Learn French Phrases
In this lesson, we will cover some basic French phrases that will help get you through the day if you are visiting France. These are very practical phrases that you are likely to use many times for various reasons.
When you are in France, it is natural that people will assume that you speak French, and address you with a torrent of French words that may well rush over your head and leave you bewildered. If you don’t know much French, sometimes you will need to establish that you don’t speak French that well, but that you do speak English. This will help the other people understand why you have a puzzled look on your face.
Click Here to Check Out Our #1 Rated French Learning Software
Here are several ways that you can tell someone that you don’t understand French very well and ask if they know how to speak in English:
I don’t speak French. “Je ne parle pas français.” (Note that the word “français” is not capitalized.)
I speak a little French. “Je parle un peu du français.“
I don’t understand. “Je ne comprends pas.“
I don’t know. “Je ne sais pas.“
Do you speak English? “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Note that the word “anglais” is not capitalized.)
I speak English. “Je parle anglais.“
When you say any of these phrases, the other person will often slow down, repeat what they said, or use much simpler language. If you need someone to speak slower or repeat themselves, don’t be afraid to ask. People usually don’t realize that they’re talking too quickly for your comprehension level unless you say something like:
Please speak slowly. “Parlez lentement, s’il vous plaît.“
More slowly, please. “Plus lentement, s’il vous plait.“
Can you repeat that, please? “Répétez, s’il vous plaît? or Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?“
When you need help with directions or if you have a question, you can often politely ask a stranger and they will kindly help you. If you need to ask a stranger a question, a polite way to get their attention is to say one of the following:
Pardon me. “Pardon.”
Excuse me. “Excusez-moi.”
A more advanced way to ask a stranger a question is to follow “pardon” or “excusez-moi” with one of the following phrases:
I am sorry to interrupt you, but… “Je suis désolé(e) de vous interrompre, mais…“
I am sorry to disturb you, but… “Je suis désolé(e) de vous déranger, mais…“
You can follow any of these phrases with your specific question. There are some very common questions that you might need to ask someone when you are in France. Here are a few of those common questions:
What time is it? “Quelle heure est-il?“
Where is…? “Où est…?”
(Where is the train station? “Où est la gare?“)
(Where is the bank? “Où est la banque?“)
etc…
How much does it cost? “Combien ça coute?“
What is that? “Qu’est-ce que c’est?“
What is happening here? “Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici?“
When someone answers your question, you can end the conversation by exchanging pleasantries and thanking them. Here are some good phrases to use to thank someone for their help:
Thank you very much! “Merci beaucoup!”
Have a nice day! “Bonne journée!”
Looking for the perfect way to learn French online?
I highly recommend Rocket French — for just a fraction of the cost of most comparable French learning software programs, you get a comprehensive set of learning materials, including over 110 hours of interactive audio lessons with full transcripts, tons of activities and exercises, several great learning games, hundreds of flash cards, and much more.
Plus, unlike other software programs, the entire package is available for immediate download, and for a huge discount off the regular price–pretty convenient. There’s also a no-questions-asked money back guarantee. Obviously, I can’t recommend this product enough! Check out Rocket French today!