Planning a trip to France? Whether you’re ordering a coffee in Annecy or asking for directions, knowing a few easy and basic French words can make your trip smoother and more fun.
Greetings & Polite Words
Making a good impression in France often starts with a simple, respectful greeting:
- Bonjour (bohn-zhoor) – Hello/Good morning
- Bonsoir (bohn-swahr) – Good evening
- Salut (sah-loo) – Hi/Bye (informal)
- Merci (mehr-see) – Thank you
- S’il vous plaît (seel voo pleh) – Please
- Excusez-moi (ex-koo-zay-mwah) – Excuse me
- Comment allez-vous? (koh-mahn tah-lay voo) – How are you? (formal)
At the Airport & Train Station
Navigating transportation is easier when you know what to say:
- Où est…? (oo eh) – Where is…?
- Billet (bee-yeh) – Ticket
- Bagage (bah-gahzh) – Luggage
- Je suis perdu(e) (zhuh swee pair-doo) – I am lost
- Pouvez-vous m’aider? (poo-vay voo meh-day) – Can you help me?
Need to improve your French language skills? This guide helps you go beyond the basics.
Hotel Check-in
Check-in with confidence in any hotel in France:
- Réservation (ray-zair-vah-syon) – Reservation
- Chambre (shahm-bruh) – Room
- Une nuit (ewn nwee) – One night
- Avec salle de bain (ah-vek sal duh bahn) – With bathroom
Eating Out & Ordering Food
Dining like a local is easy with these expressions:
- Je voudrais… (zhuh voo-dray) – I would like…
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît (lah-dee-syon seel voo pleh) – The bill, please
- C’est combien? (say kohm-byen) – How much is it?
- Sans gluten (sahn gloot-en) – Gluten free
Want to compliment your waiter or host? Learn to say beautiful in French the right way.
Emergencies & Help
When things don’t go as planned, these phrases can help:
- Aidez-moi! (eh-day mwah) – Help me!
- Appelez la police! (ah-pehl-ay lah poh-lees) – Call the police!
- Je suis malade (zhuh swee mah-lahd) – I am sick
- J’ai besoin d’un médecin (zhay buh-zwan dun med-san) – I need a doctor
Cultural Tips & Politeness Hacks
Understanding etiquette can make your experience smoother:
- Use “vous” for formal situations; “tu” for casual ones
- Always say bonjour when entering shops
- Say merci, au revoir when leaving
Looking to immerse? Paris may not be the best place to learn French – explore alternatives.
If you’re planning a french study trip or considering taking french exams, check this French exam guide for learners to help you choose the right path.
Quick Reference Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello | bohn-zhoor |
| Merci | Thank you | mehr-see |
| Où est…? | Where is…? | oo eh |
| Je voudrais… | I would like… | zhuh voo-dray |
| Aidez-moi! | Help me! | eh-day mwah |
Frequently Asked Questions!
How do I say I don’t speak French in a respectful way?
“Je ne parle pas français” (zhuh nuh parl pah frahn-say) is a polite and clear way to express this.
What is the French word for toilet and how do I use it?
Use “Où sont les toilettes ?” (oo sohn lay twa-let) to ask where the toilets are.
How can I ask for help politely in French?
“Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît ?” (poo-vay voo meh-day seel voo pleh) combines politeness and clarity.
Can I get by with English in France?
In tourist areas, yes, but basic French phrases show respect and are often appreciated. Try saying: “Parlez-vous anglais ?” (par-lay voo ahn-glay)
