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.