Travel Tips Basic French Words, Phrases, and Sayings Every Traveler Should Know These are the basic French words, phrases, and slang to know for your next trip to France. By Jess McHugh Jess McHugh Twitter Website Jess McHugh is a journalist, author, and researcher who has reported from North and South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. She's written hundreds of stories, ranging from the fight to preserve world heritage in Palmyra, Syria, to the story of the first American dictionary. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Nation, The Paris Review, Time, New York Magazine, The New Republic, Fortune, Village Voice, International Business Times, CNN, Avidly (Los Angeles Review of Books), AFP Services, The Believer, Lapham's Quarterly, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, InStyle, Dame, Thrillist, Man Repeller, and Travel + Leisure, among others. She can be found between New York City and Paris. * 8+ years of experience working as a writer and researcher * Author of "Americanon" (Dutton, Penguin-Random House, 2021) * Bilingual in French and English * Former staff reporter at Time Inc. and International Business Times. * Received a bachelor's degree in comparative literature from Yale University Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 12, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Marlene Awaad/Bloomberg via Getty Images Anyone who has spent even the shortest amount of time in France — particularly in Paris — knows the importance of being able to speak a little français, so we've rounded up some common French phrases, words, and even French slang you should learn before your next trip — whether it's in six months or six years. The Best Language Learning Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip Locals will quickly warm to travelers who at least make an effort to speak their language. Whether it's saying "bonjour" when you enter a shop or ordering politely in a café, the French will take note of your courtesy. Any useful French words, sayings, or phrases you can commit to memory will help you navigate the country, interact with residents, and make the most of your trip. And, as a rule, remember that it's always safer to use the "vous," or formal version, of French, unless you're speaking to a child. Here are the basic French words and phrases to learn before you visit France. More travel tips Basic French Words Hello: Bonjour Goodbye: Au revoir Goodnight: Bonne soirée, or bonne nuit Please: S'il vous plaît (formal), s'il te plaît (informal) Thank you: Merci You're welcome: De rien Yes: Oui No: Non Good: Bien Beautiful: Beau (masculine), belle (feminine) Common French Phrases How are you?: Comment allez-vous? (formal), Comment vas-tu? (informal) I am well, and you?: Je vais bien, et vous? What is your name?: Comment vous appelez-vous? (formal), Comment tu t'appelles? (informal) My name is...: Je m'appelle... I love you: Je vous aime (formal), Je t'aime (informal) I miss you: Vous me manquez (formal), Tu me manques (informal) Excuse me: Pardon I don't know: Je ne sais pas I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas This Is the Best Village in France, According to Locals Basic French Phrases for Travelers Do you speak English: Parlez-vous anglais? I'm lost: Je suis perdu(e), adding an e if you identify as female. I'm sorry: Je suis désolé(e) Where is...: Où est... (For example, "Where is the Louvre?" translates to "Où est le musée du Louvre?") Where is the bathroom?: Où sont les toilettes? How much is...: Combien coûte... (For example, "Combien coûte cette robe?" means "How much is this dress?") I would like...: Je voudrais... A beer: Une bière A glass of wine: Un verre de vin A coffee: Un café Water: Eau Common French Sayings and French Slang Hello: Salut (informal) I love Paris: J'adore Paris Have a nice trip: Bon voyage Forget it or drop it: Laisse tomber Come on or let's go: Allez That's life: C'est la vie Long live the Republic and long live France!: Vive la république et vive la France! French food is the best in the world: La cuisine française est la meilleure du monde Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit