20 Basic French Phrases for Tourists to Make Your Trip Smooth

Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by April Nicole

Have you ever found yourself struggling to communicate in France, wishing you knew a few common French travel phrases?

As someone who has been living in Paris since 2021, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of knowing basic French to navigate daily life.

Tourists often face challenges in France due to language barriers, leading to awkward moments or misunderstandings, especially when trying to be polite.

Learning a few essential phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience, allowing you to interact more smoothly with locals.

In this guide, I’ll share my insights and some key phrases that will help you navigate Paris with confidence and courtesy. Whether you’re ordering a croissant at a café or asking for directions, these tips will make your stay more enjoyable and respectful.

If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of basic French phrases for tourists:

Mastering Basic French Phrases for an Unforgettable Trip

Traveling to France is a dream for many, but the language barrier can be a bit daunting, especially if you don’t speak French. However, you don’t need to be fluent to have a fantastic experience. Knowing just a few basic French phrases can make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and help you connect with locals. basic french phrases for tourists

Bonjour! The Art of French Greetings

One of the first things you’ll notice in France is the importance of greetings. It’s considered polite and respectful to greet people, whether you’re entering a store or starting a conversation. A simple “Bonjour” (Good morning/Good day) goes a long way. My first trip to Paris was filled with excitement, but I felt awkward when I didn’t greet shopkeepers. They looked at me as if I had skipped an essential ritual. Once I started saying “Bonjour,” their faces lit up, and they treated me with warmth and respect.

• Bonjour (bohn-zhoor) – Good morning/Good day (use until early evening)
• Bonsoir (bohn-swahr) – Good evening (use from late afternoon onward)
• Enchanté(e) (ahn-shan-tay) – Nice to meet you (add ‘e’ if you are female)
• Comment allez-vous ? (koh-mahn tah-lay voo) – How are you?
• Je vais bien, merci (zhuh vay byan mehr-see) – I am fine, thank you
• Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer (rah-vee duh voo rahn-kon-tray) – Pleased to meet you

French people appreciate politeness, so don’t forget to use these greetings. They set a friendly tone for any interaction, whether you’re ordering a croissant at a bakery or asking for directions. basic french phrases for tourists

The Magic Words: Please and Thank You

Just like in any other country, being polite in France can make a big difference in how you’re treated. The phrases “S’il vous plaît” (Please) and “Merci” (Thank you) are crucial. During a visit to a small café in Lyon, I noticed the difference these simple words made. A hurried traveler before me had ordered brusquely, but I took a moment to say, “S’il vous plaît” when asking for a coffee. The barista’s stern expression softened, and she even gave me a little chocolate with my espresso.

• S’il vous plaît (seel voo pleh) – Please
• Merci (mehr-see) – Thank you
• Merci beaucoup (mehr-see boh-koo) – Thank you very much
• Je vous en prie (zhuh voo zahn pree) – You’re welcome (more formal)
• Excusez-moi (ehk-skew-zay mwah) – Excuse me (getting attention or apologizing)
• Pardon (par-dohn) – Sorry (bumping into someone or small mistakes)
• Je suis désolé(e) (zhuh swee day-zoh-lay) – I am sorry (add ‘e’ if you are female)
• Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohm-prah pah) – I don’t understand
• Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ? (poo-vay voo ray-pay-tay, seel voo pleh) – Can you repeat, please?

Always remember to use these magic words. They show respect and appreciation, which can make your interactions much more pleasant.

Dining Etiquette: Ordering Food Like a Local

Dining in France is an experience to savor, and knowing a few key phrases can enhance it. When you walk into a restaurant, you’re usually greeted with a warm “Bonjour!” It’s polite to respond in kind. If you’re ready to order, you can use the phrase “Je voudrais” (I would like). This is a straightforward way to communicate what you want. For instance, “Je voudrais un croissant” (I would like a croissant). basic french phrases for tourists

• Je voudrais… (zhuh voo-dray) – I would like…
• Pourriez-vous m’apporter… ? (poo-ree-ay voo mah-por-tay) – Could you bring me…?
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît (lah-dee-syon, seel voo pleh) – The bill, please
• La carte, s’il vous plaît (lah kart, seel voo pleh) – The menu, please
• Le menu fixe (luh muh-nyoo feeks) – The fixed menu
• Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ? (kes kuh voo ray-kohm-mahn-day) – What do you recommend?
• C’est délicieux ! (say day-lee-syuh) – It’s delicious!
• C’est trop salé / sucré / épicé (say troh sah-lay / soo-kray / ay-pee-say) – It’s too salty/sweet/spicy
• Avez-vous des plats végétariens ? (ah-vay voo day plah vay-zhay-tah-ree-ehn) – Do you have vegetarian dishes?
• Je suis allergique à… (zhuh swee ah-layr-zheek ah) – I am allergic to…

Using these phrases not only helps you get what you want but also shows that you respect the local customs. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes and express your delight with “C’est délicieux!”

Navigating the Market: Shopping Phrases

France is a shopper’s paradise, whether you’re exploring chic boutiques in Paris or bustling markets in Provence. Knowing how to ask for prices and make transactions can enhance your shopping experience. During a trip to the Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market) in Nice, I wanted to buy some lavender. I asked, “Combien ça coûte ?” (How much does it cost?) The vendor replied with a price, and I followed up with, “Je vais le prendre” (I’ll take it). It was a simple exchange, but it made me feel like a local.

• Combien ça coûte ? (kohm-byen sah koot) – How much does it cost?
• C’est combien ? (say kohm-byen) – How much is it?
• Je cherche… (zhuh sher-sh) – I am looking for…
• Est-ce que vous avez…? (ess kuh voo zah-vay) – Do you have…?
• Quelle taille ? (kel tahy) – What size? basic french phrases for tourists
• Puis-je essayer ? (pwee-zh eh-say-yay) – Can I try it on?
• Je vais le prendre (zhuh vay luh prahndr) – I’ll take it
• Pouvez-vous me faire un reçu ? (poo-vay voo muh fehr uhn ruh-syoo) – Can you give me a receipt?
• Acceptez-vous les cartes de crédit ? (ahk-sep-tay voo lay kart duh kray-dee) – Do you accept credit cards?
• Pouvez-vous me donner la monnaie ? (poo-vay voo muh doh-nay lah moh-nay) – Can you give me change?

When shopping, don’t be afraid to ask questions. French vendors appreciate curiosity and politeness. Whether you’re buying a baguette, a piece of art, or a vintage dress, these phrases will help you navigate the transaction smoothly.

Getting Around: Asking for Directions

Finding your way around French cities can be an adventure, especially if you’re not familiar with the language. Whether you’re searching for the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the lavender fields in Provence, knowing how to ask for directions is invaluable.

• Où est… ? (oo eh) – Where is…?
• Où se trouve… ? (oo suh troov) – Where is… located?
• C’est près d’ici ? (say pray dee-see) – Is it near here?
• À gauche / À droite (ah gohsh / ah drwaht) – To the left / To the right
• Tout droit (too drwah) – Straight ahead
• Est-ce loin ? (ess lwahn) – Is it far? basic french phrases for tourists
• Pouvez-vous me montrer sur la carte ? (poo-vay voo muh-moh-tray soor lah kart) – Can you show me on the map?
• Je suis perdu(e) (zhuh swee pehr-doo) – I am lost (add ‘e’ if you are female)
• Y a-t-il un arrêt de bus près d’ici ? (ee ah-teel uhn ah-ray duh boos pray dee-see) – Is there a bus stop nearby?
• Comment puis-je aller à… ? (koh-mahn pwee-zh ah-lay ah) – How can I get to…?

These phrases can help you find your way, whether you’re exploring city streets, countryside paths, or coastal trails. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for help; most people are happy to assist, especially if you make an effort to speak their language.

Emergencies: Staying Safe

While we hope your trip goes smoothly, it’s essential to know what to do in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a medical issue or a lost passport, having the right phrases can be crucial. basic french phrases for tourists

• J’ai besoin d’aide (zhay buh-zwan ded) – I need help
• Appelez la police (ahp-uh-lay lah poh-lees) – Call the police
• Appelez une ambulance (ahp-uh-lay oon ahm-byoo-lahns) – Call an ambulance
• J’ai perdu mon passeport (zhay pehr-doo mohn pahs-pohr) – I lost my passport
• J’ai été volé(e) (zhay ay-tay voh-lay) – I was robbed (add ‘e’ if you are female)
• Où est l’hôpital/la pharmacie ? (oo eh loh-pee-tahl/lah fahr-mah-see) – Where is the hospital/pharmacy?
• Il y a eu un accident (eel yah uh uhn ahk-see-dahnt) – There has been an accident
• C’est une urgence (say toon uur-zhahns) – It’s an emergency
• Pouvez-vous m’aider ? (poo-vay voo may-day) – Can you help me?
• Je me sens mal (zhuh muh sahn mahl) – I feel unwell

Knowing these phrases can help you stay calm and get the assistance you need. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared and know how to communicate in emergencies. basic french phrases for tourists

Practical Tips for Practicing French

Learning French phrases doesn’t have to be intimidating. There are plenty of resources to help you practice and improve. Apps like Duolingo and Babbel offer interactive lessons, while YouTube channels provide pronunciation guides. During my travels, I found that listening to French podcasts was an excellent way to get used to the rhythm and flow of the language. It also helped me pick up on commonly used phrases and slang. basic french phrases for tourists

Here are a few tips for practicing:

1. Use Language Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise are great for learning on the go.
2. Watch French Movies and Shows: This can help you get a feel for conversational French.
3. Listen to French Music or Podcasts: This improves your listening skills and pronunciation.
4. Practice with Locals: Don’t be afraid to use your French with locals, even if it’s just a few phrases.
5. Keep a Phrasebook: Having a small phrasebook or app on your phone can be handy for quick references. I recommend this phrasebook.

Cultural Insights: Embracing French Customs

Understanding French culture can enhance your experience and help you fit in more easily. The French value politeness and courtesy, and they appreciate it when visitors make an effort to respect their customs. For instance, it’s customary to greet shopkeepers and say goodbye when leaving. During my travels, I’ve noticed that this small gesture often leads to friendlier service and more genuine interactions. basic french phrases for tourists

Final Thoughts on Basic French Phrases for Tourists

Traveling to France can be a rich and rewarding experience, and knowing a few basic French phrases can make it even better. Whether you’re ordering food, shopping, asking for directions, or dealing with an emergency, these phrases will help you navigate the country with confidence. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making an effort and showing respect for the local culture.

So, before you embark on your French adventure, take some time to practice these phrases. They’ll not only help you communicate more effectively but also enrich your experience as you explore the beautiful cities, charming villages, and stunning landscapes of France. Bon voyage and enjoy every moment of your journey!

For a handy reference, consider printing out a list of these phrases or saving them on your phone. And if you have any other tips or experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment. We’d love to hear about your adventures and how these phrases helped you along the way! basic french phrases for tourists