This page includes the most basic French phrases and vocabulary for any traveler. The basic niceties of conversation, for example, can be absolutely crucial. In French culture, it is considered extremely rude to not use these basic courtesy terms and words.
In an emergency, it's even more important to know how to at least call for help. Try to memorize these French phrases and, also, be sure to print these pages to take with you to France. Then, even if you struggle with pronunciation, you can point to phrases.
French Phrases and Words for Basic Conversation
- Hello - bonjour
- Do you speak English? - Parlez-vous anglais?
- I speak English - Je parle anglais
- I don’t understand - Je ne comprends pas
- yes - oui
- no - non
- Who? - Qui
- What? – Quoi?
- When? – Quand?
- Where? – Où?
- Why/Why not? – Pourquoi?Porquoi pas?
- How? – Comment?
- sir/mister - monsieur
- ma'am/madam/Mrs. - madame
- miss - mademoiselle
- man – homme
- woman - femme
- Please - s'il vous plait
- Excuse me - pardon
- Thank you - merci
- Thank you very much - merci beaucoup
- Sorry - desolé
- You're welcome - de rien
- Goodbye - au revoir
- So long/until next time - à bientôt
- Until tomorrow – à demain
- Good morning – bon matin
- Good afternoon - bon après-midi
- Good evening - bonsoir
- Good night - bonne nuit
- Write it - ecrivez
- Show me - montrez-moi
- Repeat more slowly – Répétez plus lentement
French Emergency and Situation Phrases and Words
- Watch out! - attention!
- Help! - Au secours!
- I am hurt - Je suis blessé
- Where is/Where are… - Ou es...
- …the hospital? - ...l'hopital?
- …the police - ...la police
- …the bathroom? - ...les toilettes?/ le W.C.?
French Words for Numbers
- one – un (masculine)/une(feminine)
- two – deux
- three – trois
- four – quatre
- five – cinq
- six – six
- seven – sept
- eight – huit
- nine – neuf
- ten – dix