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.
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.
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.
Related: 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
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
Salut: Hello (informal)
J'adore Paris: I love Paris.
Bon voyage: Have a nice trip
Laisse tomber: Forget it or drop it
Allez: Come on or let's go
C'est la vie: That's life
Vive la république et vive la France!: Long live democracy and long live France!
La cuisine française est la meilleure du monde: French food is the best in the world.