaît (“please”) when making a request.

You can also say s'il te plaît. What's the difference? It's all about “you”:

In French there are two ways of saying “you”.

Tu is what you'd use when addressing a friend. Vous is a more polite and formal version, best used when talking to a stranger or older person.

( Vous is also what you should use when addressing a group of people in any situation, similar to saying “you guys” or “you all” in English).

So s'il vous plaît and s'il te plaît both mean “please” (literally, “if it pleases you”), but s'il vous plait is the more polite version. If in doubt, use s'il vous plaît .

(Why is it s'il te plait and not s'il tu plait ? It's a grammatical thing that you don't need to worry about as a beginner. Just learn the phrase as a whole for now, and things will become clear later.)

In fact, when asking for something in French – e.g. asking a stranger for directions or asking to see a menu in a restaurant, you should start with “ Bonjour. S'il vous plaît… ” It literally means “Hello, please…”, which would sound a bit strange in English, but it's the normal way to start a polite request in French.

Comment vous appelez-vous? / Comment t'appelles-tu? – “What’s your name?”

When meeting anyone, one of the first things you'll want to know is their name.

In French, you can find it out by asking “ Comment vous appelez-vous? ” (formal) or “ Comment t'appelles-tu? ” (informal).

Literally, these questions mean “what do you call yourself?”. You could also ask “ c'est quoi ton nom? ” – which is a more literal translation of “what's your name?”

If you're on the receiving end of this question, answer with “ Je m'appelle… ” (“my name is”, literally “I call myself”) or a simple “ Je suis… ” (“I am…”).

Oui/Non/Si – “Yes/No”

Two essential words to learn in any language are “yes” and “no”. In French, “yes” is oui and “no” is non .

Informally, it's also common to say ouais or ouaip instead of oui – like saying “yeah” or “yep” in English.

Then you have si . This is a handy little word that has no direct equivalent in English. Use it to say “yes” when someone asks you a negatively phrased question.

To illustrate what I mean, imagine that someone asks you, in English, “haven't you been to Paris?”

If you reply “yes”, it's not exactly clear what you're saying. Do you mean “yes, I have been to Paris – contrary to your assertion” or “yes, you're correct: I haven't been to Paris”?

French avoids this confusion with the word si . It means “yes”, but more specifically it contradicts the assertion in the question. In the above example, if you say si , it clearly conveys that you have, in fact, been to Paris.

Si is one of many linguistic features that I sorely miss when I speak English.

Comment allez-vous? – “How are you?”

This is the polite way of saying “how are you?” in French. Note the use of the polite vous rather than the informal tu .

Another, more informal way to say “how are you?” is ça va ? This phrase is extremely common – when in France you'll likely hear it several times per day.

If someone asks you “ ça va? ”, you can respond with a simple “ ça va bien ” – “it's going well”.

Excusez-moi – “Excuse me”

To get someone's attention, whether they're a waiter in a restaurant or a stranger on the street, say “ excusez-moi ”, “excuse me”.

This is also the polite way to ask someone to get out of your way. For example, if you're trying to exit a crowded train, a soft “ excusez-moi ” should (hopefully) be enough to make people step aside.

Pardon – “Sorry”

Picture getting off a crowded train, being careful you don't bump into anyone as you walk through the crowded metro station. But if a collision does occur, it's fine. Just say pardon , “sorry”, and all will be forgiven.

“ Pardon? ” is also how you'd ask someone to repeat themselves if you didn't hear or understand what they said. In this case, you should say it with a rising tone to indicate that it's a question.

Another way to say this is “ pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?” – “Could you repeat, please?”

Merci beaucoup – “Thanks a lot”

And of course, don't forget to say thank you!

The French word for “thank you” is merci . Or you can make it stronger by saying merci beaucoup – “thanks very much”.

Use merci in all the same situations you'd say “thank you” in English.

Other Must-Know French Greetings and Polite Phrases:

• Nice to meet you – Enchanté
• How’s it going? – Comment ça va?
• And you? – Et toi?
• Are you well? – Vous allez bien?
• What’s new? / What’s up? – Quoi de neuf?
• Good, thanks! – Bien, merci!
• So-so / It’s okay – Comme ci, comme ça (Literally: “like this, like that”)
• Same as always – Comme d’hab
• It could be worse – Ça pourrait être pire
• You’re welcome – Je t'en prie
• Don’t mention it / You’re welcome – De rien
• Goodbye – Au revoir
• See you soon – À bientôt!

French Phrases for Maintaining a Conversation

Je voudrais parler français – “i would like to speak french”.

The French are famously protective of their language. Sometimes they can be a bit impatient with us anglophones, and reply in English to your imperfect French questions.

It's frustrating when this happens, but if you ever want to make progress in a foreign language, you absolutely must stop speaking English !

Be polite but firm when someone tries to speak English with you – tell them “ Je voudrais parler français ” – “I'd like to speak French.”

Note that, unlike in English, names of languages are not written with a capital letter in French.

Je ne comprends pas – “I don’t understand”

Sometimes pardon doesn't quite cut it. If you really can't figure out what the other person is saying, try telling them “ je ne comprends pas ” – “I don't understand.”

There's no shame in being a beginner! Just remember not to fall back to English when the going gets tough. If you don't understand something, persevere in French anyway – it's the only way you'll learn.

Que veut dire ça? – “What does that mean?”

Maybe the reason you didn't understand is because there was a specific word you didn't recognise. If that's the case, say “ que veut dire X? ” – “What does X mean?”

You can also phrase this as “ ça veut dire quoi? ” – “What does that mean?”

Plus lentement – “More slowly”

Sometimes, vocabulary isn’t the problem. You’d know the words if you could make them out, but you can't because the other person is talking too fast!

In this case, try saying plus lentement – “more slowly”.

Better yet, say a full sentence: “ Pourriez-vous parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît? ” – “Can you speak more slowly, please?”

Comment dit-on __ en français? – “How do you say __ in French?”

What if you need to say something in French, but the exact word escapes you?

Just fill in the blank in the above sentence: “ Comment dit-on X en français? ” means “How do you say X in French”?

A side note: the pronoun on , seen above, is an interesting one. It’s a colloquial alternative to nous (“we”). However, on is also used to refer to an unspecified person or people in general, like the word “one” is sometimes used in formal English. (If you speak German, note that on in this sense is like the German word man .)

One doesn't use the word “one” very much in modern English – one finds it rather old-timey and stuffy. These days you normally use “you” when you're talking about people in general.

Comment ça s'écrit? – “How do you spell that?”

If you learn a new French word using the phrase above, you might want to write it down before you forget it.

Unfortunately, French spelling isn't the easiest.

The relationship between spelling and French pronunciation can be complicated. Generally, it's easier to figure out a word's pronunciation from its spelling than it is to know its spelling from its pronunciation. I wrote a guide to help you with French pronunciation here .

So if you're not sure, ask someone “ comment ça s'ecrit? ” – “How do you spell that?” Literally: “How does that write itself?”

Or if you don't trust your own transcription abilities, try asking them to write it for you: say “ Est-ce que vous pouvez l'écrire? ” – “Can you write it (down)?”

Other Helpful Phrases for Maintaining a French Conversation:

• Can you speak more slowly please? – Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement s'il vous plaît?
• Can you say it one more time? – Pouvez-vous le dire une fois de plus?
• Do you speak French? – Parlez-vous français?
• Do you understand? – Comprenez vous?
• What do you do for a living? – Qu’est-ce que tu fais dans la vie?
• How old are you? – Quel âge as-tu?
• I’m _ years old – J’ai _ ans
• Where are you from? – D'où êtes-vous?
• I’m from… – Je viens…
• Are you married? – Es-tu marié?
• Are you single? – Es-tu célibataire?
• When can we meet? – Quand pouvons-nous nous rencontrer?
• What’s your phone number? – Quel est ton numéro de téléphone?

French Phrases for Getting Around

Où est… – “where is…”.

Struggling to find your way around? Not to worry. Just get a stranger's attention (remember what phrase would you use to do this?) and ask “ où est X ” – “Where is X?”

“X” could be many things: la Tour Eiffel, le Louvre, Notre Dame … or perhaps something less exotic, like le metro or un restaurant .

Où se trouve la station de métro la plus proche? – “Where is the closest metro station?”

Another way of saying “where is it?” is où se trouve , literally “where is (it) found”.

Here's an example of où se trouve combined with another handy phrase to know: la station de métro la plus proche means “the closest metro station”.

One more piece of useful vocabulary: once you're in the metro station, you might want to ask someone “ où est le guichet? ” – “Where is the ticket window?”

Je voudrais acheter un billet – “I would like to buy a ticket”

Now that you've found the guichet , you probably want to buy a billet – a ticket. But what type of ticket do you want?

• un billet aller simple – a one-way ticket
• un billet aller retour – a round-trip ticket

Make your decision, and tell the assistant “ je voudrais un billet aller simple/retour pour X ” – “I would like to buy a one-way/round-trip ticket to X”, where X is your destination.

C'est combien? – “How much is it?”

France isn't the cheapest of countries – so whether you're at the guichet or elsewhere, it doesn't hurt to be price-conscious.

To ask how much something costs, say “ c'est combien? ” – “how much is it?” You can also say “ Combien ça coûte? ” – literally, “how much does it cost?”

Où sont les toilettes? – “Where are the toilets?”

It's worth learning this phrase, because you might need it in a hurry! Où sont les toilettes means “where are the toilets?”

Although if you want to use a public toilet, you could be searching for a long time.

They aren't very common in France – and if you do find one, you'll probably have to pay to use it. You're probably better off buying something in a café and using their toilets instead.

(Why is it “ où sont “, when previously we used “ où est “? Easy: sont means “are” while est means “is”. Since toilettes is plural, you must use sont , not est – “where are the toilets?”, rather than “where is the toilets”, which wouldn’t make sense.)

À quelle heure est-ce qu’il faut régler la note? – “What time is check out?”

If you're checking into a hotel in a French-speaking country, one useful thing to know the checkout time.

One way to find this out is to ask “ à quelle heure est-ce qu’il faut régler la note? ” – “What time must we check out?”

Another similar expression is: “ quelle est l'heure limite d'occupation? ” (Lit: “What is the occupancy cut-off time?”

La carte/le menu, s’il vous plaît. – “The menu, please.”

France is famous for its food, so while you're there, you'll probably want to dine in a restaurant or two!

When dining out in any language, there are usually a few subtleties around how to order. Here I'll explain one of the more important things to know in French: the words for “menu”.

I say “words” because there are two main ways to say “menu” in French.

The general word is carte , which you may recognise from the expression à la carte .

A carte is what you typically think of when you hear the word “menu”. It's a list of individually-priced options; you pick and choose what you want, then add up the prices to get your total bill.

But you can also ask for a menu , which is usually called a “fixed-price menu” in English. When ordering from a menu , you pick an option for each course (starter, main course, etc.) and pay the same, fixed price no matter what you selected.

Whichever option you choose, inform the serveur/serveuse (“waiter/waitress”) by saying “ la carte/le menu, s’il vous plaît ” – “the menu/fixed-price menu, please.”

Je ne peux pas manger… – “I can’t eat…”

This doesn't apply to everybody, but for those to whom it does apply, it's very important: informing the waiter about your dietary restrictions.

The simplest way to do this is to say “ je ne peux pas manger de X ” – “I can't eat X”. Here are some of the more common ways to fill in the blank:

• cacahuètes – peanuts
• noix – nuts
• gluten – gluten
• fruits de mer – shell fish
• œufs – eggs
• poisson – fish
• produits laitiers – dairy products
• viande – meat

If you're vegetarian, say so with “ je suis végétarien ” (for men) or “ végétarienne ” (for women.)

A vegan is a “ végétalien(ne) “, although végan/végane is sometimes used too.

You could also explain “ je ne consomme pas de produits animaux .” – “I don't consume animal products”

Nous voudrions commander maintenant. – “We would like to place an order now.”

To “order” in French is commander , when you're talking about ordering something in a restaurant.

Don't confuse this with ordonner , which is used in the sense of “to order a person to do something”, such as in the military.

After receiving the carte or the menu , and perhaps informing the waiter of your dietary restrictions, you may be given some time to make a decision. When you're ready, say “ nous voudrions commander maintenant ” – “we'd like to order now.”

It’s also acceptable in nearly any restaurant to use on instead of nous for we, as I mentioned earlier: On voudrait commander maintenant.

Or if you're by yourself, say je voudrais (I'd like) instead of nous voudrions (we'd like). Bon appétit!

L’addition, s’il vous plaît. – “The bill, please”

One final bit of restaurant-related vocabulary – the bill (or “check” if you're American) is l'addition .

So when you're ready to leave, say l’addition, s’il vous plaît – “the bill, please”.

You’ll often hear la facture used in Quebec instead of l’addition – however both are perfectly understandable to waitstaff.

Other French Phrases for Out and About in France:

• Can you help me please? – Pouvez-vous m'aider s'il vous plaît?
• I would like… – Je voudrais…
• I’d like one of those please – J'en voudrais un s'il vous plait
• Three: Trois
• Four: Quatre
• Five: *Cinq

Learn more: French Numbers: Counting in French from 1 – 100+

Romantic French Phrases

Je t'aime – “i love you”.

Finally, let’s talk about love.

They say that French is a romantic language, so maybe in your travels you'll find love on the road? Or maybe after you get home, you'll want to use your newfound French skills to woo that special someone.

So how do you say “I love you” in French?

The French word for “to love” is adorer – but you generally only use this word when talking about things rather than people, for example to say that you love a place, book, or song.

When talking to a person, say je t'aime . Aimer usually means “like”, but in this context it means “love” in the most romantic of senses. Use it wisely!

Here are some other romantic French phrases:

• My heart – Mon cœur
• My love – Mon amour
• You’re beautiful – Tu es belle (to a woman); Tu es beau (to a man)
• You’re too cute – Tu es trop mignon
• I like you (Lit: “You please me”) – Tu me plais

Bonus: French Slang

Wondering what a famous French saying is that you could use in everyday life? Or how do you say “cool” in French slang?

Here are some bonus French sayings and slang to level up your French:

• Cool – Cool (yes, really! Just say it with a French accent 😉)
• Awesome – Génial
• That sucks – C’est nul
• That’s great – C’est top
• Don’t worry – T'inquiète
• Losing my mind – Perdre la tête

Over to You

Can you think of any other useful French phrases for tourists? What are the most important words and phrases for beginners to know? Let us know in the comments.

And if you’re ready to learn more French, check out the 111 core French words that are commonly used. Or learn some more fun French slang !

Benny Lewis

Founder, Fluent in 3 Months

Fun-loving Irish guy, full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author. Benny believes the best approach to language learning is to speak from day one .

Speaks: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Esperanto, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language, Dutch, Irish

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

Learn French for travel: The best 100 phrases to know

Learn French for travel ! Our comprehensive guide covers everything from greetings and introductions to ordering food and asking for directions.

Learn French for travel

It is an excellent idea to learn the French language before traveling because it is widely spoken, especially in France and other French-speaking nations in Europe, Africa, and Canada. A few basic French phrases will enable you to interact with locals, find your way around foreign locales, and make the most of your trip.

Here are the best French phrases to know for travel:

• Bonjour (Hello)
• Comment ça va? (How are you?)
• Merci (Thank you)
• S’il vous plaît (Please)
• Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
• Je suis désolé (I’m sorry)
• Je ne comprends pas (I don’t understand)
• Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)
• Où se trouve …? (Where is …?)
• Combien ça coûte? (How much does it cost?)
• Je voudrais … (I would like …)
• Je suis perdu (I’m lost)
• Je cherche … (I’m looking for …)
• Je m’appelle … (My name is …)
• J’ai besoin de … (I need …)
• Je viens de … (I come from …)
• Je suis en vacances (I’m on vacation)
• Je suis touriste (I’m a tourist)
• C’est où le …? (Where is the …?)
• C’est combien? (How much is it?)
• C’est combien pour …? (How much for …?)
• C’est à quelle heure? (What time is it?)
• Quel est votre adresse? (What’s your address?)
• Où est la gare? (Where is the train station?)
• Où est l’aéroport? (Where is the airport?)
• Où est la plage? (Where is the beach?)
• Où est la mairie? (Where is the town hall?)
• Où est la banque? (Where is the bank?)
• Où est le musée? (Where is the museum?)
• Où est le restaurant? (Where is the restaurant?)
• Où est le café? (Where is the café?)
• Où est le supermarché? (Where is the supermarket?)
• Où est le cinéma? (Where is the cinema?)
• Où est l’hôpital? (Where is the hospital?)
• Où est le centre-ville? (Where is the city center?)
• Où est le parc? (Where is the park?)
• Où est le marché? (Where is the market?)
• Où est le parking? (Where is the parking?)
• Où est le bureau de poste? (Where is the post office?)
• Je prends … (I’ll have …)
• Je voudrais une chambre pour … nuits (I would like a room for … nights

Why you should learn French when you travel to France?

There are several reasons why you should learn French when you travel to France:

• Improved communication : Knowing French will help you communicate with locals , understand menu items at restaurants, ask for directions, and engage in conversation with the people you meet.
• Cultural understanding : By speaking French, you will gain a deeper appreciation of French culture, history, and customs.
• Increased independence : If you know French, you will be able to navigate your way around France and feel more confident and independent during your travels.
• Better bargains : Knowing French will allow you to negotiate prices and haggle for goods in markets, making shopping more enjoyable and cost-effective.
• Enhanced travel experience : When you speak French, you are more likely to engage with locals and have authentic experiences, creating lasting memories from your travels.

Overall, learning French can greatly enhance your travel experience in France, making it more enjoyable, convenient, and culturally enriching.

Tips on how to learn French for travel

Here are some tips on how to learn French for travel:

• Start with the basics : Focus on learning essential phrases, such as greetings, numbers, and simple questions and answers.
• Use language learning resources : Take advantage of online resources, such as language learning apps, online courses, and audio programs, to improve your speaking and listening skills.
• Immerse yourself in the language : Watch French TV shows, listen to French music, and practice speaking with native speakers to improve your comprehension and pronunciation.
• Learn key travel phrases : Make a list of key phrases related to travel, such as asking for directions, ordering food, and shopping, and focus on learning those first.
• Practice, practice, practice : The more you practice speaking French, the more confident you will become. Try to find opportunities to practice speaking, such as with a language exchange partner or a tutor.
• Get a French language guidebook : Invest in a guidebook that has French phrases and grammar explanations, so you can refer to it while you travel.
• Study before you go : Use your travel time to study the French language , such as on a plane or train ride.

Remember, the key to learning French is consistency and practice, so be patient and persistent with your studies, and you will soon be able to speak the language with confidence on your travels.

Greetings in French while traveling

Here are some common greetings in French that you can use while traveling:

• Bonjour – Hello
• Salut – Hi
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• Comment ça va ? – How are you?
• Ça va bien, merci. Et vous? – I’m fine, thank you. And you?
• Enchanté(e) – Nice to meet you
• Bonne journée – Have a good day
• Bonne soirée – Have a good evening
• Bonne nuit – Good night
• Au revoir – Goodbye

Using these greetings will help you make a good impression and connect with locals during your travels in France. Keep in mind that the French are known for their politeness, so using proper greetings and farewells is an important part of communication in the country.

Introduce yourself in French

Introducing yourself in French is a great way to make a good first impression and start a conversation with locals. To introduce yourself, you can use the phrase “Je m’appelle” followed by your name.

For example: “Je m’appelle Sarah.”

Additionally, you can add information about where you are from and what you do, using the phrases “Je suis de” and “Je suis.” For example: “Je suis de Los Angeles et je suis enseignante.” (I am from Los Angeles and I am a teacher.)

To finish the introduction, you can ask the person you are speaking to about themselves, using the phrase “Et vous ?” (And you?). With these simple phrases, you can make a great introduction and start a conversation in French.

Saying “I don’t understand” in French

When traveling in a foreign country, it’s important to know how to communicate effectively, especially when it comes to expressing that you don’t understand. To say “I don’t understand” in French, you can use the phrase “Je ne comprends pas.”

This phrase is simple, clear, and easy to remember, making it an essential tool for anyone traveling in France. If you need further clarification, you can also ask the person to repeat what they said, using the phrase “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?” (Can you repeat, please?).

By using these phrases, you can ensure that you can communicate effectively and get the information you need during your travels in France.

Basic questions for learning French for travel

Here are some basic questions in French that you can use while traveling:

• Comment vous appelez-vous ? – What is your name?
• D’où venez-vous ? – Where are you from?
• Qu’est-ce que vous faites dans la vie ? – What do you do for a living?
• Parlez-vous français ? – Do you speak French?
• Pouvez-vous me dire comment aller à … ? – Can you tell me how to get to …?
• Combien coûte … ? – How much does … cost?
• Avez-vous … ? – Do you have …?
• Où est … ? – Where is …?
• Pouvez-vous me recommander un bon restaurant ? – Can you recommend a good restaurant?
• Pourriez-vous me donner un peu d’aide, s’il vous plaît ? – Could you give me a little help, please?

You can effectively interact with locals and obtain the information you require when traveling in France by being aware of these fundamental questions. Always utilize proper pronunciation and grammar when speaking French, and always be courteous and respectful.

Ordering food in French

If you don’t speak French well, ordering food in that language can be a little scary. You can order meals in France with the use of the following simple inquiries and expressions:

• Je voudrais commander … – I would like to order …
• Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ? – What do you recommend?
• Est-ce que vous avez … ? – Do you have …?
• Je prendrais … – I will have …
• Est-ce que je peux avoir … s’il vous plaît ? – Can I have … please?
• Est-ce que c’est possible de … ? – Is it possible to …?
• Est-ce que je peux avoir une carte des vins ? – Can I have a wine menu?
• Est-ce que je peux avoir l’addition, s’il vous plaît ? – Can I have the bill, please?
• C’était délicieux, merci ! – That was delicious, thank you!

With these basic phrases, you will be able to confidently order food and drinks in French while traveling in France. Remember to use proper pronunciation and grammar, and to be polite when speaking with restaurant staff.

Asking for directions in French

When traveling in France, it’s important to know how to ask for directions. Here are some basic phrases that you can use to ask for directions in French:

• Excusez-moi, où est … ? – Excuse me, where is …?
• Comment aller à … ? – How do I get to …?
• Est-ce loin d’ici ? – Is it far from here?
• Est-ce que c’est à droite ou à gauche ? – Is it to the right or to the left?
• Est-ce que vous pouvez me montrer sur la carte ? – Can you show me on the map?
• Est-ce que vous pouvez me donner des indications ? – Can you give me directions?
• Je cherche … – I am looking for …
• Pouvez-vous me dire comment y aller à pied ? – Can you tell me how to get there on foot?
• Pouvez-vous me dire comment y aller en voiture ? – Can you tell me how to get there by car?
• Merci beaucoup ! – Thank you very much!

With the help of these fundamental words, you will be able to ask for directions and move around France with ease. While requesting instructions, keep in mind to be kind and respectful, and when speaking French, remember to pronounce words correctly and use perfect grammar.

Learn French for travel now

Your journey can now begin. The vocabulary and phrases you acquired here can be used to start making travel arrangements for your planned trip to French now that you are ready to learn French for travel .

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60+ French Phrases for Travel You Need to Know [PLUS Printable]

Order your petit-déjeuner (breakfast) or buy your billets (tickets) to the Louvre all in French! Here are the most useful French phrases for travel you need to know.

Learning some French will offer you further insight into the French culture, mentality, and way of life. The ability to speak even un peu français (a little bit of French) and avoid making these French faux pas will enhance your travel experience and open the doors to unique connections with the locals.

France is the world’s top tourist destination, attracting more than 79,5 million visitors a year! That’s why French is the next language in my travel phrase guide series.

Not only that, but speaking French also comes in handy when travelling to Africa, Switzerland, Canada , Monaco, French Polynesia, the Seychelles amongst other places.

Why else should you learn French? Well, it makes learning other languages, especially Romance languages like Spanish , Italian , Portuguese and Romanian much easier.

Want to have fun whilst learning French? Struggling to find decent French language resources? I recommend getting uTalk . Available as a desktop site and app, uTalk is awesome for learning key words and phrases in French especially if you want to use it for travel purposes.  It’s great for beginners getting started in a language and invaluable for intermediates looking to fill in gaps in their vocabulary and pronunciation. 

What I love most about uTalk is that you can jump around their extensive library of topics and choose what you want to learn, when you want, and at your own pace.  Because I believe in uTalk so much, I reached out to them and we’ve teamed up to offer you an exclusive 30% OFF reader discount across all of uTalk’s 140 languages! This offer isn’t available anywhere else! Click here to claim your exclusive 30% discount.

Let’s take a quick look at the French language so you’re a bit more clued up on its origin, use, and vocabulary.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed bringing it together. If you have any requests for other languages, let me know in the comments section!

Where is French spoken?

That’s a lot of Bonjour -ing!

French is the third most spoken language in Europe, after German and English and has official-language status in 29 countries, including: Belgium , Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada , Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France , Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland , Togo and Vanuatu. French is even one of six official languages of the United Nations.

It seems like nearly everyone wants to learn French, it’s the only language, alongside English, that is taught in every country in the world!

And the best way to learn it? Well, France operates the biggest international network of cultural institutes, which run French-language courses close to a million learners. My two favourite ways to learn French is by attending language classes – so I’m not only held accountable but also for the social aspect –  and going on language holiday too!

A Brief History of the French Language

The French and English languages have a pretty mixed-up history. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norman French was adopted as the language of power on the British Isles.

For the next 400 years, French was the language of the nobility and of most official documents. King Henry V put a stop to that when he went to war with France, but because the two languages existed in parallel for so long, the English language is peppered with words of French origin, many of which can be traced back to French roots. This means that you actually already know a lot of French, even if you don’t think you do.

Now for the tricky stuff!

French Pronunciation Tips

There is a total of 26 letters in the French alphabet. Standard French contains 13 oral vowels and up to 4 nasal vowels, but there are 5 additional accented letters that can be applied to change the sound of a letter.

Here are some helpful pronunciation tips:

Using Liaisons

One of the fundamental rules of pronouncing French (and many other Latin-based languages) is that everything has to flow. That’s one of the reasons why French sounds so beautiful.

If you’re speaking French correctly, everything should sound like a continuous melody.

That’s where liaisons come in.

Liaisons are a phonetic link between two words that may sound awkward if left unconnected.

Let’s take a look at some examples where they are used  when speaking:

• After pronouns e.g. vous avez sounds like vooz-ah-vey not  voo ah-vey
• Numbers and nouns e.g. deux amis sounds like derz-ah-mee not der ah-me
• One syllable prepositions e.g chez eux sounds like shez-uur not sheh uur

And liaisons that are forbidden when speaking:

• When using full names e.g.
• After et (and)

Liaisons may seem complicated at first, but they will become easier the more you listen to spoken French. After a while, you’ll automatically be able to notice where a liaison is needed (and where it isn’t) and how to make it sound natural when speaking.

What Not to Pronounce in French

Much like English, the French language isn’t written phonetically. The same sound can be represented by several different combinations of letters, and there are many cases of silent French letters. Two of the most well known are the silent “e” and the silent “h.”

The Silent “e”

The letter “e” is often silent in French, especially at the end of a word. Here are some examples:

Rue (road/street) is pronounced  roo not roo-ee and inacceptable (unacceptable) is pronounced an-ah-sep-tah-bil not an-ah-sep-tah-ble

Of course, there are exceptions when it comes to masculine and feminine adjectives and nouns.

In the case of feminine adjectives and nouns, this typically means that the final consonant of the masculine form will now be pronounced. So, the masculine ouvert , meaning open in the masculine form and pronounced oo-ver , will become ouverte  in the feminine form and pronounced oo-vert . The ‘ e ’ makes the final letter sounded.

The Final Consonant

As you’ve probably already noticed, there are a tonne of French letters that simply aren’t pronounced at the end of words. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it!

In French, silent letters, or lettres muettes , have rules and exceptions just like many other linguistic concepts.

In general, the final consonants of a word are usually silent in French except in some cases of the letters c, f, l or r .

Just remember this simple rule, the consonants in the word ‘ careful ’ are always pronounced.

For example,

Avec (with) is pronounced  ah-ve k

Cinq (five) is pronounced saan k

Hiver (winter) is pronounced ee-ve r

The general rule regarding French word endings is that when in doubt, you probably don’t pronounce it. But, French is full of exceptions!

The Infamous “r”

For many English speakers, the French “r” can be a source of frustration. To pronounce it, you’ll need to use your throat and imagine you’re trying to gargle. The French “r” is pronounced in the same place as the English “k”, but with your throat closed.

The Silent “h”

As you’ve probably noticed from every French speaker’s failed attempt to say the word “hamburger” in English, the “h” in French is a silent letter no matter where it’s located in a word.

The only exception to this is when the preceding letter is “c,” in which case the “ch” combination makes a “sh” sound or “k” sound.

Here are a few examples of the silent “h”:

Le haricot vert (French bean) is pronounced leh ah-ree-coh ver

Huit (eight) is pronounced weet

Hiver (winter) is pronounced ee-ver

Admittedly there are a few finicky grammar rules to learn, but generally speaking, English grammar corresponds relatively closely to French grammar.

Consider words in English that end with – ible  and -able , these are the same in French, only the pronunciation changes. So, the French word ‘possible’ sounds like poss-ee-bleh and ‘comfortable’ becomes kom-for-tah-bleh .

Then we have English words ending in -ent and -ant which also come from French and have the same spelling and the same meaning. So, the word, différent sounds like diff-er-ohnt  and important  sounds like ahm-poor-tahnt . The ‘t’ at the end is just slightly sounded.

Had enough? Ok, one more! Words in English ending in -ary l ike contrary become -aire in French. So, ‘contrary’ becomes contraire  and sounds like kon-trair .

There are so many rules like this, so you can see just how easy learning French can be.

Here are top 10 French Italian Phrases for Travel You SHOULD Know [& How to Use Them]

Top french phrases for travellers.

Want the infographic to take with you? Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Greetings Essentials Questions Eating Out Getting Around Numbers Days Emergencies

**There are a few places that use unique words for the numbers 70 ( septante ) and 90 ( nonante ), such as Belgium and Switzerland. With the numbers 80 to 89, combine the number 4, the number 20, and the ones.

For example, in French 80 is four 20s, 81 is four 20s plus 1, and so forth. (Unlike most French-speaking countries, Switzerland actually has a word for the number 80. It’s huitante .)

Want more? Learn French with me, with Intrepid French!

Travelling to France? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn France for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”.  In addition to my free French travel phrase guide , I’ve made it even easier for you to master the French language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Join my popular French course here.

Here’s what my students are saying: 

Loved it, loved it, loved it. I’ve been trying to learn languages using various language learning apps for years now and although I know random words I feel no more confident in actually speaking the language than I was when I started.” – Basil Pereira

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Have a laugh with these funny French expressions

Like it? Pin or download this French travel phrase guide

Like it? Pin it for later!

Learning French? Check out these French language guides

• Top 10 French Phrases You Should NEVER Say [& What to Use Instead]
• How to Sound More French: Top 10 French Phrases the French Love Saying
• How a ‘potato’ improved my French pronunciation
• 25 Funny French Idioms Translated Literally
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Over to you!

Which of these French phrases are the most useful? What other languages would you like a travel phrase guide for? Have you been to a French-speaking country? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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How to sound more french: top 10 french phrases you should use.

This is great. I took years of French when in school, 40-years ago and now want to re-learn and be able to get by when traveling. Merci

Hi! (Sorry for the Failures, I don’t speak english very well because I am french) My Name is Salomé and I am from France. I felt random on your Website and I watched you tables and the picture called ” French travel Cheat sheet “. What you’re doing is awesome because you help people open us to the World. I am proud of what you do. I want to help because I am a native speaker of French not of all the French (Canada, Belgium..) but from France. Salomé

Hey Michele, love the article, love the guide. I think there are some mistakes on the French spelling and pronuciation for the word Right.

Right =droite drrrwa (with the funny r for the French). Apart from that, what a precious website!! Well done!

Hi Monique, thank you for correcting this typo, I’ve just fixed it now 🙂

Hey Michele

This is so cool. Thanks for sharing it. I was I Paris about a month ago and these would have come in very handy. Keep up the good work.

Merci Au revour

Thanks Basil, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I hope you’ll find it useful for future travels in Francophone countries 🙂

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Vocabulary Lesson: French for Travelers

Learn Common French Words You'll Use While Traveling

• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Resources For Teachers

Travelers to France and other countries where French is spoken will want to learn a few basic words in the local language. It will help you on your trip ( le  voyage ) as you make your way around and speak to people.

In this French vocabulary lesson, you will learn how to ask for directions, navigate your transportation options and rent a car, avoid danger, and enjoy local shopping and dining during your stay. It is an introductory lesson and you will find links to other lessons so you can further your studies.

As a traveler ( voyageur ) , you may also want to brush up on French phrases required for politeness as well as a few that are essential and let people know that you are new to the language.

Have a good trip! ( Bon voyage ! )

Note: Many of the words below are linked to .wav files. Simply click on the link to listen to the pronunciation.

Getting Around and Asking for Directions

Whether you are roaming the streets of Paris or decide to take a drive in the French countryside, these simple phrases are useful for those times when you need to ask for help.

Travel Essentials

Every traveler needs know these basic words for their journey.

• Tourist information -  information touristique
• Customs -  la  douane
• Passport -  le  passeport
• Map -  la  carte

Important Signs You Need to Know

Travelers can find themselves in precarious situations if they don't know how to read signs. Some signs will warn you of danger while others simply draw your attention to a simple fact (like the museum is closed or the restroom is out of service).

Before you travel, memorize these simple words and phrases that are found to ensure your trip goes a little smoother.

• Watch out! -  Attention !
• Open -  ouvert  
• Closed -  fermé
• Forbidden -  interdit
• Do not enter -  défense d'entrer
• Out of service -  hors service  or  en panne

In case you should have a medical emergency, get sick, or have a specific medical condition, you will want to review and learn French vocabulary related to ailments and illnesses .

Shops, Restaurants, and Hotels 

In your journey, you will probably do quite a bit of shopping and dining. You will also need to stay at a hotel and all of these require you . The following vocabulary lessons will help you navigate all of these situations.

• At the Hotel
• Banking and Money
• Dining at Restaurants

As a primer to those lessons, you will find that you will need to use these two phrases when making purchases.

Transportation Essentials

You will also need to rely on various types of  transportation ( le  transport )  during your trip and reviewing these French words will be very useful.

The airport comes with an entirely new set of vocabulary that you will want to know for your arrival and departure flights. See if you're ready with this quiz .

• Airplane -  l' avion
• Airport -  l' aéroport

Quite often, you will find that a subway is a great way to get from one place to another. Familiarizing yourself with these words will help you find the subway station.

• Subway -  le métro
• Subway station -  la gare / station de métro

The bus is another great form of local transportation ( le transport local ) and you will want to know just a few words in French.

• Bus - l' autobus
• Bus stop -  l' arrêt d'autobus
• Bus station -  la gare d'autobus

Traveling by train is an affordable and comfortable way to get around France and trains also come with a unique set of vocabulary that you will want to study.

• Train -  le train
• Platform -  le quai
• Train station -  la gare

At the Ticket Booth

No matter which mode of public transportation you choose, a ticket is often required and you will need to visit the ticket booth ( billetterie ) .

• Round-trip ticket -  un billet aller-retour
• One-way ticket -  un billet simple
• Price -  le prix

Renting a Car in French

If you want to break out on your own, renting a car is a great way to do it. This portion of the lesson focuses on what you will need to know about car rentals, including what to ask for and important details in the rental agreement.

When you do get in the car ( la voiture ) , you will also want to know basic French vocabulary for driving .

• Rental -  la location

Requesting a Particular Car

You can make special requests for the car you would like to rent with a simple sentence. Begin the request with " Je voudrais..." a nd specify the style of car you're seeking.

Requesting Specific Features in a Car

If you have special requirements, such as a seat for your child, begin the sentence with  " Je voudrais..."  (I would like...) and ask for one of these.

• Air conditioning -  la clime
• Baby seat -  une nacelle bébé
• Booster seat -  un réhausseur intégral
• Child seat -  un siège enfant

Details of the Rental Agreement

It is vital that you understand your rental agreement and these questions will ensure that there is no confusion lost in translation.

• Extra driver -  un conducteur supplémentaire
• Damages -  les dommages
• French Vocabulary: At the Hotel
• French Vocabulary: Driving and Cars
• French Trains Vocabulary - Prendre le Train En France
• French Vocabulary: At the Dentist
• Vocabulaire Du Métro - French Subway Vocabulary
• French Vocabulary Lesson: Banking and Money
• Free French Worksheets
• French Vocabulary: On the Phone
• French Reading Comprehension Test
• Telling Time in French
• Taking the Train in France Master Typical French Train Announcements
• Tips to Improve Your French Vocabulary
• French Vocabulary Lesson: Quantities, Weights, and Measures
• Useful Phrases to Use in French Class
• French for Beginners: Lessons and Tips
• Must-Know Vocabulary for French Restaurant Dining

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108 French Travel Phrases for a Smooth Trip to France

Having essential French travel phrases on hand can totally transform your trip.

If you meet people, get lost or just need to ask a local some questions , these expressions and sayings will help you out in most tourist scenarios and make your time in France truly memorable!

In this post, I’ll introduce you to 108 basic French phrases for travelers, as well as tips and cultural context so they’re easier to memorize ahead of time.

Oui ! Non ! Common French Words and Phrases

Basic french phrases to introduce yourself, questions you’ll ask while traveling in france, french for travelers to get around town, what was that clarifying french phrases, basic french phrases for shopping, phrases for dining out in french, going hard(ish) in the club, how to prepare for traveling to france, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Let’s start with the absolute basics.

Bonjour (Hello) Add a monsieur (sir) or madame (ma’am) to be polite.

Salut ! (Hi/Hey!) This is a more casual version of “hello.” You’ll hear the young folks throwing this one around.

Au revoir (Goodbye)

À plus / À plus tard ! (See you/See you later!)

À la prochaine ! (See you next time!)

Bisous / Bises ! (Kisses!) This is a casual way to say goodbye.

Bonsoir (Good evening)

Bonne journée ! ([Have a] good day!)

Bonne soirée ! ([Have a] good evening!)

Vous me manquez déjà ! (I miss you already!)

Pardon (Excuse me)

Merci (Thank you)

S’il vous plaît (Please)

Excusez-moi monsieur / madame (Excuse me sir/ma’am)

Parlez-vous anglais ? (Do you speak English?)

Comment dit-on … en français ? (How do you say … in French?)

These phrases will help you out when meeting locals and trying to make French-speaking friends.

Je m’appelle… (My name is…)

Moi, c’est… (Me, I’m…) This is a more casual way of introducing yourself.

Comment vous appelez-vous ? (What is your name?)

Tu t’appelles comment ? (What’s your name?) Use this one for when you want to keep things casual, with the  tu  form .

Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?)

Ça va ? En forme ? (How are you? You good?)

Nous sommes arrivés / arrivées…  (We arrived…) Use this phrase to let someone know when you got into town.

Nous restons… (We’re staying…) Use this phrase to explain to your new friends where you’re staying, as well as how long you’re staying.

Je vous présente… (lit. “I present you…”) This is another way of saying “This is [my]…” when you want to introduce two people to each other.

Enchanté/Enchantée. (Pleased to meet you.)

Je suis ravi / ravie de faire votre connaissance.  (I am glad/delighted to meet you.) You’ll raise some impressed eyebrows if you bust out this fancy French “nice to meet ya.”

Je parle un peu français. (I speak a little French.)

If you’re learning French, chances are you’ll want to practice your language skills when you go out there. However, it can be intimidating approaching a native—letting them know that you’re not fluent will really put your mind to rest!

Saying je parle un peu français  will enable you to continue practicing your speaking skills, while at the same time alleviating any pressure you might feel to talk fluently . Use this phrase when you’re first starting a conversation, or want to continue talking to someone in French.

J’apprends le français depuis… (I’ve been learning French for…)

People are sure to notice your French accent and they’ll probably want to know how long you’ve been learning the language of love.

Je suis là pour les vacances / le travail.  (I’m here for vacation/work.)

After you’ve made your initial introductions, it’s likely that a person with whom you’re speaking will ask about the time you’re spending in France. While many people travel to the country for vacation, this isn’t always the case, so informing the other person of your reasons for traveling can help fuel the conversation you have.

It’s likely that the other person will want to expand on the topic, so having a few words ready about your future itinerary or your job wouldn’t go amiss.

Où est… ? (Where is…?)

This is a phrase that you’ll need to use a lot in France, and it pays to memorize the names of a few places so you can get by if you’re stuck.

Here are some French phrases for travelers to build off of  “où est.”

Où est…

l’hôtel ? (the hotel?)

la banque ? (the bank?)

l’aéroport ? (the airport?)

le guichet ? (the ticket window?)

la plage ? (the beach?)

Quel temps va-t-il faire aujourd’hui ? (What will the weather be like today?)

Don’t forget that much of the time, the weather in France is described using the verb faire .

Learning some French vocabulary for weather is a great idea before you venture out—being able to understand what sun and rain are in French will help you to listen out for all the right words.

Il fait beau aujourd’hui (It’s beautiful weather today)

Il pleut (It’s raining)

Il fait chaud (It’s hot)

Il fait froid (It’s cold)

Il fait soleil / Il y a du soleil (It’s sunny)

Il fait venteux / Il y a du vent (It’s windy)

Est-ce que vous pourriez prendre ma photo, s’il vous plaît ? (Could you take my photo, please?)

Everyone loves a souvenir, and it’s likely that you’ll take your camera along with you to capture precious memories. In touristy zones, natives are used to being asked to take photos, but if you’re going to do it, it’s especially nice to be able to inquire in French.

If there are a group of you, replace ma photo (my photo) with notre photo (our photo). And to be polite, start your request with excusez-moi monsieur/madame .

Addressing someone by the equivalent of “sir” or “madam” in French is generally expected, so if in doubt, err on the side of being over-polite—the person taking your photo is much more likely to accept your request!

Pouvez-vous m’appeler un taxi, s’il vous plaît ? (Can you call me a taxi, please ?)

Getting home in France when public transport has stopped running can be a real worry, and unless you’re right next to a taxi stand, it can be very difficult to find a cab. If you’re at a venue late, ask this question to one of the staff.

Staff are likely to have all the information about local transport and taxis and normally will be able to supply you with one in no time at all! As usual, address the person in the most polite way you can and thank them for their help.

Learning about other forms of transport will also help you to no end, especially when you’re searching for a way to get home.

Le bus (The bus)

Le train (The train)

Le bateau (The boat)

Le car (The coach)

La voiture (The car)

Pouvez-vous m’aider ? (Can you help me?)

In the unlikely scenario that you get into trouble when in France, it’s really important to have armed yourself with the right words to get out of a bind. Even just knowing this phrase is incredibly handy.

Of course, just because you need help doesn’t mean you’re in trouble—you might just need directions . The above phrase can be used in those scenarios, too, and is a great way to identify people who are able to speak French and who know their way around town.

Où est l’ambassade américaine ? (Where is the American Embassy?)

Again, travel French isn’t just about getting around, eating well and having fun. There are also French phrases to know in case of emergency.

If you run into trouble in France, one good address to have on hand is that of the American embassy .  A stolen U.S. passport or ID card can be replaced at the embassy, and you might need their help if there is ever a political problem in France and you need to exit the country quickly.

That’s a rarity to be sure, but it’s better to be prepared while traveling!

You’ll likely benefit from some further directional guidance while traveling around France. These phrases will come in handy.

Où est le métro ? (Where is the metro?)

Où sont les taxis ? (Where are the taxis?)

Où est la sortie ? (Where is the exit?)

C’est près d’ici ? (Is it close by?)

C’est loin ? (Is it far?)

Est-ce que ce bus passe par… (Does this bus pass by…)

Emmenez-moi à cette adresse, s’il vous plaît. (Take me to this address, please.)

Use this polite phrase with your taxi driver before you hand over that crumpled sticky note with François’ address on it.

Je vous dois combien ? (How much do I owe you?)

After your chauffeur de taxi (taxi driver) has so graciously driven you to François’ place, you’ll have to pay up.

Puis-je avoir un plan de la ville, s’il vous plaît ? (Can I have a map of the city, please?)

Use this phrase when you roll up to the  office de tourisme  (tourist office). You can also ask for a public transit map specifically:

Puis-je avoir un plan du métro, s’il vous plaît ? (Can I have a metro map, please?)

Je cherche… (I am looking for…)

Je cherche is another handy French travel phrase, especially if you’re traveling for the first time in a French city.

Unlike in English, where we say “I am looking for …” the French don’t use a preposition (“for”) after the verb, and simply follow this phrase with what they’re searching for.

Je cherche…

le bus (the bus)

un taxi (a taxi)

les toilettes (the toilets)

l’hôpital (the hospital)

Je ne comprends pas. (I don’t understand.)

A necessity if you’re trying to make conversation with a native, je ne comprends pas will serve you well if you ever get stuck.

Often, French people are so pleased to find a foreigner who’s able to speak their language that they’ll get a little carried away and enthusiastically try to start a complex conversation. While situations like these are incredible if you’re a learner, they can also be very intimidating.

Don’t worry if you don’t understand. Simply excuse yourself, say that you don’t understand and if you would like to continue the conversation, try the following French phrase:

Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ? (Could you repeat that, please?)

Parlez plus lentement, s’il vous plaît. (Speak a little slower, please.)

For French learners, the coveted native speed of speaking can seem unattainable, and while you can learn to understand it over time, it does take a little adjusting to. If you’re speaking to a local and would like them to speak a little more slowly, it’s better to just ask them, rather than suffering in silence.

Saying parlez plus lentement, s’il vous plaît  will let your speaking partner realize they might be going a little too fast for you, but that you would still like to continue.

If you’d like them to go back over something they’ve been talking about, you can again ask them to repeat themselves to have them re-cover a topic that might have gone over your head.

Don’t worry about seeming rude—French people are often willing to help learners with their language skills, and will likely have no problem adjusting their speed.

If you’re traveling in France, you’ll probably be doing some shopping while you’re there!

Je suis à la recherche d’un… (I’m looking for a…) A great line for engaging the chipper shop girl, practicing your French and finding gifts for the folks back home.

Non, je regarde pour l’instant. (No, I’m [just] looking for the moment.)

C’est pour… (It’s for…)

Combien ça coûte ? (How much does this cost?)

Puis-je commander cela sur l’Internet ? (Can I order this on the internet?)

Je voudrais payer en liquide / espèces. (I would like to pay in cash.)

Est-ce que vous acceptez les cartes étrangères ? (Do you accept foreign cards?)

Be aware that paying for items when abroad may not work the same way as at home.

If you’re in a smaller town in France especially, it’s always worth checking with hotels or shop owners if they accept foreign modes of transaction. Asking est-ce que vous acceptez les cartes étrangères ?  will ensure that you don’t find yourself in any sticky payment situations down the line.

If you’re from North America, asking acceptez-vous les cartes sans puce ? (do you accept non-chip cards?) might be more to the point. Many North American cards don’t have chip-and-pin security, and some stores in France don’t have magnetic strip readers.

Generally, most tourist destinations will be equipped to deal with foreign credit cards, but if you’re ever not sure, it always pays to double check!

À quelle heure est-ce que cela ferme ? (What time does it close?)

Across France, especially in the summer months, it’s worth checking out closing times. To ask when a shop or attraction is closing, use this question.

On the other hand, to inquire when a place will be opening, ask à quelle heure est-ce que cela ouvre ? (what time does it open?). Both of these phrases are really essential when traveling, so make sure you learn them ahead of time!

And remember, French time works a little differently and is often given on a 24-hour cycle, so if someone responds with dix-sept heures   (literally, “17 hours”), they mean 5 p.m.

French cuisine is famous around the world, so what better place to try it than in its country of origin? These French phrases will help you make the most of dining in France.

Une table pour 4, s’il vous plaît. (A table for 4, please.

Le menu, s’il vous plaît. (The menu, please.)

La carte des vins, s’il vous plaît. (The wine menu, please.)

Est-ce que le service est compris ? (Is the tip included?)

C’est trop bon ! (This is so good!)

J’ai bien mangé.   (I ate well/I’m full.)

Je suis répu / repue.  (I’m satisfied/I’m full.) This one will really impress people. This is some real français   soutenu  (formal French) , and you’ll rarely hear a young French person say this.

On prend l’apéro ensemble ? (Let’s have an apéritif together?)

An apéritif is a beverage one drinks before eating—typically something alcoholic like whiskey, vodka or  pastis , for example.

Je voudrais… (I would like…)

Je voudrais is likely to be a phrase that you’ll need to use very frequently—when ordering food , attending new places or just trying to buy something in a shop.

While most phrasebooks will contain the names of most foods and items that you would need to order, it’s worth remembering a few so that you don’t get stuck in a sticky situation! Here are a few you may want to commit to memory.

Je voudrais…

un café (a coffee)

une bière (a beer)

une baguette (a baguette)

de l’eau (some water)

l’addition (the bill)

À votre santé ! (To your health!)

Say this right before you clink glasses with your new French pals. Be sure to make eye contact while doing so .

You can also just say santé !  (health!). À  la vôtre !   (to yours!) is also a good option when you’re with more than one person or having a tête-à-tête  (one-on-one discussion) with a distinguished gentleperson.

À la tienne !   (to yours!) works for casual one-on-one scenarios. Tchin tchin !   (clink clink!)   has the benefit of being pretty cute and onomatopoeic.

You’re sure to exude a certain  je ne sais quoi  (“I don’t know what”) as well as an ease with pronouns .

You’ve done the museums, the galleries, the restaurants, the cafés… time to party!

Ça te dit d’aller boire un verre ce soir ? (Want to go get a drink tonight?)

J’ai envie de faire la fête ! (I want to party!)

On s’installe là-bas ? (Let’s sit over there?)

Je voudrais une pinte de blonde / un verre de vin.  (I would like a pint of light ale/glass of wine.)

On va prendre la bouteille. (We’ll take the bottle.)

On prend des shooters ! (We’re taking shots!)

Est-ce qu’il y a un after ? (Is there an after party?)

Je suis crevé / crevée, j’y vais.  (I’m spent, I’m leaving.)

Rentrez-bien ! (Get home safely!) A good phrase to keep in your pocket when you’re leaving your party animal friends in the club.

Je me suis vraiment bien amusé / amusée.  (I really enjoyed myself.) Did your new French pals take you on an exhilarating tour of the coins et  recoins (nooks and crannies) of a charming neighborhood? Then let them know that you had fun!

Find a French phrasebook for travelers

Before you travel, you’re going to want to arm yourself with a few essentials, and at the top of your list should be a really great French phrasebook . Although I’ve just given you lots of helpful, common French travel phrases, it’s always good to be ready for any eventuality, and a phrasebook will act as a great backup.

One great phrasebooks for French learners are the “Collins French Phrasebook,” which contains a French dictionary for your convenience.

For more options, you’ll want to explore Lonely Planet   to see what’s available. There are French phrasebooks for every corner of the French-speaking world, and some have additional features like accompanying audio files, travel guides or apps.

Research local customs

Wherever you go in France, you’ll find a whole host of things that make the area unique. Whether it’s local French cooking , events or linguistic differences, it pays to research the place you’re going and, if necessary, learn a few basic French phrases relating to whatever may be going on around you.

In Paris, for example, some museums and galleries are free to all on the first Sunday of the month—a deal worth taking full advantage of! If you want to check out the region to which you’re traveling, France.fr is a great place to do so.

And of course, your French phrasebooks or regional travel guides can offer you insight into customs, culture, etiquette and holidays.

Make a list of activities

Just getting to France may seem like a dream come true, but unless you have some idea of how you want to spend your time, it can pass you by in a haze.

Before you leave for your trip, try making a list of things you’d like to do. This way, you can adjust the phrases you learn accordingly and be ready to ask about certain exhibitions in the area or how to find a place to eat that serves a certain local dish you’d like to try.

Spontaneity is wonderful, but a little planning doesn’t hurt, either!

Use an immersion program

You can get used to hearing the French language before you leave your house with immersion programs. Using an immersion program at home is a good way to get used to the sounds and natural speed of the language. It’s also a way to hear turns of phrases , filler words and slang —basically, parts of the language that are rarely taught in textbooks. Learn these, and your French will sound much more natural.

Learn polite French terms of address

The French take manners very seriously, and if you’re meeting someone for the first time, or talking to a stranger, it’s important that you address them in the right way.

If you’re trying to attract the attention of someone who might be able to help you, say either “hello sir/madam” or “excuse me sir/madam” in French, as given above. Similarly, when you enter a shop, it’s always nice to greet the shopkeeper by saying hello or good morning, also as you learned above.

You can get a head start on polite conversation for practical, everyday matters with ed2go’s Beginning Conversational French course. This is a short online course that prepares you for communication in places like restaurants, hotels and other typical scenarios you may encounter on your travels.

There are also different terms of address in French, and depending on how well you know someone, you’ll have to address them in a certain way. For people you know, you can say tu (you) when talking to them. This can also be used for children and animals.

For strangers, figures of authority or your elders, you must use  vous (you). This is a much more polite term of address, and expected when you haven’t gotten to know someone well yet.

If you’re struggling to know which one to use, always veer on the side of caution and use  vous. The other person will tell you if they want you to say tu to them instead!

Traveling to France is a thrilling and eye-opening experience.

In order to get the most out of the trip, it’s a great idea for tourists and travelers to learn some basic French phrases and words ahead of time.

These French travel phrases will have your back throughout your trip!

FluentU has a wide variety of great content, like interviews, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native French videos with reach. With interactive captions, you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples.

For example, if you tap on the word "crois," you'll see this:

Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary you've learned in a given video with learn mode. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning, and play the mini-games found in our dynamic flashcards, like "fill in the blank."

All throughout, FluentU tracks the vocabulary that you’re learning and uses this information to give you a totally personalized experience. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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60 Basic French Words You Need to Know Before Travel

• Everything About
• The alphabet
• Funny phrases
• Common words
• Untranslateable Words
• Reading Hacks
• Writing Tips
• Pronunciation
• Telling time
• Learn FASTER
• More resources

By OptiLingo • 5 minute read

Learn Basic French Words and Phrases

French is an awesome language. If you’re traveling to France, you’ll know first hand. But, the French are really proud of their language. Before you travel, you should definitely learn the most basic French words and phrases to get by. You’ll navigate easier and receive better customer service if you speak a little bit of French. Luckily, it doesn’t take long to learn at all . Use this handy vocabulary list to learn the most common French words in less than 30 minutes, and start your journey to fluency . 

Psst! Did you know we have a language learning app?

• It teaches you useful words and phrases.
• Presented in a natural, everyday context.
• Spaced out over time, so you absorb your new language organically.
• It’s kind of like learning the words to your new favorite song!

You’re only one click away!

Common French Words

Let’s dive right in with some of the most common French words and phrases.

• Bonjour : a general greeting meaning “hello” or “good morning”
• Au revoir : goodbye
• Merci : thank you
• Merci beaucoup : thank you very much
• Fille : girl
• Garçon : boy
• Femme : woman
• Homme : man
• Amour : love
• Français : French
• S’il vous plaît : please (literally, “if you please”)
• Bonsoir : good evening
• Bonne nuit : good night
• Excusez-moi : excuse me
• De rien : a casual way of saying “you’re welcome”
• Je vous en prie : a formal way to say “you’re welcome”
• Temps : time
• Monde : world
• Monsieur : mister or gentleman
• Raison : reason
• Mademoiselle : Miss, referring to an unmarried woman
• Madame : a married or older woman
• Beau : handsome
• Belle : beautiful
• Chien : dog
• Fort : strong

Common French Phrases

Now that we’ve looked at some common French words, let’s learn some frequent phrases. These will be helpful to know as you start forming full sentences, particularly if you plan to travel and talk with native French speakers .

• Je suis désolé(e) : I’m sorry
• Comment vous appelez-vous? : What is your name?
• Parlez-vous anglais? : Do you speak English?
• Je m’appelle : My name is
• Comment allez-vous? : How are you doing?
• Quelle heure est-il? : What time is it?
• Pouvez-vous m’aider? : Can you help me?
• Combien ça coûte? : How much is this?
• Je t’aime : I love you
• À tout à l’heure! : See you later!

Useful French Phrases for Travelers

We’ve looked at some common everyday words and phrases. Here are some specific phrases that might be useful if you need to get information in French-speaking areas.

• Je ne comprends pas : I do not understand
• Parlez lentement, s’il vous plaît : Speak slowly, please
• Répétez, s’il vous plaî t : Repeat, please
• Où sont les toilettes? : Where are the toilets?
• Où est un bon restaurant/un bon café? : Where is a good restaurant/cafe?
• Je cherche le métro/le gare/l’aéroport : I am searching for the metro/train station/airport
• Où est la plage/le centre-ville? : Where is the beach/city center?
• Je cherche l’hôtel/l’hôpital/la banque : I am searching for the hotel/hospital/bank
• Pourriez-vous me/nous prendre en photo? : Are you able to take my photo/our photo?

French Grammar: The Basics

Grammar is the boogeyman of language learning. Nobody likes it. But, it’s important to be familiar with the most basic rules, so you can start forming sentences in French quickly. With the useful French vocabulary you now have, you’re only steps away from fluency.

• Nouns Have Genders : In French, nouns are either feminine or masculine . These French genders affect a lot of grammatical rules. You need to conjugate adjectives and articles in French to fit the gender and number of the noun. For “the”, the French have “le” (masculine), “la” (feminine), and “les” (plural). For the English “a” and “an”, the French use “un” (masculine) and “une” (feminine).
• Verbs Conjugate Differently: In English, verbs in the present tense have only two forms. For example talk and talks. Meanwhile, in French, you have to conjugate verbs up to six different ways to fit the pronoun. 
• Adjectives come after the noun: In English, the adjective is placed before the noun. But, in French, the adjective is often found after the noun. Note that this is true often, but not always. Adjectives describing beauty, age, number, goodness, and size (or BANGS) come before the noun as an exception.

Tips For Learning Common French Words

Before you begin learning the most common French words, it’s good to know how you can study the best. Use this advice to guide your experience and maximize your language learning success.

• Use your trip as motivation : Motivation and enthusiasm are crucial to language learning success. And an upcoming trip is the perfect opportunity to motivate you. Build your excitement and your fluency at the same time.
• Review often : Once you’ve read these common French words and phrases and understood their meaning, make sure you review your material multiple times before you travel. This method is called spaced repetition , and it’s the best way to remember your language lessons.
• Don’t be afraid to speak : Speaking is the only way you’ll become fluent in French. Feel free to say these common French words out lout to get comfortable with the language. By the time you arrive to France, you’ll have no problem talking with the locals.
• Learn about French culture : French culture is incredibly rich in cultures and traditions . Learn a little bit about them before your trip, so you don’t commit faux pas .

Learn More Useful French Words and Phrases

Knowing these common French phrases will be extremely handy when you go to France. But, of course, there’s a lot more to the language. Perhaps this list was just the beginning of your language learning journey. If you want to learn the most useful phrases in the French language , you should try OptiLingo.

OptiLingo gives you the most high-frequency words and phrases in French. Forget about learning unnecessary vocabulary. This fun and effective method will make French more accessible than ever. Speak like a local with minimal study time. Discover how great learning French is by trying OptiLingo today !

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How to start speaking french before your vacation.

Illustration by Aura Lewis , courtesy of the Bright Agency.

You’ve bought your plane tickets, done your hours of research, and planned your itinerary. You’re just about ready to go, but there’s one thing missing: You don’t speak French. Whether you’re heading off to Paris for some art and culture, Brittany for a breath of fresh Atlantic air, or Bordeaux for the wine tour you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll enjoy it even more if you have a bit of the language under your belt. But where should you begin? Luckily for you, here at Babbel, we have tons of courses to teach you everything you’ll need for your trip.

Learning some French for your vacation will make it easier for you to get around, to order exactly what you want to eat or drink in a restaurant or café, and to really experience the culture by making connections with the local people. Here’s a little timeline we put together to get you speaking confidently in just two weeks!

Days 1-3: Get Started With The Basics!

There are some pretty standard things everyone should know how to say in the local language when they travel to a foreign country. Here are just a few:

• How are you?
• Good morning / afternoon / evening
• I don’t understand
• How much is _______?

To master these things in French, we suggest you start with our French beginner’s courses. They teach topics that range from introducing yourself and asking simple questions, all the way to booking a hotel and finding your way around a busy Parisian train station! You’ll also find a number of lessons focused on pronunciation, so you won’t have to worry about being misunderstood when you speak.

Depending on what you plan to do during your stay, some courses might be more valuable to you than others. Really think about what you plan to do on your trip, and try to come up with a list of situations you can imagine yourself in.  We recommend taking a look at the courses on our web version so that you can see exactly what each lesson contains. This way you can pick and choose which lessons will be the best for you.

Here’s an additional lesson we think is a must-do:

Finish that one, and you’ll have the vocabulary and phrases you need to be the most polite tourist ever!

Days 4-6: Practice Ordering A Meal!

Ratatouille, bœuf bourguignon, crêpes, quiche … the list goes on! France is a veritable wonderland of food and flavor, and you’ll most likely be spending a fair amount of time in restaurants and cafés. That being said, you should plan to brush up on some useful words and phrases for ordering a meal. As menus are often only in French, it’s a good idea to learn as much food vocabulary as you can! After all, you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re ordering.

For example, let’s say you’re craving a nice Surf and Turf with scallops and a juicy steak, so you order the escalope  and  filet mignon. You will be understandably disappointed when you end up with a veal cutlet and a pork tenderloin. But don’t worry, we can help you avoid embarrassing situations like this. Under the “Countries and Traditions” category, you’ll find our “French Cuisine” section, which gives you a rundown of the culinary specialties from the different regions of France. After doing these courses, you won’t be surprised at what you find on your plate when you order  les cuisses de grenouille!

We also have a couple of other courses about food, drink, and ordering. Here are two you should try before you jet off:

These two lessons will introduce the phrases you’ll need in order to understand the menu, order food, and ask for the bill. The satisfaction of getting through an entire meal in a restaurant en français  will make the time you spend practicing absolutely worth it!

Bon appétit!

Days 7-10: Learn To Ask For Directions And Use Public Transportation

Getting lost in a place where you speak the language is bad enough. Now imagine being lost somewhere where you can’t communicate with anyone! Knowing how to ask for help will definitely lower your stress levels if you get turned around.

Now, you should have made it through some of the beginner’s courses, but just in case you missed some of them, here’s a little tip. In Beginner’s Course 2, you’ll find a unit called “Pardon, où est … ?” . These lessons will teach you all you need to know to bravely go where no tourist has gone before! You’ll not only be able to ask for and understand directions but also learn some vocabulary for common locations in a city. Make a list of the places you’d like to visit so you can learn the words for these things as well.

If you still feel like you want a little more practice, then check out these lessons too:

These will help you perfect the skills you learned from the beginner’s course, and also give you more specific information about using public transportation, which can be a confusing affair. It’s also a good idea to learn a bit about French signs and street names. After completing these lessons, you’ll truly be a well-prepared  voyageur!

Days 11-14: Put It All Together (And Have Some Fun!)

With just a few days left before you leave, you’ll want to review everything you’ve learned so far so that it’s fresh in your mind and ready to be used! This is where the Babbel Review Manager will come in handy. All of the core vocabulary and phrases you’ve picked up over the last two weeks have been stored there so you can easily go back over them and practice.

If you’re feeling confident with the basics, then now it’s time to have a little fun! We have a huge selection of courses with interesting cultural and linguistic content that you can find under the categories “Countries and Traditions” and “Specials.” With these lessons, you can get your French slang up to snuff ( cimer! ), find some ideas for sightseeing, learn a bit about true and false friends, and also pick up a few idioms to really impress the locals. We promise it won’t all be  pour des prunes!

After these two weeks, you should be more than ready to communicate effectively during your vacation. Our final tip for you is, of course, to have fun!

Bon Voyage!

60 Important French Travel Phrases For Your Next Trip To France

Essential french words and travel phrases.

The most essential French travel phrases are Bonjour (hello), au revoir (goodbye), Où est? (Where is), C’est combien (How much is it?) and l’addition s’il vous plaît (the check, please). This page covers over 100 useful words and phrases which you can use on a trip to France.

French Greetings

If you are going to France it is very important to learn the basic greetings. While you might not speak French fluently just yet, the French people will really appreciate your trying to make an effort.

• Bonjour Hello, good morning, good day
• Au revoir Goodbye
• Salut Hi/bye (informal)
• Merci! Thank you!
• Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much!
• Ça va? How are you? How’s it going? (informal)
• Bien, merci! Fine, thank you!
• S’il vous plaît Please
• De rien You’re welcome
• Enchanté! Nice to meet you!

This page on our site covers French greetings in detail.

Asking directions

When asking directions in France, it’s very important that you know a few basic words. This page on our site covers asking directions in detail.

• Où est…? Where is…?
• Où est la gare? Where’s the train station?
• Où est la gare routière? Where’s the bus station?
• Où sont les toilettes? Where’s the restroom?
• Où est la banque? Where’ the bank?
• Où est un bureau de change? Where’s a exchange counter?
• Je suis perdu I’m lost
• Le plan city map

Asking for things

On your trip you’ll inevitably need to ask for things. This short list of words is a very good start. Learning the verb vouloir is a good idea as it means “to want”.

• Je veux (slightly informal)
• Je voudrais I would like
• Donnez-moi Give me
• Avez-vous? Do you have?
• Auriez-vous Would you happen to have?
• Qu’est-ce que c’est? What is it?
• Nous avons We have
• Nous n’avons pas We don’t have
• C’est disponible It’s available

Restaurant phrases

One of the best places to try practicing speaking French is a restaurant. Here’s a short list of words in phrases you may use. This page on our site offers a very comprehensive list of restaurant vocabulary . In addition, this page on our site covers food vocabulary and this page covers beverage vocabulary.

• Une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît A table for two, please
• Je prends I’ll have (from the verb prendre , to take)
• La carte menu
• La soupe soup
• La salade salad
• L’entrée appetizer
• Le dessert dessert
• La boisson beverage
• Le vin rouge red wine
• Le vin blanc white wine
• La a bière beer
• Le café coffee

Taxi/Uber phrases

If you find yourself in a taxi or Uber, some of the the following phrases should come in very handy.

• Je vais à I’m going to
• Je descends ici I’ll get off here
• Voici l’adresse Here’s the address
• Allez tout droit Keep going straight
• Tournez à gauche Take a left
• Tournez à droite Take a right

Hotel phrases

The following is a short list of words and phrases that you can use in your hotel. While most hotel staff speak basic English, it’s still nice to know these words in French.

• L’hôtel hotel
• Une chambre à deux double room
• Un grand lit Double bed
• La réception Check-in desk
• Quitter la chambre To check out
• La piscine swimming pool
• Le petit déjeuner compris Breakfast included
• Réserver une chambre To reserve a room

Miscellaneous words and phrases

The following is a list of miscellaneous French words and phrases which we feel are essential for a trip to France and belong on this list.

• Je voudrais louer une voiture. I’d like rent a car.
• Je voudrais acheter un billet. I’d like to buy a ticket.
• Un billet aller-retour Round-trip ticket
• L’aller simple One-way ticket
• Le passeport passport
• Les vacances vacation
• Je voudrais annuler. I’d like to cancel.
• Un voyage A trip
• Bon voyage! Enjoy your trip!
• Bon séjour! Enjoy your stay!

Further your learning We feel that it’s a great idea to carry a French phrase book while traveling in France. Overall, we have used and like the Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary . Another great companion for a trip to France is the Rick Steves French Phrase Book & Dictionary .

Discover more:

• Ways to say “thank you” in French
• How to say “hello” in French
• Ways to say “you’re welcome” in French
• Guide to French verbs
• Guide to French vocabulary

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Affiliate disclosure: Below you will find affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. To learn more please visit our full disclosure page . Merci!

Read our full review of À Moi Paris and find out why we love it so much!

Read our full review of French Verb Drills and find out why we recommend this course!

David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.

See all posts by David Issokson

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Basic French Words, Phrases, and Sayings Every Traveler Should Know

These are the basic French words, phrases, and slang to know for your next trip to France.

Anyone who has spent even the shortest amount of time in France — particularly in Paris — knows the importance of being able to speak a little français, so we've rounded up some common French phrases, words, and even French slang you should learn before your next trip — whether it's in six months or six years.

Locals will quickly warm to travelers who at least make an effort to speak their language. Whether it's saying "bonjour" when you enter a shop or ordering politely in a café, the French will take note of your courtesy. Any useful French words, sayings, or phrases you can commit to memory will help you navigate the country, interact with residents, and make the most of your trip.

And, as a rule, remember that it's always safer to use the "vous," or formal version, of French, unless you're speaking to a child. Here are the basic French words and phrases to learn before you visit France.

Basic French Words

Hello: Bonjour

Goodbye: Au revoir

Goodnight: Bonne soirée, or bonne nuit

Please: S'il vous plaît (formal), s'il te plaît (informal)

Thank you: Merci

You're welcome: De rien

Beautiful: Beau (masculine), belle (feminine)

Common French Phrases

How are you?: Comment allez-vous? (formal), Comment vas-tu? (informal)

I am well, and you?: Je vais bien, et vous?

What is your name?: Comment vous appelez-vous? (formal), Comment tu t'appelles? (informal)

My name is...: Je m'appelle...

I love you: Je vous aime (formal), Je t'aime (informal)

I miss you: Vous me manquez (formal), Tu me manques (informal)

Excuse me: Pardon

I don't know: Je ne sais pas

I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas

Basic French Phrases for Travelers

Do you speak English: Parlez-vous anglais?

I'm lost: Je suis perdu(e), adding an e if you identify as female.

I'm sorry: Je suis désolé(e)

Where is...: Où est... (For example, "Where is the Louvre?" translates to "Où est le musée du Louvre ?")

Where is the bathroom?: Où sont les toilettes?

How much is...: Combien coûte... (For example, "Combien coûte cette robe?" means "How much is this dress?")

I would like...: Je voudrais...

A beer: Une bière

A glass of wine: Un verre de vin

A coffee: Un café

Common French Sayings and French Slang

Hello: Salut (informal)

I love Paris: J'adore Paris

Have a nice trip: Bon voyage

Forget it or drop it: Laisse tomber

Come on or let's go: Allez

That's life: C'est la vie

Long live the Republic and long live France!: Vive la république et vive la France!

French food is the best in the world: La cuisine française est la meilleure du monde

How to Learn French for Travel Before Your Trip to Paris

The #1 piece of advice for anyone traveling to Paris, or anywhere else in France, is to learn some basic French before you go.  When you learn French for travel you expand your own opportunities to become immersed in French culture. More importantly, though, you show respect for French people and their language.

Today, it’s easier than ever to learn French for travel. Thanks to user-friendly technology, you can practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in French from the comfort of your home. You can target your practice to the French you’ll actually use when you’re traveling, so that you can apply your new knowledge from the moment your plane lands at l’aéroport .  Below, I talk about five ways that I studied French for travelers in preparation for my recent trip to Paris.

1. Duolingo – The Easiest Way to Learn French for Travel

I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with Duolingo for many years.  However, to prepare for my most recent trip to Paris, I decided to re-activate the app and commit to using it at least once a day.  To make this easier on myself I purchased Duolingo Plus, which offers an ad-free experience and unlimited daily mistakes (not that I make a lot of mistakes!) so that I can make the most of the time I spend reviewing French for travel.  You absolutely don’t have to pay for Duolingo, but I think it’s worth upgrading to Plus for a month or two before your trip to Paris.

Your main Duolingo homepage is shown on the left – it’s a stream of lessons with different themes, and through these lessons you learn both grammar and vocabulary in an intuitive way.  The lessons build on one another, so the things you learn in the earlier lesson will re-appear in later lessons, in more challenging contexts.  As you complete lessons you earn “XPs”, or experience points, and there’s a leaderboard showing your progress compared to other students.  As you can see, I’m a pretty dedicated French language student!

There are several different types of activities that you will complete within any one lesson.  For example, this morning I had to listen to someone speaking and then re-write their conversation, translate a sentence to English and then finish a conversation.  There are also stories that you can read along with, and occasional special events (yesterday I got an invitation to a vocabulary matching tournament where I had ninety seconds to match ninety pairs of words!).

As a bonus, lots of the activities are about traveling to Paris and sharing French culture, so in addition to learning the language you get in a little bonus trip-planning.

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2. Watch French Videos on YouTube

I have a confession: I am the weird person at the gym who not only watches language-learning videos on the treadmill, but they also move their mouth along with the audio track so I look like I’m either talking to myself or singing along with a (very slow) song.

To improve my French before I traveled to France, I put French audio lessons on my TV in the background as I went about my daily chores, like cooking, cleaning and writing blog posts! My favorite audio lessons were from FrenchPod101 – they have more than one million subscribers on their YouTube channel and their videos are great for French language learning.

There are tons of videos to choose from, including beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons.  They even have “learn French while you sleep” videos (I’m not sure if they work or not – let me know if you try them!).  There are other YouTube channels that teach French, but FrenchPod101 was the one kept going back to when I prepared for my trip to Paris.

3. Use a French Language Learning Computer Program

The gold standard of computer programs for learning French is still The Rosetta Stone .  I’ve used this program several times in the past, but mainly for studying Italian and Spanish.  The great thing is that the updated package includes access to all 24 languages in their library, and lifetime support as the program adapts and changes.  It’s a great value if you anticipate going to France in the near future, and may wish to study another language a few years down the line.

That being said, you may not have to pay for the Rosetta Stone.  Many public libraries include access to the online program in their membership.  You should ask your public library if they offer Rosetta Stone access to cardholders (and if they don’t, would they consider introducing it?).

My public library also has a free language learning program called Pronunciator (screenshots shown above).  It has short daily lessons, as well as structured courses for various language levels.  As you could expect from its name, the main focus here is on listening and speaking, so there’s lots of audio and video content.  You test your knowledge through activities like fill-in-the-blank, reading comprehension questions, matching exercises and speaking practice.

4. Learn French for Travel Through Books

The days of traveling with a phrase book are over (we have Google Translate now!).  However, a great French language learning book can really help you prepare for your trip to France.

One of the most popular books for new French speakers is called Easy French, Step-by-Step , written by Myrna Bell Rochester.  I went to check out this book at my local bookstore and I can see why it’s so popular – it is a clear, concise overview of basic French grammar, taught using the kind of high-frequency vocabulary that you’d be likely to use during your travels.  Spending twenty minutes a day working through this book would be great way to prepare for your trip to Paris.

Personally, I was able to recall enough high school French that I was ready for a more intermediate French book.  So, I opted for Barron’s French Grammar .  It has easy-to-understand explanations of common grammatical structures, anticipates common mistakes and has lots of practice questions.

5. Find a French Language Exchange Group or Partner

There’s a huge difference between studying French for travel at home, using books, videos and technology, and actually getting out there and putting your French language skills to use. While you could sign up for a formal French class, that’s not necessarily what I would do before a trip to France.  Instead, I recommend looking for a French language exchange group or a language exchange partner.  For full disclosure I didn’t use this strategy for my recent trip to France, but I did use it before my first trip to Mexico.

There are lots of places to find language exchange groups. You can look on sites like Meetup, Couchsurfing or Facebook (mostly in the Groups section). These informal communities meet weekly or monthly to engage in friendly conversation in the target language. Often, events are held at restaurants and bars, but sometimes they rent space in a community center, library or school. Language exchanges aren’t intended to be lessons, so don’t expect the people there to teach you!  Instead, expect to meet other people interested in French, ranging from beginners to native speakers, who just want to chat.

If you’re not interested in meeting as a large group, you might be able to find a language exchange partner.  The most common place to find a language exchange partner is on campus at your nearest university or college.  Look on the bulletin boards around the international student center or the French department.  There, you may see signs from visiting students from La Francophonie (the word to describe all the French-speaking countries) who would like to meet English speakers and exchange languages.  Often, this looks like chatting for half the time in English and then switching to French (or vice versa).

Do you study the local language before you travel?  Share your favorite language-learning tip in the comments below!

If you’re traveling to Paris, make sure to check out my roundup of the best Paris guidebooks .  I read twenty-five Paris travel guides and narrowed my recommendations down to the very best. 

What won’t these guidebooks tell you?  My 18 French etiquette tips that will help you fit right in to any French situation.

Before you travel home from France, stop by a French pharmacy and pick up some of my favorite French pharmacy products , from perfumes and body-wash to anti-aging skincare.

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Survival French: 120 Must-know Phrases for visitors to France

• Post category: French Language / Travel to France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If you are planning a trip in France, you may want to learn a few french travel phrases to make the most of your visit. Travel can be stressful, so there’s no better way to calm your nerves than by understanding the local language .

The French are notoriously shy about speaking English, so a few phrases in French is bound to put everyone at ease. In this article, I will cover some useful phrases in various instances, from asking directions, ordering at a restaurant, going somewhere in a taxi, etc.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top useful French travel phrases for your big trip to France. Allons-y!

Greetings and general phrases

There is quite a lot of different French greetings but the most basic is the Bonjour . If there is only one word to remember on your trip, this is the one.

Asking for help

You can find more information on calling emergency numbers in France here.

At the airport

Food, restaurants and dining out

You can find more French food culinary terms here and top foods to eat in France here.

At a train station

For more numbers in French , you can find my printable here.

In a museum

You can find the top museums in Paris here.

If you enjoyed that article, you may like to download the list in printable format below. You can also read more about traveling to Paris here. A bientôt!

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20 Basic French Travel Phrases for Beginners

When traveling to a French-speaking country, having a basic understanding of the local language can greatly enhance your experience.

Learning a few essential French travel phrases not only enables you to communicate with locals but also shows respect for their culture and makes your interactions more enjoyable.

Today, we will introduce you to 20 basic French travel phrases that are perfect for beginners. Each section will focus on a specific category of phrases, providing translations, guidance, and example usage.

We will leave you with some tips for learning French at home. Follow this guide, and you'll be speaking French in no time.

20 French Travel Phrases

Let's dive into our comprehensive list of 20+ essential French phrases so you have the tools necessary to make yourself understood in France.

We will kick things off with greetings and polite expressions so you can conduct yourself well on your trip to France.

Greetings and Polite Expressions

When interacting with locals in a French-speaking country, it's important to start with a friendly greeting.

• Bonjour - Hello

The phrase bonjour is the most common and widely used greeting in French. It sets a positive tone for your conversation. You can use this greeting all day.

• Bonsoir - Good evening Bonne soirée - Have a good evening Bonsoir is used in the evenings, from around 6 pm onward as a greeting. Meanwhile, bonne soirée is used to express the desire that someone else will have a nice evening.
• Bonne nuit - Good night Just as in English, you would use bonne nuit as "good night" before going to bed.
• Au revoir - Goodbye When leaving someone at any time of day, au revoir is a polite and pleasant way to say "goodbye."
• Comment t'appelles-tu? - What's your name? (informal) Comment vous appelez vous? - What's your name? (formal) Quel est ton nom? - What is your name? (informal) Quel est votre nom - What is your name? (formal)

Once you have greeted someone, you can ask "What is your name?" either formally or informally, as the situation dictates.

• Je m'appelle... - My name is…
• Je viens de ... - I come from... La France - France L'Allemagne - Germany L'Espagne - Spain Le Royaume-Uni - The UK Les États-Unis - The US
• (Comment) ça va? - Are you alright? (most informal) Comment vas-tu? - How are you? (informal) Comment allez vous? - How are you? (formal) To show interest in someone's well-being, ask "How are you?" It's a common way to initiate a friendly conversation and display your courtesy. You can reply to ça va? with ça va or ça va bien , both of which mean "I'm alright". Or, use je vais bien , which also means "I'm alright".
• Merci - Thank you Learning to say "thank you" in the local language wherever you go will endear the natives to you. On your trip to France, you will find yourself saying merci all the time.

For instance, with the phrase ça va bien, merci. Et toi?, meaning "I'm good, thanks. And you?"

• De rien - You're welcome If someone thanks you in a French-speaking country, the standard reply is de rien .
• S'il vous plaît - Please (formal) S'il te plaît - Please (informal) When asking for something in a hotel, restaurant, among friends, or in any other situation, it is always best to say "please". As you can see, there is a more formal and less formal way to say "please". Use the informal with friends, and the formal in other social situations. If you are ever in doubt about whether to use formal language, it is best to err on the side of caution and go for the formal structure.
• Je suis désolé - I am sorry It is always worth knowing how to say sorry if you need to apologize for anything in French, for instance not understanding something or not knowing the answer to a question.
• Je ne comprends pas - I don't understand Je ne sais pas - I don't know

Can You Speak English/ French?

With the following phrases, you can swap out anglais ("English") and français ("French") with any other language, as needed.

• Pourriez vous parler français - Could you speak French?
• Parlez vous anglais? - Do you speak English?
• Je ne parle pas français - I don't speak French
• Je parle un peu français - I speak a little French
• Parlez lentement, s'il vous plaît - Speak slowly, please

Useful French Travel Phrases

One of the most important things to learn in French is how to ask for directions. Let's look at some common questions in French regarding directions.

• Où est la plage/ le gare - Where is the beach/ the train station You can use où est...? for any other singular object, such as la tour Eiffel ("the Eiffel Tower") and le bus ("the bus"). Just make sure to note the gender of the object so you use the right article.
• Où est le guichet? - Where's the ticket booth? Note that you can also say je cherche... , which means "I am looking for..."
• Où sont les toilettes? - Where are the toilets?
• Où sommes-nous - Where are we? As you can see, où means "where" in French. This is followed by a conjugated form of the verb "to be", être , and the object of the sentence.
• Excusez moi, je suis perdu - Excuse me, I am lost Finally, a handy phrase to know is "excuse me, I am lost". It's a good idea to keep a copy of your hotel information on your person so you can show people if you need help directing yourself home.

Miscellaneous Common French Phrases

Now that you have learned 20 French phrases for travel, we will list some other miscellaneous French phrases for everyday life in a French-speaking country.

• Je t'aime - I love you You will come across je t'aime in music, movies, and even on t-shirts, so it is worth knowing what it means. And you never know - you might want to use this French phrase yourself when you get to Paris, the city of love.
• Es-tu célibataire? - Are you single?
• Je ne sais quoi - I don't know what Paris is known as a romantic destination as it has a certain je ne sais quoi in the air that makes it so unique and magical.
• Je voudrais (un café) - I would like (a coffee)
• Un verre de vin - A glass of wine When in France, you will want to get your hands on a coffee or a wine as soon as you find the right spot to sit and people-watch.
• Je voudrais acheter... - I would like to buy…
• Combien ça coûte - How much does it cost?
• C'est trop cher - It's too expensive

Asking a question in French

Finally, a note on forming a French question. In general, to ask a simple question in French, you can use est-ce que. Take a look at the following basic French phrases.

• Est-ce que vous parlez français? - Do you speak French?
• Est-ce qu’il parle français? - Does he speak French?
• Est-ce qu’elle parle français? - Does she speak French?

How to Learn French at Home

So, now that you have this useful vocabulary list to get you started, you will want to know how to start learning French at home. One great method is to watch French TV shows and movies.

This provides natural exposure to French slang and colloquialisms , idiomatic phrases, the French accent, and French culture. You can find great French shows on Netflix and Lingopie. Both streaming services offer French and English subtitles, and Lingopie has bonus language-learning features like digital flashcards and an interactive transcript.

You can also listen to French podcasts and French songs like La Vie en Rose and Je ne Regrette Rien. Any engaging resource that familiarizes you with French pronunciation and introduces you to new French words in a natural way is a great language tool.

Of course, you can also sign up for online French classes or find a private tutor. Many language learners also enjoy using language-learning apps to supplement their learning. You can also buy a French phrasebook if you want to have all of your useful French phrases in one place.,

FAQs About French Phrases for Travelers

Now, let's take a quick look at some frequently asked questions about basic French phrases for travel.

Is there another way to ask "où sont les toilettes?"

Yes, there is another way to ask où sont les toilettes? which means "Where are the toilets?" You can also say où est la salle de bain? , which means "Where is the bathroom?"

Both are appropriate in public and formal situations.

Is it rude to say "je ne comprends pas" in French?

No, it is not rude to say "I don't understand" in French. You can make the statement more polite by saying je suis désolé(e), je ne comprends pas , meaning "I'm sorry, I don't understand".

You might want to add répétez s'il vous plaît , meaning "can you repeat, please", or je ne parle pas français , "I don't speak French."

How do you say "s'il vous plaît" informally?

The phrase s'il vous plaît ("please") literally translates as "if it pleases you", but it is used like "please" in English. You can say "please" informally in French by switching out the vous ("you" - formal) for te ("you" - informal). So, it sounds like s'il te plaît.

Summing Up: Basic French Travel Phrases

Now that you have started to learn these 20+ basic French words and phrases, you are ready to dive into the French language and start practicing today.

Whether you're asking for directions, ordering food, or engaging in basic social interactions, these phrases will serve as a valuable tool during your journey.

French learners can head over to Lingopie's streaming site for access to a host of awesome French TV shows and movies with interactive learning features.

Your language-learning journey starts today with the help of Lingopie and this comprehensive vocab guide. Have fun learning French at home.

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• , November 17, 2022

50+ Basic French Travel Phrases To Use While Abroad

Bienvenue en France! While traveling through this beautiful country, knowing basic French travel phrases is essential to help you get around. Many French people do not speak English, so it’s actually quite necessary to know a bit of French to help make your travels as smooth as possible. 

It can be frustrating to travel to a place that does not speak your native language. Still, one part of exploring new places is navigating these difficulties. If you prepare yourself beforehand by learning a few French phrases, you can turn these frustrations into meaningful interactions with local people. 

Whether you need to order food from a restaurant, tell your cab driver where you’re headed, or ask French locals general questions, these 30+ travel phrases will help you navigate easily and cement memories to last a lifetime.

Essential French Phrases For Travelers

Basic French Phrases For Conversations

These basic words and phrases are the first level of interactions while traveling and probably the words you will use the most in everyday conversations. So pay special attention to them! 

These basic words and phrases are the first level of interactions while traveling, and probably the words you will use the most in everyday conversations. So pay special attention to them! 

Basic French Phrases For Directions

Are you lost in a big city with no phone service? Whip out these basic phrases for directions to get someone to point you in the right direction and save yourself a headache. 

Basic French Phrases For Money & Shopping

France is known for its opulent, high-end clothes and style. You’ll definitely be tempted to shop in all the beautiful boutiques, so learn basic phrases for money and shopping. Want to learn more about this topic? Check out  Shopping Vocabulary In French: 20+ Useful Phrases & Expressions . 

Basic French Phrases For Transportation

France has an excellent public transport system, so you’ll most likely be taking trains and buses while traveling through. These are some phrases to help you get by.

Basic French Phrases For Instruction

These French phrases will help you find the bathroom, the nearest grocery store, or wherever else you need to go. These are easy to pop out while walking or sightseeing, so keep them in mind!

Basic French Phrases For Dining

Food is a huge part of French culture, so when you’re fine dining, you’ll definitely want to know some basic phrases to fit in and avoid any awkward situations.

Final Thoughts

Whew! I know that is a lot of information, but take it one category at a time to learn these basic French words and phrases for travelers. Trust me, when you’re in France you’ll want to speak French! Not only is it a beautiful language, but French speakers find it extra respectful when you speak French to them. 

Interested in learning more French but need specific, targeted resources? Download the  Ling App ! It is a user-friendly language-learning app with games, quizzes, and interactive features proven to help you learn a new language.

You can download it for free on the  App Store  and  Play Store . What are you waiting for? If you start today, you’re one step closer to being prepared for your traverse through France. 

Want even more resources? Check out   #1 Best Guide: French Vocabulary To Use At The Airport   &   French .

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Basic French Phrases: 59 Essential Words to Learn

Whether you’re thinking of traveling to France or one of the many other French-speaking countries, knowing some basic French phrases will help you navigate the streets, order a must-try dish off the menu, and get to know the friendly locals. Plus, it’ll help you dive deeper into the culture and learn a thing or two about the local way of life.

While French isn’t a language you can learn overnight, with the right tools, picking up a few essential words and phrases is as easy as scarfing down a French crepe. Start with some simple pronunciation and everyday words, and before long, you’ll be ordering from the local bakery with complete confidence.

If you’re ready to start conquering the French language but don’t know where to start, look no further. We’ve put together a list of 59 basic French phrases and keywords that’ll help you sound like a fluent speaker in no time. Oui Oui!

Table of Contents

What countries speak French?

Learning French won’t just help you out in France. In fact, French is an official language in 29 countries across the globe and is the third most spoken language in Europe. Whether you’re ordering a beer in Belgium, testing out the lavish life in Monaco, heading to an ice hockey game in Quebec, or wandering the streets of Paris, you’ll want some basic French phrases up your sleeve.

Each country also has its own distinctive dialect and words incorporated from both English and the local language. Even so, many of the phrases we’ll learn below can be used in any French-speaking country. Put on your beret, and let’s get started.

Tips for basic French pronunciation

Knowing how to pronounce French sounds is the first step to mastering key French phrases. Even if you know how to read and recognize many French words, if you’re not able to pronounce them correctly, you’ll be left in a confusing and slightly awkward conversation. Similar to English, pronouncing even a tiny part of a word wrong can completely change its meaning. Instead of asking someone about their mother (la mère), you might end up asking them about their mayor (le maire).

The most common mistake beginners make is saying French words like how they’re spelled in English. While the alphabets are nearly identical, French consonants and vowels sound much different than you may expect. To start getting your pronunciations down, begin by familiarizing yourself with the French alphabet below.

On top of these, accents are also used on certain vowels to either change the vowel’s sound or help distinguish between two different words that would otherwise be spelled the same. These accents include:

• The acute , which is only found on the letter é. This changes the sound from ‘uh’ to ‘ay.’
• The grave , which is found on the letters è, à, ù. This accent does not change the sound of the word but helps distinguish between words spelled the same.
• The circumflex , which is found over the ê, â, ô, and û. This accent has a few different rules, so it’s easiest to remember it can change the pronunciation of the vowel e, but not of the a, o, and u.
• The diaeresis , which is only found in combinations of vowels like oë. This accent lets you know that each vowel must be pronounced alone.

Of course, like English, there are other rules and oddities to learn. However, by learning the alphabet and accents, you’ll be surprised by how quickly your French improves and how you can recognize how to say a word correctly just by looking at it.

Basic French greetings and words to learn

Once you’ve nailed French pronunciation, the next step is to learn some essential French words and greetings to help you get by. If you only have time to learn a few phrases, these are the key ones to start with.

• Bonjour (bohn-zhoohr) = Good morning, hello
• Bonsoir (bohn-swahr!) = Good evening
• Salut (sa loo) = Hi, a more informal greeting
• Enchanté (ahn-shahn-tey) = Nice to meet you
• Bienvenue (byan vuh noo) = Welcome
• Pardon, excusez-moi (pahr-dohn, eks-kew-zey-mwah) = Pardon, excuse me
• Parlez-vous anglais? (pahr-ley vooh ahn-gleh?) = Do you speak English?
• Je ne parle pas français (juh nuh pahl pah fron say) = I do not speak French
• À bientôt (ah byan toe) = See you soon
• Merci/Merci beaucoup (mair see/mair see bo coo) = Thank you/Thank you very much
• Au revoir (oh ruh vwah) = Goodbye
• De rien (uh ryahn) = You’re welcome or it’s nothing
• Oui (wee) = Yes
• Non (noh) = No

Basic French phrases to memorize

Now that you’ve mastered some simple greetings and words, it’s time to move on to basic French phrases. These will help you keep the conversation going, learn a thing or two about your friendly neighbor and ask for help or where the toilet is.

• Ça va ? (sa va) = How are you? The easy way to ask how someone is.
• Comment vas-tu? (komon va too) = How are you? The more elegant and proper way to ask how someone is.
• Je vais bien (juh vay byan) = I’m well
• Et toi? (ay twah) = And you?
• Pouvez-vous m’aider? (poo vay voo mayday) = Can you help me?
• Je ne comprends pas (juh nuh compron pah) = I do not understand
• Où sont les toilettes ? (oo son lay twah let) = Where is the toilet?
• Bon voyage (bon voyaj) = Have a good trip

Basic French phrases to help you get around, travel, and sightsee

If you’re looking to learn some key French words, chances are you’re exploring one of the many beautiful French-speaking countries. Finding yourself lost and confused can be an uncomfortable experience, especially if you find yourself without cell phone data. Learn a few French direction words and phrases, and you can confidently navigate the streets of Paris like a local.

• Gauche (gawsh) = Left
• Droite (drwah) = Right
• Tout droite (too dwat) = Straight ahead
• Arrêt de bus (ah-ret deh boos) = Bus stop
• Gare (gaar) = Train station
• Aéroport (ah-eh-ro-por) = Airport
• Pourriez-vous prendre ma photo? = Are you able to take my photo?
• Est-ce que je peux payer avec une carte de crédit? = Can I pay with a credit card?
• À quelle heure est-ce que s’est ouvert? = At what time is it open?
• À quelle heure est-ce que s’est fermé? = At what time is it closed?
• Combien ça coûte? = How much does it cost?

Best French phrases for food

Half the fun of traveling is trying new foods, so we’ve listed some of the most important words to know when dining out:

• Avez-vous une table pour deux? = Do you have a table for two?
• Vin (​​ vahn) = Wine
• La bière (la byair) = Beer
• Je voudrais un café = I would like a coffee
• Je voudrais de l’eau = I would like some water
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît (lah-dee-zyon, sil voo pleh) = The bill, please
• Des champignons (day shahm-peen-yon) = Mushrooms
• Une tomate (oohn toh-maht) = Tomato
• Du fromage (dooh froh-mah) = Cheese
• Le poulet (luh pooh-lay) = Chicken
• Le poisson (luh pwahss-on) = Fish
• Je suis végétarien (je swee ve-jeh-tair-ree-an) = I’m a vegetarian

Besides learning these key food phrases, also keep your eye out for some tasty traditional French foods. Some of the best mouthwatering dishes you’ll find in France include:

• Croque monsieur – the French version of the grilled cheese, the Croque monsieur sandwiches ham, Gruyère cheese, and mustard sandwiched between two pieces of thick buttery bread.
• Bouillabaisse – it’s just as fun to say this iconic South of France dish as it is to eat it. Bouillabaisse is a seafood dish made with clams, lobster, and other types of fish stewed in broth with potatoes, onions, and spices – all served on top of a toasted slice of fresh baguette.
• Pain au chocolat – you can hardly walk a block without coming across a bakery, and in every bakery, you’ll find the delicious chocolate-filled puff pastry. Simply delicious.
• Crêpe – this is one you’ve likely heard of. The renowned French crêpe is a staple street food and can be sweet or savory.

Fun Russian idioms to sound like a local

Many times in life, you need that perfect expression to get your feelings out. Not just any simple phrase will do. The French love their idioms, even if they don’t always make sense literally. Below we’ve written our six favorite idioms that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for the perfect moment.

• Ah, la vache! = Oh, my cow! – Similar to ‘Oh, my god!’ this French phrase expresses surprise and excitement. But don’t worry, there likely won’t be an actual cow running nearby.
• Faire l’andouille = To make the sausage – This is one French phrase that doesn’t really make sense. However, if you’ve done something silly, explain faire l’andouille, and everyone will know it was an accident.
• Faire un froid de canard = Does a cold of duck – Ever felt so cold you want to run around aimlessly just to warm up? While you likely won’t actually see the French pretending to chase ducks, this idiom refers to the weather being extremely cold.
• Avoir un chat dans la gorge = To have a cat in the throat. Like the English version of having a frog in your throat, this phrase is used when you just can’t get the words to come out of your mouth.
• En avoir ras le bol = To have a bowl full of it. That feeling when you’ve just had enough, and you’re sick of it. Your bowl of anger is about to overflow, and others should be aware.
• Être au taquet = To be at a piece of wood. Another phrase you would have a hard time interpreting. Taquet is referring to the piece of wood put between a door and a wall to block it, so somehow, Être au taquet means to give your best. Be like the wood holding the door open!

French words to know in case of an emergency

While you hope you never need to use these words and phrases, they’re always good to have in the back of your mind just in case. It’s also important to remember that in France , instead of dialing 911 for an emergency, you should dial 18 for the general emergency number or 122 for the standard European emergency number.

Other important words to know include:

• À l’aide! (ah led) = Help!
• Police! (poh-lees!) = Police!
• Au Feu! (au fur) = Fire!
• Médecin (meh-deh-sahn) = Doctor
• J’ai besoin d’un médicin (jay bez-wahn dohn meh-deh-sahn) = I need a doctor
• Je ne me sens pas bien (jeh neh meh sahn pah byen) = I don’t feel well
• It’s an emergency (seh tuun uur-zhahns) = It’s an emegency
• Je suis perdu (zhuh swee pehr-duu) = I’m lost

Learn even more basic French phrases with these online resources

Ready to step up your French-speaking game even further? Check out below our favorite three resources:

• Duolingo – one of the best resources for any language; Duolingo includes written lessons, dictation, and games. It’s great to have on hand if you’re looking to pick up a few words and familiarize yourself with the language. You can also pay a small fee to enjoy extra features and skip the ads.
• Brainscape – leave your learning to the experts with this science-based app. With Brainscape’s audio flashcards, grammar explanations, and the perfect amount of repetition, you’ll be picking up on both French words and grammar rules in no time.
• French by Nemo – if you’d like to learn even more French phrases but aren’t looking to become fluent or learn the ins and outs of grammar, French by Nemo is the perfect fit. Plus, you can record your voice and compare it to that of a native speaker to ensure your pronunciation is spot on.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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Learn 150+ Basic French Travel Phrases To Master For Your Next Trip To France

• Post author: Elijah Logan
• Post last modified: April 11, 2023
• Post category: French Vocabulary / Popular Reviews

If you want to explore France thoroughly, especially the city of love, you must know the basic French travel phrases.

Although English is a universal language, it is not well-known in most French-speaking countries. Thus, to get around, you need to learn how to speak basic French.

Traveling to any place where you do not speak the native can be frustrating, especially steering your way while exploring.

So, to ensure you get around different French destinations quickly, you need to learn some essential travel French phrases. Even basic French knowledge can help you interact with locals and learn about the regular lifestyle.

Keeping this in mind, today, I bring you 150+ basic French words and phrases for travel to ensure your next trip to France is unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Basic French Words For Travel In France: Learn Useful French Phrases

Traveling is not only about moving from one place to another. There are a lot of aspects connected to this journey.

While traveling to an unknown place, you are bound to meet new people, interact with strangers, ask for their assistance when lost, go dining, shop, & more.

All these activities do not seem much of a task when you are in a place where you can easily interact with others.

However, in an unknown land, all these tasks seem like dreadful things that may even prompt you to never leave your accommodation in French.

But that is not why you or anyone would fly out for miles to the country of love, France. Exploring another country is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thus, you need to make the most out of your visit.

And to help you with this, below I have a list of over one hundred & fifty common French phrases & words categorized as per various activities you will enjoy there. So let us begin and start our learning before that trip of yours.

26 Basic Conversational French Phrases

You can never go by in a foreign land if you can not speak even the bare minimum of the native language.

You do not need to be a pro in the French language. But you should at least know the words & phrases used the most in everyday conversations by natives.

Below is a list of some essential words & expressions that you will often use during your travel time in France.

Knowing these everyday phrases will help you interact with natives in a comfortable & sophisticated manner.

• Hello / Good Morning- Bonjour !
• Good Evening- Bonsoir !
• Hi (Informal)- Salut !
• Nice To Meet You- Enchanté!
• Welcome- Bienvenue!
• Yes / No- Oui / Non .
• How Are You?-Çava?
• I’mWell.- Je vais bien.
• How’s It Going?-Ça roule?
• I Am Well, And You?-Je vais bien, et vous?
• Do You Speak English?-Parlez-vous anglais?
• I Do Not Speak French.-Je ne parle pas français.
• I Don’t Understand.- Je ne comprends pas.
• Where Are You From?-D’où venez-vous?
• I Am From …- Je suis de …
• What Is Your Name?-Quel est votre nom?
• My Name Is…- Je m’appelle …
• Mrs. / Mr. / Miss- Madame / Monsieur / Mademoiselle
• Cheers!-Santé!
• I Don’t Know- Je ne sais pas.
• Thank You Very Much.- Merci beaucoup!
• You’re Welcome- De rien!
• Excuse Me / Sorry- Excusez-moi/Pardon !
• Sorry- Je suis désolé (e).
• See You Later!- À tout à l’heure!
• Goodbye- Au revoir!

29 Basic French Travel Phrases For Directions: Beautiful French Language

Getting lost in a new city or country is a thing that most people can relate to. I remember my first trip to Paris. I was so engrossed in exploring the architectural beauty around me that I got separated from my travel group.

I freaked out and was on the verge of crying. I only knew the name of the hotel I was staying at and some French phrases I had learned. 

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I asked a passerbys the directions for the hotel by saying “Quelle est la direction de l’hôtel Wallace, s’il vous plaît ?” (What is the direction of the Wallace Hotel, please?) and thus reached there safely.

Although I spent the rest of my day in my room. I was glad that at least I could find my way back. It all happened because I knew how to ask for directions in French. Knowing the essential phrases for directions can save you from the panic of getting lost.

Memorize the below-mentioned basic French phrases for directions to ensure you do not get panics like I did.

• Directions- Les directions
• North- Nord
• East- L’est
• West- L’ouest
• There- Là-Bas
• Where Is … Please?- Où est… ,s’il vous plaît?
• I’mLost.- Je suis perdu(e).
• Is It Far?- Est-ce que c’est loin?
• Is It Close?- Est-ce que c’est proche?
• Which Way?- Par où?
• It’s To The Right / Left.- C’est à droite / à gauche.
• Turn Right.- Tournez à droite.
• Turn Left.- Tournez à gauche.
• Straight Ahead.- Tout droit.
• Over There.-Là-Bas.
• Where Are We?-Où sommes-nous?
• Can You Help Me? -Pouvez-vous m’aider?
• To The Left- À gauche.
• To The Right- À droite.
• Straight Ahead- Tout droit.
• Is It Far/Close By?- C’est loin?/C’est près d’ici?
• The Exit- La sortie
• It’s To The Left- C’est à gauche.
• It’s To The Right- C’est à droite.
• It’s Straight Ahead- C’est tout droit.

27 Basic French Words & Phrases For Transportation

The French transportation system is among the best in the world. Although no country can touch Japan regarding convenient public transportation, France also offers an excellent system.

You will most likely take trains and buses to get around the country. They are an affordable means of transportation and can help you save a lot on your travel.

With a readily available transit system, you will face no problem traveling from one place to another. Transportation prices vary over distances which is not too much.

To get your way through the various modes of transportation, there are some essential words & phrases that you should learn in French.

• Transportation- Le transport
• The Bus- Le bus
• Bus Stop- L’arrêt de bus
• A Taxi- Un taxi
• Train- Le train
• Subway- Le métro
• Airplane- Un avion
• Car- Une voiture
• Ticket- Un billet
• Ticket Window- Le guichet
• Airport- L’aéroport
• Bus/ Train Station- La gare
• Early- En avance
• On Time- À l’heure
• Delayed- En retard
• Cancelled- Annulé
• Do Not Enter.-Entrée interdite.
• Exit- La sortie.
• Validate Your Ticket.-Valider votre billet.
• What Is The Schedule?- Quelle est le planning?
• What Is The Price Of A Ticket?- Quel est le prix d’un ticket?
• Where Is The Ticket Window?-Où est Le guichet?
• I Would Like To Purchase A One-Way Ticket.- Je voudrais acheter un billet aller simple.
• I Would Like To Purchase A Return Ticket.- Je voudrais acheter un billet aller-retour.
• Have A Nice Trip!- Bon voyage!
• I Would Like To Go To The Bus/Train Station- Je voudrais aller à la Gare.

5 Essential French Phrases For Clarification

There will be times during your trip to France when you might have to interact with locals. It can be for everyday greetings in French or you asking for some assistance.

Under any scenario, French people are pleased to see a foreigner speaking their language. This is why sometimes they get over-enthusiastic, making it hard for the other person to follow their complex conversations.

Similar Post: Mastering the Art of Asking ‘What’: Easy Ways to Improve Your French Vocabulary.

I once met this lady to whom I asked to click my picture. As I requested in French, she was happy, and after clicking my picture, we had a great conversation.

Although I could understand her reasons, it got hard for me as she started talking fast and using more extensive sentences.

I had to tell her to slow down so that I could understand what she was saying. She understood and was kind enough to do so.

So, if you can tell others that you are unable to understand them or ask them to repeat in their native language, French people will be more than happy to make things easier for you.

• I Don’t Understand- Je ne comprends pas.
• Could You Repeat That, Please?-Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?
• Speak A Little Slower, Please- Parlez plus lentement, s’il vous plaît!
• Could You Speak More Slowly Please?-Pourriez-vous parler plus Lentement? 
• Could You Write That Down For Me, Please?- Pourriez-Vous L’écrire, S’il Vous Plaît?
• Speak Slowly, Please.-Parlez Lentement, S’il vous plaît.
• Repeat, Please.-  Répétez, S’il vous plaît.

25 Basic French Phrases For Shopping & Money: Know The Easy Words To Use

France is the land of high-end fashion & lifestyle. You can see several beautiful boutiques nationwide that will tempt you to shop.

To ensure you can ask, bargain, and buy anything you want, you must learn the essential words & phrases related to shopping & money in French.

Knowing the standard terms will ensure you do not get scammed and overpay for something worth pennies.

• How Much Is This?- Combien Ça Coûte?
• It’s Too Big / Small.- C’est Trop Grand / Petit.
• I’m Just Looking Around, Thanks.-Je Regarde Juste Autour De Moi, Merci.
• I Would Like … Please.- Je Voudrais … S’il vous plaît.
• Good Quality!- Bonne Qualité!
• I Need …- J’ai besoin de …
• I Want …- Je veux …
• I’m Looking For …- Je cherche …
• Can I Try This On?- Je peux l’essayer?
• Is It On Sale?-C’est en solde?
• No Thanks, I’m Only Looking.-Non Merci, Je Ne Fais Que Regarder.
• No, I’m [Just] looking For the Moment.-Non, Je Regarde Pour L’instant.
• I Would Like To Pay In Cash- Je Voudrais Payer En Liquide/Espèces
• Do You Accept Foreign Cards?-Est-Ce Que Vous Acceptez Les Cartes Étrangères?
• Can I Pay With A Credit Card?-Est-Ce Que Je Peux Payer Avec Une Carte De Crédit?
• Can I Order This On The Internet?-Puis-Je Commander Cela Sur internet?
• Where Are The Shops?-OùSont Les Magasins?
• Where Is The Mall?-Où Est Le Centre Commercial?
• What Time Does It Close?-À Quelle Heure Est-Ce Que Cela Ferme?
• What Time Does It Open?-À Quelle Heure Est-Ce Que Cela Ouvre?
• I Am Searching For A Bag/A Postcard/A Book- Je Cherche Un Sac/Une Carte Postale/Un Livre.
• The Bank- La Banque
• Notes- Billet D’argent
• Coins- La Monnaie
• How Much Does It Cost?-Combien Ça Coûte?
• It’s Too Expensive!- C’est Trop Cher
• It’s A Great Deal!- C’est Bon Marché!
• How Much Do I Owe You?- Je Vous Dois Combien?

28 Basic French Phrases For Assistance/Help/Instruction

You will find yourself in need of help when in a foreign land. It can be for clicking a picture, finding a bathroom, a tourist site, a restaurant, police assistance, and more.

Under any emergency situation, you can only rely on the people around you. And for them to understand you, you need to speak their language.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Saying Good Luck in French: Tips and Phrases You Need to Know.

It is not possible to master a new language in a matter of weeks. But you sure can learn some French phrases that can help you ask for instructions and help from others.

• Airport- L’aéroport
• Grocery Store- L’épicerie
• Coffee Shop- Le Café
• Metro Station- La Station De Métro
• Bus Station- La Gare Routière
• Park- Le Parc
• Beach- La Plage
• Can You Help Me?-Pouvez-Vous M’aider ?
• Can You Take Our Photo?-Pouvez-Vous Nous Prendre En Photo ?
• I Don’t Understand.- Je Ne Comprends Pas.
• Where Is The Bathroom/Restroom?-Où Sont Les Toilettes ?
• Where Is …?- Où Est ___ ?
• Je Cherche…- I’m Looking For…
• Where Is The Hospital/ The Pharmacy?-Où Est L’hôpital/ La Pharmacie?
• Help Me – Aidez-Moi!
• I’mLost – Je Suis Perdu.
• I’ve Lost..- J’ai Perdu …
• I’ve Lost My Wallet- J’ai Perdu Mon Porte-Monnaie.
• I Feel Sick – Je ne me sens pas bien.
• Call An Ambulance – Appelez Une Ambulance.
• Call The Police – Appelez La Police.
• I Have A Problem – J’ai Un Problème.
• I Have A Question – J’ai Une Question.
• Could You…- Pourriez-Vous …
• Are You Able To Take My Photo/Our Photo?-Pourriez-Vous me/nous Prendre en  Photo?
• Is there A Good Restaurant/A Good Café near by- Y a-t-il un bon restaurant/un bon café à proximité?
• Où Est La Plage/Le Centre-Ville?(Where Is The Beach/City Center.)
• I Am Searching For the Hotel/Hospital/Bank- Je Cherche L’hôtel/L’hôpital/La Banque.

31 Basic French Words & Phrases For Dining

Food is an integral part of our lives. It is one of the best things to explore when in France. Fine dining & delicious food are the highlights of French traveling. You get to experience the elegance & taste France has to offer.

Don’t Miss To Checkout: 10 Common Ways to Say “I Don’t Know” in The French Language With Examples.

By knowing some essential dining words & phrases, you can avoid causing any blunders and easily order the things you want to relish.

• Waiter – Monsieur/Madame
• Menu- Le Menu
• Bread- Le Pain
• Cheese- Un Fromage
• Meat- La Viande
• I Would Like A Coffee.- Je Voudrais Un Café.
• I Would Like A Beer.- Je Voudrais Une bière.
• I Would Like Some Water.- Je Voudrais De L’eau.
• I Would Like A Baguette – Je Voudrais Une Baguette
• I Would Like Some Water – Je Voudrais De L’eau
• I Would Like The Bill – Je Voudrais L’addition
• Can I Have The Bill, Please?-L’addition, S’il Vous Plaît.
• A Glass Of Wine. – Un Verre De Vin.
• I Would Like…- Je Voudrais…
• I’ll Have – Je Prendrai
• Do You Have…?- Avez-Vous…?
• Appetizers- Les Entrées
• Main Courses- Les Plats principaux
• Desserts- Les Desserts
• Vegetarian Options- Options Végétariennes
• I’m Full- Je Suis Repu(e)
• This Is Delicious!-C’est Délicieux!
• A Table For 4, Please.- Une Table Pour 4, S’il Vous Plaît.
• The Menu, Please.- Le Menu, S’il Vous Plaît.
• The Wine Menu, Please.- La Carte Des Vins, S’il Vous Plaît.
• Is The Tip Included?- Est-Ce Que Le Service Est Compris?
• This Is So Good!-C’est Trop Bon!
• I Ate Well/I’m Full- J’ai Bien Mangé
• I’m Satisfied- Je Suis Répu/Repue
• What Are Today’s Specials?- Quels Sont Les Plats Du Jour ?
• I’mAllergic To…- Je Suis Allergique À …

11 Basic Phrases To Rock In The Club That You Can Easily Use

No trip to France is complete until you explore the night & party life of the country. Night clubs are trendy among the young generation. You can start with some drinks and sway your body to the upbeat music.

But to ensure you do not enter into any problems & can express yourself better, memorize some helpful French phrases below.

• Want To Go Get A Drink Tonight? – Ça Te Dit D’aller Boire Un Verre Ce Soir?
• I Want To Party! – J’ai Envie De Faire La Fête!
• Let’s Sit Over There?- On S’installe Là-Bas?
• We’ll Take The Bottle- On Va Prendre La Bouteille.
• We’re Taking Shots!- On Prend Des Shooters!
• I Would Like A Glass Of Wine – Je Voudrais Un Verre De Vin.
• Let’s Dance! – Dansons!
• I’m Spent, I’m Leaving- Je Suis Crevé/Crevée, je pars.
• Get Home Safely!- Rentrez-Bien! 
• I Really Enjoyed Myself- Je Me Suis Vraiment Bien Amusé/Amusée.

20 Basic Drink Words in French: Talking About Drinks In Restaurants

Drinking is an integral part of French dining culture. As we like to have a glass of water beside our food, the French love to have an extra glass for their liquors, wine, & cocktails.

French restaurants are extravagant with their drinks. You can order anything from coffee to alcohol to enjoy your dining experience.

To order what you want, learn some most common drinks & related words in French:

• The Wine Menu, Please.- La Carte Des Vins, S’il Vous Plaît
• A Glass Of Wine- Un Verre De Vin
• Red Wine- Vin Rouge
• White Wine- Vin Blanc
• Tea- Du Thé
• A Coffee- Un Café
• A Beer- Une Bière
• Some Fruit Juice- Du Jus De Fruit
• Some Water- De L’eau
• Fizzy Drink- une Boisson Pétillante

Top FAQs About Common French Phrases In English

Are there any french slangs i should know.

YES. If you want to fit in the crowd and want locals to treat you like a fellow, you should learn some standard day phrases and slang that only locals use.

This way, you project to others that even though you are a foreigner, you are familiar with the country & its people.

Below are some French slangs or French travel phrases with pronunciation you can master for your trip:

• Hello- Salut (informal)!
• I love Paris- J’adore Paris.
• Have a nice trip- Bon voyage!
• Forget it or drop it- Laisse tomber.
• Come on or let’s go- Allez!
• That’s life- C’est la vie.
• Long live the Republic and long live France!-Vive la république et vive la France!
• French food is the best in the world- La cuisine Française est la meilleure du monde.

How to prepare well for traveling to France?

To ensure you have a great trip to the land of France, you can begin by looking for accommodations that are safe & as per your requirements.

Buy a French phrasebook for travelers. It will come in handy. You sure can learn different basic expressions, but a book can help you whenever you feel stuck.

Also, research the local customs & lifestyle to blend in easily without getting shocked in front of the locals.

Lastly, plan all the activities & site-seeing beforehand to ensure you do not waste any time & extra money.

What are the best places to visit in France?

France is the ultimate vacation destination. This land of romance has wonderful places & activities for you to explore.

Some of the most popular destinations that you cannot miss in France are:

• The Eiffel Tower- La tour Eiffel
• Bordeaux- Bordeaux
• Louvre Museum- Le Musée du Louvre
• Notre-Dame De Paris Cathedral- La Cathédrale Notre-Dame De Paris
• Saint-Tropex Beach- La plage de Saint-Tropez

What are the basic greetings that every tourist should know in France?

If you want to go by with ease while exploring France and its beautiful cities, you need to learn some expressions, especially for greetings.

You will be able to make a good impression on others and get their attention with the least effort.

• Bonjour!   – Hello/Good day!
• Salut!   – Hi/Bye!
• Bonsoir!   – Good evening!
• Au revoir!   – Goodbye!
• Coucou!   – Hey there!
• Allô? (  – Hello?
• À plus!   – See you later!
• À tout à l’heure!   – See you soon/See you in a while!

There are several other phrases than saying good morning in French, but if you are not eager to dive in deeper, these few are more than enough.

What is the greeting etiquette of French people?

Like any other country, when you meet people in France, you have to shake hands with everyone present, whether arriving or leaving.

If you are among close friends, family & relatives, the most common greeting is a kiss on both cheeks, also known as “la bise.”

The ‘la bise’ is not actually kissing other people. People simply place one’s cheek against the other’s, make a kissing noise, and then repeat it on the opposite side.

If you see two people greeting each other in a ‘la bise’ way, you can quickly tell they are close.

By learning over 150+ basic French travel phrases, you can ensure you have an unforgettable travel experience in France.

Learning the language can help you with easy exploration, dining, sightseeing, interacting with natives, shopping & more.

The more familiar you are with everyday words, phrases, & slang, the less likely you are to get scammed in the country of love.

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101 Basic French Words For Travel In France

Are you planning your trip to France but feel nervous about actually speaking french among the natives? Do not worry. We made a special guide for you to help you during your trip!

Samuel Bonne

Although France lies next door to England, a native English-speaking country, you may not always be able to get by with speaking English, especially if you wish to immerse yourself in the culture or walk around the French suburbs. So, before you plan a trip to Metropolis, it's a smart option to brush up on some fundamental French terms and phrases.

Learning a few introductory greetings and courteous phrases in the mother tongue will make the most of your trip and facilitate your interactions with the locals. Even if speaking the language isn't your forte or you're not too confident, this guide below will help you speak french like a native .

Below are a few that will allow you to communicate and will surely make your vacation worthwhile.

Why Visit France

France has been on each one of us's bucket list. Why not? It is known as one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

Every tourist will find that the country has a lot to offer. Whether you've come to learn about the city's rich culture and history through its museums and architectural marvels, or you've come on a romantic trip with your loved one in, you guessed it! The City of Lights, Paris, la France has something for everyone.

Paris, as well as Bordeaux, Lyon, Cannes, and Nice, France is known for its magnificent cities and luxurious lifestyle that will certainly capture your heart. It is home to world-famous art and movies; museums such as the Louvre and the Cannes Film Festival , as well as films such as La Vie en Rose and Amelie. Moreover, learning french through art and artists is a fun and engaging way to understand the language.

It should come as no surprise that France and fashion are sides of the same coin, hence prepare to see many shopping centres and boutiques around the region. It had to be, given that it is the birthplace of some of the world's most well-known fashionistas, like Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Dior, and LVMH.

It's also famed for its delectable cuisine, scenic towns, outdoor sports, and, most importantly, its love language, le français. So, even if you can't fly to this lovely nation just yet, you may begin to feel a connection by growing your French vocab and develop your accent right now!

Basic French Phrases To Visit France

Learning to approach people respectfully in French is the very first step toward feeling at ease in France. It will also enhance the level of service you receive and your interactions with the French overall.

Male and female expressions are generally different, just as there are various definitions of greeting in French depending on how well you know someone.

There are often articles associated with every word, be it an object, a material or a person; they are categorised into masculine and feminine . You can use le (the)/ un (a) for a masculine noun like un garçon means a boy. Likewise, you use la (the)/ une (a) for a feminine noun like une fille means a girl.

Similarly, when speaking to someone you know or addressing a child or an animal, you can say 'tu' , which means you. However, you must use ‘vous’ while speaking to strangers, authorities or your seniors. It is a far more polite and formal way of addressing someone. Remember, it's usually safer to use ‘vous’ as a general rule.

To start a discussion, here are some simple French words and phrases to use:

The Basics Phrases You Need To Know

Common courtesy is fairly serious among the French, so whether you're meeting someone for the first time or conversing with a stranger, it's key that you address them correctly and with the appropriate expression.

Bonjour : Good morning/ Hello Do not forget to say bonjour as you enter a shop or start a conversation with someone!

Salut : Hello (casual way of saying hello)

Bonsoir : Good evening

Monsieur/ Madame/ mademoiselle : Mister/ Madam/ Miss

S'il vous plaît : Please

Merci/ Merci beaucoup : Thank you/ Thank you very much

Excusez-moi/ Pardon : Excuse me Pardon is an informal way. You can use either if you bump into someone or make your way through a crowd.

Au revoir : Goodbye

Bonne journée! : Have a good day!

Je suis désolé(e) : I'm sorry (an e is added if you identify as female)

Making Yourself Understood In French

It is important to make yourself understood if you are a tourist and you are not familiar with the language. Je is used as a subject and it stands for I.

• Je ne comprends pas : I don't understand
• Je ne sais pas : I don't know
• Parlez-vous anglais? : Do you speak English
• Je ne parle pas français : I do not speak French
• Je parle un peu français : I speak a little French
• Répétez, s'il vous plaît : Repeat please You can say this when you have not understood what has been said or if the person might have spoken too quickly, you can say:
• S'il vous plaît, parlez lentement : Please speak slowly

Introducing Yourself In French

• Je m'appelle ... : My name is ...
• Quel est votre nom? : What is your name?
• Comment allez-vous? : How are you?
• Je vais bien, et vous? : I am well, and you?
• Je viens de ... : I come from ...
• Enchanté(e) : Pleased to meet you (an e is added if you identify as female).

Transportation Words In French

The transit system is usually the main mode of transport in the country, connecting the big cities so you will have no problem travelling from one end to the other.

Prices vary over distances and it is a fast and comfortable option. You can even travel within as well as to neighbouring countries. You might need to know certain terms to be able to get your way through!

Le bus : the bus

Arrêt de bus : Bus stop

Un taxi : a taxi

Je voudrais partir à la gare : I would like to go to the bus/train station

Train : Train The high-speed train of France is called Train à grande vitesse (TGV) , you can simply say TGV.

Le Métro : Subway

Un Avion : Airplane

Une Voiture : Car

Un Billet : Ticket

Le Guichet : Ticket window

Quelle est l’horaire? : What is the schedule?

L'aéroport : Airport

La gare : Bus/ train station

Directions Phrases In French

• À gauche : To the left.
• À droite : To the right.
• Tout droit : Straight ahead.
• Où sommes-nous? : Where are we?
• C’est loin/près d’ici? : Is it far/close by?
• La Sortie : The exit
• Nord : North
• Sud : South
• L'Est : East
• L'Ouest : West
• Là-bas : There

Places Or Accomodation Terms In French

As you explore the country, you should have an idea of what certain places are called so that it's easy for you to maneuver around.

L'hôtel : Hotel

L'auberge : Hostel A hostel is usually cheaper than a hotel but you have to make sure that they are accessible and clean.

J'aimerais faire une réservation : I'd like to make a reservation

Je voudrais une chambre pour deux : I would like a double room.

À quelle heure est-ce qu’il faut régler la note? : At what time should we check out?

La plage : The beach

Les Magasins : Shops

Centre commercial : Shopping mall

L'église : Church

L'ambassade : Embassy

La poste : Post office

Le supermarché : Supermarket

La pâtisserie : Pastry shop

Asking For Help In French

As a foreigner, it is essential to learn how to ask for help if ever you find yourself in trouble, face an emergency situation or simply having issues in finding something. Keep reading to know how to deal with such circumstances!

• Je cherche : I'm looking for
• Où est : Where is... You can say either followed by the thing or place you might be looking for.
• Où sont les toilettes? : Where is the restroom?
• Où est l'hôpital/ la pharmacie? : Where is the hospital/ the pharmacy?
• Aidez-moi : Help me
• Je suis perdu : I'm lost
• J'ai perdu ... : I've lost..
• J'ai perdu mon porte-monnaie : I've lost my wallet
• J'ai mal au cœur : I feel sick
• Appelez une ambulance : Call an ambulance
• Appelez la police : Call the police You might be able to properly explain yourself to authority figures as they usually understand English.

Food And Ordering In Restaurant In France

Home to one of the most popular cuisines, France will surely make your mouth water with its myriad choice of cheese and pastries, not to forget its unique dishes! However, most menus are not offered in the English language, so a few basic culinary vocabulary will make your dining experience more fun. Moreover, you can also learn french by following french recipes yourself!

Le menu, s’il vous plaît : The menu, please.

Quels sont les plats du jour : What are today's specials?

Je suis allergique à ... : I'm allergic to ...

Options végétariennes : Vegetarian options

Je prendrai : I'd like

L’addition : The bill

Est-ce que le service est compris? : Is the tip included? You should remember that tipping is not a common practice in many restaurants.

C’est trop bon! : This is so good!

Le Pain : Bread

Un Fromage : Cheese

La viande : Meat

Drinks Words In French

La carte des vins, s’il vous plaît : The wine menu, please.

Un verre de vin : A glass of wine You cannot visit France and not try a wine collection!

Du thé : Tea

Un café : a coffee

Une bière : a beer

Du jus de fruit : Some fruit juice

De l’eau : Some water

Boisson pétillante : Fizzy drink

Money Terms In French

If you are travelling to France, you are bound to use some euros to enjoy your stay. What better way to start understanding money terms in french than now!

Billet d'argent : Notes

La monnaie : Coins

Combien ça coûte? : How much does this cost?

Je voudrais payer en liquide : I would like to pay in cash.

Acceptez-vous les cartes? : Do you accept cards? It is important that you inquire before paying as many small restaurants do not accept cards. It is also a wiser option to carry cash with you.

Je vous dois combien? : How much do I owe you?

C'est trop cher : It is too expensive

La banque : The bank

Best Places You Need To Visit In France

A vacation to France will keep you busy with all the wonderful activities available.

Since you made it this far, we added 5 more beautiful places to visit in France along with their gorgeous names.

La tour Eiffel : The Eiffel tower One of the must-see locations in France is surely the Eiffel Tower , a real and amazing structural masterpiece. You can mount the Tower and look down on beautiful Paris.

Bordeaux : Bordeaux If you are a wine enthusiast, you may tour the winery in Bordeaux , which is also a city full of history and art.

Le Musée du Louvre : Louvre museum The Louvre, which houses the Mona Lisa, has some of the most renowned works of art in contemporary history.

La Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris : Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral is a Gothic architectural marvel and one of the most amazing tourist sites you should see.

La plage de Saint-Tropez : Saint-Tropez beach You may also choose between the captivating beaches of Saint-Tropez and the ski resorts of Chamonix , or you can simply do both.

Now, Up To You To Practice You French!

Now that you have an idea of what le français consists of, it is time for you to practice saying these words. You can also improve your french with the tools that Speechling provides.

Remember as many as you can to make the most of your next trip to France!

Speechling is a nonprofit app and website that combines human coaching with technology to improve your foreign language speaking.

Real French for Travelers

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Choose among three options: the complete course, just the Foundations (Part 1) , or Situational French for Travelers (Part 2) to go deeper. 

Why learn French?

(it’s easier than you think.).

You won’t have to ask, “Do you speak English?” anymore, and won’t that feel good? (You’ll love it. And feel proud of yourself.)

You’ll do things differently than your fellow tourists because you’re making the effort to learn like an insider. You don’t need to be fluent to do this. You can learn a basic French framework then build as you go. Step-by-step.

What’s even better than a phrasebook?

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Read road signs and menus, ask for directions, ask for help if you’re lost or have a problem, or even strike up a simple conversation with a French person. (By the way, they love it if you make the effort to learn their language. You’d feel the same way.)

Real French for Travelers: The complete online course. Or the basics. Or Part 2, if you’ve had some French. Whichever you choose, it’s yours to keep. Review, practice, and master (all for the price of about 4 lessons with a private tutor) in as little as 8 weeks. 

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What students say

“ Real French for Travelers” online training is excellent! This training provided the right topics at the right pace for me to learn French.”    -Cris L.

“i’ve tried a few other resources, but this one was the most comprehensive and easy to follow for a beginner. it’s well laid out, the workbook and exercises are helpful, the pronunciation is clear and easy to repeat, love the vocabulary cheat sheets and travel tips.” -shanna b., “ i highly recommend this teaching platform for beginner as well as advanced students. it can also be an excellent refresher for those who have not studied french for some time.  this course will make your visit to paris much more enjoyable without the angst of not having years of french study.  bon voyage” -julia w ..

For questions about the course, write to: [email protected]

www.Oliversfrance.com