Essential French Phrases for Tourists
France, a country renowned for its rich history, captivating culture, and delectable cuisine, attracts millions of tourists each year. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic French phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience. Not only will it help you communicate more effectively with locals, but it will also demonstrate your respect for their language and culture.
Greetings and Basic Phrases
English |
French |
Pronunciation |
Hello |
Bonjour |
bohn-zhoor |
Good morning |
Bonjour |
bohn-zhoor |
Good afternoon |
Bonjour |
bohn-zhoor |
Good evening |
Bonsoir |
bohn-swar |
Good night |
Bonne nuit |
bon-nwee |
Thank you |
Merci |
mer-see |
You're welcome |
De rien |
duh ree-ahn |
Excuse me |
Excusez-moi |
eks-kyoo-zay-mwa |
Please |
S'il vous plaît |
seel voo pleh |
Asking for Help and Directions
English |
French |
Pronunciation |
Do you speak English? |
Parlez-vous anglais? |
par-lay-voo an-gleh? |
Where is the bathroom? |
Où sont les toilettes? |
oo sohn lay twah-let? |
Where is the train station? |
Où est la gare? |
oo eh la gar? |
Can you help me? |
Pouvez-vous m'aider? |
poo-vay voo meh-day? |
I don't understand. |
Je ne comprends pas. |
zhuh nuh kom-prahn pah. |
Ordering Food and Drinks
English |
French |
Pronunciation |
I would like... |
J'aimerais... |
zhay-ray-may... |
A glass of water |
Un verre d'eau |
uhn vair d'oh |
A cup of coffee |
Une tasse de café |
uhn tas duh ka-fay |
The bill, please. |
L'addition, s'il vous plaît. |
lad-dee-syohn, seel voo pleh. |
Additional Useful Phrases
English |
French |
Pronunciation |
Yes |
Oui |
wee |
No |
Non |
nohn |
How much is this? |
Combien coûte ceci? |
kom-bee-ahn koot seh-see? |
I'm sorry. |
Je suis désolé(e). |
zhuh swee day-so-lay. |
Good luck! |
Bonne chance! |
bon shons! |
Learning a few basic French phrases will make your trip to France more enjoyable and rewarding. While you may not become fluent overnight, even a small effort to communicate in French will be appreciated by locals and enhance your overall travel experience.