ADVERBS (1)If you’re traveling to France or another French speaking country soon and only have time to learn basic French phrases, see the below list for some of the most useful phrases to know while to have very simple conversations in French. Almost any native French speaker will be pleased that you have taken the time to learn French phrases before you visit their country.

Manners and polite greetings

In most urban areas natives will recognize that you are an English speaker by your accent and may even respond in English, but most will appreciate that you have taken the time to address them politely in their native language. In more remote areas of French-speaking countries you may need to interact with someone who knows little to no English, and you will have to communicate with simple French phrases. Politeness goes a long way toward encouraging them to help you.

French phrases: greetings and goodbyes

Always, always be polite. Greet people with the appropriate French phrase. Greetings are much more important in France as a measure of politeness than they are in the US. Never just walk up to someone and start asking a question.

HelloBonjour (literally, “good day”)
Good eveningBonsoir
GoodbyeAu revoir / adieu
How are you?Comment ça va? / Comment allez-vous?
PleaseS’il vous plaît
Thank youMerci
I am well.Ça va bien. (literally, “it goes well”)
My name is…Je m’appelle… (literally, “I call myself…”)

French phrases for traveling

  • I would like… “Je voudrais…”
  • I am looking for… “Je cherche…
  • Where is…”Où est…”

Other French phrases to know

  • I have… “J’ai…
  • I am going… “Je vais…
  • I am from… “Je suis de...”
  • I went… “Je suis allé…
  • How much (does this cost)? “Combien coûte?
  • It is… “C’est…”
  • Do you have… “Avez-vous…”
  • What time is it? “Quelle heure est-t-il?”
  • I need… “J’ai besoin de…”
  • Do you speak English? “Parlez-vous anglais?”
  • I don’t understand. “Je ne comprends pas.”
  • I don’t speak French. “Je ne parle pas français”
  • Can you help me? “Pouvez-vous m’aider?”

Travel Vocabulary

a taxiun taxi
the airportl’aéroport
the carla voiture
the trainle train
the hotell’hôtel
a restaurantun restaurant
a grocery store/marketun marché
the museumle musée
a suitcaseune valise
breakfastle petit déjeuner
lunchle déjeuner
dinnerle dîner
a mealun répas