Your first trip to France is a chance for you to embark on a great adventure and eclectic mix of local culture, mouth savouring cuisine and stunning artwork. However, a little knowledge about essential French travel phrases can make getting around the country easier and make your trip hassle-free.
Moreover, just knowing a few important French travel phrases can completely change how you interact with locals. Speaking some basic French will make your travel experience much more pleasant. French locals are always happier to help foreigners who make a basic attempt at speaking the language. Knowing even a little French can help you soak up the French culture, meet new people and be carefree.
As you prepare for your French vacation, it’s recommended that you attempt to learn some basic French. We’ve prepared a list of 30 everyday French words and phrases to help you through your stay: these cover greetings, navigation, ordering at restaurants and communicating in case of emergencies. You can also enlist the help of a private French tutor to gain a better understanding of their context.
Also Read: The Best Ways to Learn French Effectively
These essential French phrases will help you navigate your way throughout France hassle-free!
1. Bonjour Monsieur/Madame (Gooday Mister/Madam)
2. S’il vous plaît… (Please…)
3. Oui/Non (Yes/No)
4. Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)
5. Où est…? (Where is…?)
6. Merci/Merci beaucoup! (Thank you/Thank you very much!)
7. Je vous en prie/De rien (You’re welcome/It’s nothing)
8. Je ne comprends pas. (I do not understand.)
9. Excusez-moi, où est ___? (Excuse me, where is ___?)
10. Combien ça coûte? (How much does it cost?)
11. Où est le guichet? (Where is the ticket window?)
12. Je ne parle pas français. (I do not speak French.)
13. Pourriez-vous m’aider? (Can you help me?)
14. Où sont des toilettes? (Where are the toilets?)
15. Où se trouve la station de métro la plus proche? (Where is the closest metro station?)
16. Un billet, s’il vous plaît. (One ticket, please.)
17. Je cherche le métro/le gare/l’aéroport. (I am searching for the metro/train station/airport.)
18. Je cherche l’hôtel/l’hôpital/la banque. (I am searching for the hotel/hospital/bank.)
19. Où sommes-nous? (Where are we?)
20. Je voudrais réserver un billet. (I would like to reserve a ticket.)
21. À quelle heure faut-il arriver? (What time should it arrive?)
22. La carte/le menu, s’il vous plaît. (The menu/fixed-price menu, please.)
23. Je voudrais un café/un verre/ de l’eau.. (I would like a coffee/ a glass/ some water.)
24. L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (The bill, please.)
25. Où est-ce que je peux trouver un plan de la ville? (Where can I find a city map?)
26. Je cherche le bus/train/métro. Où est l’arrêt le plus près? (I am looking for the bus/train/subway. Where is the nearest stop?)
27. Où est l’ambassade américaine? (Where is the American Embassy?)
28. Je ne peux pas manger ___. (I can’t eat ___.)
29. J’ai besoin d’un médecin qui parle anglais. (I need a doctor who speaks English.)
30. J’ai une assurance médicale. (I have medical insurance)
Image Source: Intrepidguide.com
If you need professional help with understanding basic French for your upcoming trip or just for fun, try out our private French tutors.