Essential French Words and Phrases For Travel

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Did you know that French is the official language in 29 countries? French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 300 million speakers. Chances are you will need to know a few words of French at some point in your travels.

While it’s possible to navigate France with just English, taking the time to learn some French phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience. While in the more touristy areas like Paris, you will find many English speaking people, when you venture out from the city it is less common. Locals will appreciate the effort, even if it is just a few phrases. It is also a sign of respect.

Knowing basic phrases for common situations such as ordering a coffee and asking for the check can make your daily experiences smoother and more enjoyable.

In an emergency situation, it is crucial to be able to communicate. Knowing basic phrases related to your personal health can be vital. Such as I have asthma, or Je suis allergique!

Here are a few basics anyone can memorize before your next trip to France.

I have this French Phrasebook that I take with me in my carry-on. It is old but works great. You can find a million different versions on Amazon. I also practice on my Duolingo App every evening to keep my memory fresh. Make sure to download the French Words and Phrases FREE PRINTABLE!

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Greetings

Bonjour – Hello

Salut – Hi

Au Revoir – Goodbye

Bonne journée – Have a good day

Bonsoir – Good evening

Bonne nuit – Good night

Je m’appelle – My name is…

Parlez-vous Anglais? – Do you speak English?

Excusez -moi – Excuse me

Comment allez vous? How are you?

Bien – good

S’il vous plaît – Please

Merci – Thank you

De rien – You’re welcome

Merci Beaucoup – Thank you very much

Oui – Yes

Non – Non

Days, Months,Numbers….

Une/1 Deux/2 Trois/3 Quatre/4 Cinq/5 Six/6 Sept/7 Huit/8 Neuf/9 Dix/10

Lundi/Monday Mardi/Tuesday Mercredi/Wednesday Jeudi/Thursday Vendredi/Friday Samedi/Saturday Dimanche/Sunday

Janvier/January Février/February Mars/March Avril/April Mai/May Juin/June Juillet/July Août/August Septembre/September Octobre/October Novembre/November Décembre/December

L’été/Summer L’automne/Autumn L’hiver/Winter Le printemps/Spring

Midi – Noon

Minuit – Midnight

Le matin – Morning

L’après-midi – Afternoon

Le soir – Evening

La nuit – Night

Aujourd’hui – Today

Quelle heure est-il ? What time is it

Places

La marche – Market

La banque – Bank

La boulangerie – Bakery

Le musée – Museum

L’école – School

L’ambassade – Embassy

La Gare – Train/railway station

L’aéroport – Airport

La bibliothèque – Library

Le pont – Bridge

Le château – Castle

L’opéra – Opera

La plage – Beach

Ou est la gare ? – Where is the railway station

Tournez à Droite /Gauche – Turn Right/Left

Food and Drinks

Manger – To eat

Boire – To drink

Café – Black coffee

Thé – Tea

Bière – Beer

Vin – Wine

Le lait – Milk

Café au lait – Coffee

Jus d’orange – Orange juice

Je suis celiac – I am celiac

Je suis allergique – I am allergic

Je suis végétarien – I am vegetarian

La petit déjeuner – Breakfast

Le déjeuner – Lunch

L’addition s’il vous plaît – Check please!

Ferme – Closed

Ouvert – Open

Medical

Je suis asthmatique – I am asthmatique

Je suis diabétique – I am diabetic

Ou est l’hopital? – Where is the hospital?

Appelez un médecin – Call a Doctor

Ou est la pharmacie? – Where is the pharmacy?

Je suis allergique au/à la i am allergic to

Je suis malade – I am sick

Au secours! – Help!

Ou est le commissariat? – Where is the police station?

Appelez la police – Call the police

C’est une urgency – It is an emergency

Appelez les pompiers – Call the fire department

J’ai perdu mon passeport – I have lost my passport

Other Important Phrases

Combien? – How much ?
Pourquoi? – Why?

Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand

Quand – When

Je voudrais – I would like

Je ne sais pas – I don’t know

Ici – Here

Billet – Ticket

Most Important!

Ou sont les toilettes ? – Where are the toilets ?

Download Now! French Words and Phrases FREE PRINTABLE

Speaking some French can open doors to a more authentic travel experience. Locals may be more inclined to share recommendations, stories, or insights about their culture if they see that you are making an effort to communicate in their language.

I have four years of high school French and nightly Duolingo lessons and I still can’t keep up, but I try. I do as much as I can with my Texas accent and I do believe it is appreciated. Learning a new language, even if it’s just a few basic phrases, can be personally fulfilling. I feel very accomplished being able to communicate in a different language.

Headed to France? I have an entire Paris series on the blog!

3 Thoughts to “Essential French Words and Phrases For Travel”

  1. […] If cooking is not you thing, opt for local markets and budget-friendly restaurants. I love strolling through the markets, especially in France. These markets sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and bread. And of course, all the beautiful flowers. Plus, you’ll have the chance to interact with local vendors and practice the language skills that you learned Essential French Words and Phrases For Travel. […]

  2. […] Learn about the country’s culture, laws, and customs before you go and respect them. When out on tours and excursions follow the rules. Do not cross barriers to get a selfie. Research local scams so you can be aware of what to look out for. Learn a few essential phrases in the local language, such as greetings and asking for help. Headed to France? Essential French Words and Phrases For Travel […]

  3. […] Ready to plan your trip to Paris? Check out all of my guides to the City of Light under the Europe tab, including Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris: Your Ultimate Transportation Guide and Essential French Words and Phrases For Travel […]

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