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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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