Basic French Phrases
English to French Phrases

Learn these basic French phrases and you learn French online free right here. These French sayings will help you get around and communicate as you travel through France.

Even by learning basic French words you will start to experience the culture of France. Plus, the French will love you if you try.

Learn French Words
Start Easy With the Basics

Bonjour
Hello/good day
(bohn-zhoor)
Bonsoir
Hello/good evening
(bohn-swahr)

Merci
Thank you.
(mehr-see)

S’il vous plait.
please
(seel voo ple)

Oui
yes
(we)

Non
no
(nawng)

Pardon
Excuse me.
(par-dohn)

Enchante
Nice to meet you
(ohn-shon-tay)

Check out the custom of French culture. It’s helpful to understand the basics so you’ll be well treated and they won’t perceive you as a boor. After all, we want to be liked.

Basic French Phrases

A little more complex translations of English to French phrases.

Je parle un peu le Français.
I speak French a little.

Parlez-vous anglais?
Do you speak English?
( par-leh vooz ahn-gle? )

Parlez plus lentement, s’il vous plait.
Please speak more slowly
( Par-leh pleu lahnt-mahn, seel voo play. )

Repetez, s’il vous plait.
Please repeat.
( Par-leh pleu lahnt-mahn, seel voo play. )

The words of love:
French love words and French love phrases.

In a restaurant

To the maître d’ or waiter:

Bonsoir, une table pour deux, s’il vous plait.
Hello, a table for two please.
( Bohn-swahr ewn tahbl poor duh, seel voo ple)

Quick and easy:
Deux personnes, s’il vous plait.
Two people please.
(Deh pairson, seel-voo-play)

Non fumeur
Non smoking
(noh fu-mere)

Point to the menu item you want to order and say:
Je voudrais
I would like. (Zher voodreh)

Ou sont les toilettes?
Where are the toilets? (oo sahn lay toile-ette)

Shopping

Always always always say ‘Bonjour’ when you enter a shop and to the cashier when you pay. This is the custom of French culture.

Quick and easy:
Je voudrais
I would like.
(zhuh voodreh)

The salesperson may ask you when you’ve paid for your item:

Voulez vous un sac?
Would you like a bag?
(Voolay voo ahn sack)

Post Office

Bonjour, Je voudrais achetez des timbres pour carte postal pour les états unis/Angleterre/Australie/Canada/
Hello, I would like to buy some post card stamps for the… US/England/ Australia/Canada.
(bon-jur, ge vu-dray ash-tay day tom-bra pour cart post-al pour lay…)

In love? Explore the culture of France through romantic French phrases. Choose one of these French love phrases to start the love flowing.

Driving

essence
gas
(dehsahnss)

Check out this helpful guide to driving in France.

Hotel

Je m’appelle…
My name is…
(zhuh ma-pell)

J’ai une réservation…
I have a reservation.
(zhay feh rayzehrvay)

…pour une personne
…for one person (single)
(poor ewn pehrnson)

…pour deux personne
…For two people (double)
(poor der pehrnson)

avec douche
with shower
(ahvehk doosh)

avec salle de bains
with bathroom
(ahvehk sahl deh bahn)

Want to learn more about the culture of France? Here is an great overview.

When all else fails and you are overwhelmed and frustrated:

Je ne parle pas Francais.
I don’t speak French
(zher neh parl pa frahn-say)

With these basic French phrases and armed with a little phrase book you can visit France. Learn French abroad by interacting with the people and hear the language spoken. You’ll learn basic French phrases almost effortlessly.

Helpful Articles and Websites

Paris budget hotels overview.

Paris boutique hotels overview.

Traveling through French wine regions can make for a very romantic trip of great wine tasting.

What to eat on your romantic visit to France? France food is the best. Here is a great guide to make ordering easier.

Where to Stay? Try camping in France on or near the beach. 5 star French campgrounds are like resorts or camp rough under the stars.

Want a romantic cottage all to yourselves? Here is a self catering France guide to get you started.

Best road map France so you find your way with confidence.

Flying to France? Airports in France that serve the Riviera.

Return from Basic French Phrases to French Culture Adventures

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