Heading to France? Whether you’re exploring the streets of Paris, relaxing on the beaches of Nice, or discovering the vineyards of Bordeaux, knowing a few key French phrases can make your trip smoother and far more enjoyable. While many locals speak English, especially in tourist-heavy areas, learning some French phrases shows respect and can open doors to more authentic experiences.
Don't worry — you don’t need to be fluent! Just a few important words and expressions will go a long way. So, grab a coffee (or perhaps a glass of wine), and let’s dive in!
Learn the top 100 French sentences/phrases here
1. Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases
Politeness is a big deal in French culture, so starting with some friendly greetings is a great move.
- Bonjour! – Hello! / Good morning!
- Bonsoir! – Good evening!
- Salut! – Hi! (informal)
- Au revoir! – Goodbye!
- À bientôt! – See you soon!
- S'il vous plaît. – Please.
- Merci! – Thank you!
- Merci beaucoup! – Thank you very much!
- De rien. – You're welcome.
- Excusez-moi. – Excuse me. (formal)
- Pardon. – Sorry.
- Je suis désolé(e). – I'm sorry. (Add the e if you're female.)
Want to practice pronunciation? Check out our flashcards here!
2. Essential Travel and Transportation Phrases
Navigating France’s train stations, metros, and airports can feel overwhelming. These phrases will help you find your way.
- Où est la gare? – Where is the train station?
- À quelle heure part le prochain train pour...? – What time does the next train to... leave?
- Un billet pour Paris, s'il vous plaît. – A ticket to Paris, please.
- Où est l’arrêt de bus? – Where is the bus stop?
- Ce bus va à...? – Does this bus go to...?
- Je me suis perdu(e). – I'm lost. (Add e if you're female.)
- Pouvez-vous m'aider? – Can you help me?
For more helpful travel phrases, visit our transportation flashcards!
3. Ordering Food and Drinks
French cuisine is legendary, so knowing how to order with confidence is essential.
- Un café, s'il vous plaît. – A coffee, please.
- Je voudrais une table pour deux. – I'd like a table for two.
- Le menu, s'il vous plaît. – The menu, please.
- Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez? – What do you recommend?
- Je suis végétarien(ne). – I’m vegetarian. (Add ne if you're female.)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît. – The bill, please.
- Puis-je payer avec une carte de crédit? – Can I pay with a credit card?
For more tips on ordering food, visit our dining flashcards!
4. Shopping and Money Phrases
From fashion boutiques to charming markets, these phrases will come in handy while shopping in France.
- Combien ça coûte? – How much does it cost?
- Je peux l'essayer? – Can I try it on?
- Avez-vous ceci en taille plus grande/plus petite? – Do you have this in a larger/smaller size?
- Acceptez-vous les cartes de crédit? – Do you accept credit cards?
- Je regarde seulement, merci. – I'm just looking, thanks.
- Pouvez-vous me faire un prix? – Can you give me a discount?
For more shopping phrases, visit our shopping guide!
5. Emergency Phrases
In case of an emergency, these phrases can help you get assistance quickly.
- À l'aide! – Help!
- Appelez une ambulance! – Call an ambulance!
- Où est l'hôpital le plus proche? – Where is the nearest hospital?
- J'ai perdu mon passeport. – I lost my passport.
- On m'a volé mon sac. – My bag was stolen.
- Pouvez-vous appeler la police, s'il vous plaît? – Can you call the police, please?
For more essential safety phrases, visit our emergency phrase section!
6. Accommodation and Hotel Phrases
Checking into your hotel will be easier if you know these useful phrases.
- J'ai une réservation. – I have a reservation.
- Avez-vous une chambre disponible? – Do you have a room available?
- Combien coûte une nuit ici? – How much is a room per night?
- Je voudrais une chambre avec vue. – I'd like a room with a view.
- Y a-t-il du Wi-Fi dans la chambre? – Is there Wi-Fi in the room?
- Pouvez-vous appeler un taxi pour moi? – Could you call a taxi for me?
For more hotel-related phrases, check out our accommodation flashcards!
7. Making Small Talk and Socializing
The French love good conversation! These phrases can help you connect with locals and make friends.
- Comment ça va? – How are you?
- Je m'appelle... – My name is...
- D'où venez-vous? – Where are you from?
- Je viens des États-Unis. – I’m from the United States.
- Enchanté(e)! – Nice to meet you! (Add e if you're female.)
Want to build your social skills? Check out our social phrases guide!
Quick Reference Table: Essential French Phrases
For more practice, visit our interactive flashcards to master these essential phrases before your trip!
Final Thoughts
Learning a few key French phrases can make a huge difference during your trip. Locals will appreciate your effort, and you’ll feel more confident exploring everything France has to offer. Don’t stress about getting every word perfect — just trying is enough to make a great impression.
Ready to start practicing? Head to our flashcards and get one step closer to mastering French. Bon voyage! (Have a great trip!)
Learn the top 100 French sentences/phrases here
| French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Bonjour! | Hello! / Good morning! |
| Où est la gare? | Where is the train station? |
| Un café, s'il vous plaît. | A coffee, please. |
| Combien ça coûte? | How much does it cost? |
| À l'aide! | Help! |
| J'ai une réservation. | I have a reservation. |
| Comment ça va? | How are you? |