French is considered one of the most romantic languages in the world.
So – whether you’re on a group trip or studying abroad –why not spread some love and learn a few key French phrases before you travel? Daily life could become a hassle if you don’t, and no one wants to be seen as the ugly tourist.
With that in mind, here are 40 important French language phrases to know before you travel.
SKIP TO PHRASES FOR …
Daily life
Eating and drinking
Emergencies and legal
Traveling
Money and purchases
14 phrases for everyday life in France
The French get a bad rap for their attitude. In fact, knowing a few basic French pleasantries should lead to plenty of positive quick interactions while going about your day. Learn these 14 French phrases to make quick conversations a lot easier during your travels.
- Hello: Bonjour
- Goodbye: Au revoir
- Yes: Oui
- No: Non
- Please: S’il te plaît
- Thank you: Merci
- I’m sorry: Je suis désolé
- Excuse me: Excuse-moi
- My name is ____: Mon nom est ____
- How are you?: Comment allez-vous ?
- Where is ____?: Où est ____
- Where is the bathroom?: Où se trouvent les toilettes ?
- Can you show me on this map?: Pouvez-vous me montrer sur cette carte ?
- I don’t understand: Je ne comprends pas.
Four phrases to know for eating in France
These quick questions in French will get you off on the right track at a restaurant or in a new town.
- May I please have a menu?: Le menu, s’il vous plaît
- May I have the bill/check?: L’addition s’il vous plait
- Where is the market/grocery store?: Où est le marché ?
- Is this water safe to drink?: Cette eau est-elle potable ?
11 French phrases to know for emergencies when traveling
It’s always smart to be prepared. Keep this basic list of French phrases with you – or, better yet, memorize them – in case of emergency while traveling in France.
- This is an emergency: C’est une urgence
- Fire!: Feu!
- I need a doctor: J’ai besoin d’un docteur
- I feel sick: Je me sens malade
- I need medicine: J’ai besoin de médicaments
- I’m allergic to _____: Je suis allergique à _____
- I would like to speak with a lawyer: Je voudrais parler avec un avocat
- I would like to speak with my embassy: Je voudrais parler avec mon ambassade
- I need help: J’ai besoin d’aide
- Where is the police station?: Ou est la station de police ?
- Stop that thief!: Arrêtez ce voleur !
Six phrases to know while traveling in France
It should be pretty easy to take public transportation or just walk around your city while staying in France. Still, you should have these six French phrases at the ready to make your travels easier.
- What does a ticket cost?: Combien coûte un billet ?
- How long is this trip?: Combien de temps dure ce voyage ?
- When does it arrive? (for any mode of transportation): Quand arrive-t-il ?
- Where is the bus stop?: Où est l’arrêt de bus ?
- Where is the metro/subway?: Où est le métro ?
- Please take me to the airport: Aéroport, s’il vous plaît
Five French phrases you need to know when shopping
Shop owners probably won’t have much time for you to scroll through your translation app. With that in mind, here are five questions that will help you out in stores and at markets.
- How much does this cost?: Combien ça coûte ?
- Are there student rates/prices?: Existe-t-il des tarifs étudiants ?
- Do you take credit cards?: Prenez-vous les cartes de crédit ?
- Where can I exchange money?: Où puis-je échanger de l’argent ?
- Where is the closest ATM?: Où est le guichet automatique ?
