100 VERY USEFUL phrases for your next trip to France

Greetings and Politeness in French
 

Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?

Phonetic: /bɔ̃ʒuʁ, kɔmɑ̃ tale vu/

Usage: Formal greeting used at any time of the day. Perfect for addressing someone politely.

English: "Hello, how are you?"

 

Pleased to meet you.

Phonetic: /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te də fɛʁ vɔtʀ kɔnɛsɑ̃s/

Usage: To be used when meeting someone for the first time. It's a formal way to say you are happy to meet the person.

English: "Pleased to meet you."

 

Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m’aider ?

Phonetic: /ɛkskyze mwa, puʁje vu mede/

Usage: When you need help or information, for example, in a store or on the street.

English: "Excuse me, could you help me?"

 

Thank you very much for your help.

Phonetic: /mɛʁsi boku puʁ vɔtʀ ed/

Usage: To thank someone after receiving help. It's a polite way to express your gratitude.

English: "Thank you very much for your help."

 

Au revoir, bonne journée !

Phonetic: /o ʁəvwaʁ, bɔn ʒuʁne/

Usage: Used when saying goodbye to someone, to wish them a good continuation.

English: "Goodbye, have a nice day!"

 

S'il vous plaît.

Phonetic: /sil vu plɛ/

Usage: To use when asking for something to show your politeness.

English: "Please."

 

De rien, avec plaisir.

Phonetic: /də ʁjɛ̃, avɛk plɛziʁ/

Usage: In response to "Thank you". Shows that you were happy to help.

English: "You're welcome, with pleasure."

 

Pardon, je ne comprends pas.

Phonetic: /paʁdɔ̃, ʒə nə kɔ̃pʁɑ̃ pa/

Usage: When you don't understand what was said and need clarification.

English: "Sorry, I don't understand."

 

Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?

Phonetic: /puvə vu ʁepete, sil vu plɛ/

Usage: If you didn't understand or hear something clearly and want the other person to repeat it.

English: "Could you repeat, please?"

 

Parlez-vous langue ?

Phonetic: /paʁle vu lɑ̃g/

Usage: To ask someone if they speak a specific language, useful when you don't speak French well.

English: "Do you speak language?"

 

 

Asking for Directions in French
 

Où est la gare, s'il vous plaît ?

Phonetic: /u ɛ la ɡɑʁ, sil vu plɛ/

Usage: When looking for the train station to catch a train. Useful in any city.

English: "Where is the train station, please?"

 

Comment puis-je aller à l’aéroport ?

Phonetic: /kɔmɑ̃ pɥiʒ ʒ‿ale a lɛʁopɔʁ/

Usage: When you need directions to get to the airport.

English: "How can I get to the airport?"

 

Est-ce que lieu est loin d’ici ?

Phonetic: /ɛs kə ljø ɛ lwã disi/

Usage: To find out if a specific place is at a reasonable distance to walk to or if you need to take transportation.

English: "Is place far from here?"

 

Pouvez-vous me montrer sur le plan ?

Phonetic: /puvə vu mə mɔ̃tʁe syʁ lə plɑ̃/

Usage: When you have a map and want someone to show you a location on it.

English: "Can you show me on the map?"

 

Est-ce que je peux y aller à pied ?

Phonetic: /ɛs kə ʒə pøz‿i ale a pje/

Usage: To ask if the distance to a place is short enough to walk.

English: "Can I go there on foot?"

 

À quelle heure part le prochain bus ?

Phonetic: /a kɛl œʁ paʁ lə pʁokʃɛ̃ bys/

Usage: Useful at a bus stop when you're waiting for the next bus to your destination.

English: "What time does the next bus leave?"

 

Où est l'arrêt de bus le plus proche ?

Phonetic: /u ɛ larɛ də bys lə ply pʁɔʃ/

Usage: When you need to catch a bus and are looking for the nearest bus stop.

English: "Where is the nearest bus stop?"

 

Combien coûte un ticket de métro ?

Phonetic: /kɔ̃bjɛ̃ kut ɛ̃ tikɛ də metʁo/

Usage: To find out the price of a subway ticket before buying it.

English: "How much is a subway ticket?"

 

Quelle ligne dois-je prendre pour aller à... ?

Phonetic: /kɛl liɲ dwɑʒ pʁɑ̃dʁ puʁ ale a.../

Usage: When using the metro and need to know which line will take you to your destination.

English: "Which line should I take to go to...?"

 

Est-ce que cette rue mène à... ?

Phonetic: /ɛs kə sɛt ʁy mɛn a.../

Usage: To confirm that you are on the right path by following a specific street towards your destination.

English: "Does this street lead to...?"

 

 

Shopping in French
 

Combien ça coûte ?

Phonétique : /kɔ̃bjɛ̃ sa kut/

Utilisation : À utiliser lorsqu'on veut connaître le prix d'un article avant de l'acheter.

Anglais : "How much does it cost?"

 

Acceptez-vous la carte de crédit ?

Phonétique : /aksɛpte vu la kaʁt də kʁedi/

Utilisation : Pour savoir si le paiement par carte de crédit est accepté.

Anglais : "Do you accept credit card?"

 

Pouvez-vous me donner un sac, s'il vous plaît ?

Phonétique : /puvə vu mə dɔne œ̃ sak, sil vu plɛ/

Utilisation : À dire après un achat si vous avez besoin d'un sac pour transporter vos articles.

Anglais : "Can you give me a bag, please?"

 

J’aimerais acheter ceci, s'il vous plaît.

Phonétique : /ʒɛməʁɛ aʃte səsi, sil vu plɛ/

Utilisation : Lorsque vous avez décidé de ce que vous voulez acheter et êtes prêt à le faire savoir au vendeur.

Anglais : "I would like to buy this, please."

 

Où est la caisse ?

Phonétique : /u ɛ la kɛs/

Utilisation : Pour trouver où payer vos articles dans un magasin.

Anglais : "Where is the checkout?"

 

Où sont les cabines d’essayage ?

Phonétique : /u sɔ̃ le kabin dessɛjaʒ/

Utilisation : Lorsque vous souhaitez essayer des vêtements avant de les acheter.

Anglais : "Where are the fitting rooms?"

 

Avez-vous ceci dans une autre taille / couleur ?

Phonétique : /avɛ vu səsi dɑ̃z yn otʁ taj / kulœʁ/

Utilisation : Pour demander si un article est disponible dans une taille ou couleur différente.

Anglais : "Do you have this in another size / color?"

 

Je regarde, merci.

Phonétique : /ʒə ʁəɡaʁd, mɛʁsi/

Utilisation : Lorsque vous êtes en train de regarder les articles et que vous n'avez pas besoin d'aide pour le moment.

Anglais : "I'm just looking, thank you."

 

Ça sera tout.

Phonétique : /sa səʁa tu/

Utilisation : Pour indiquer que vous avez fini vos achats et que vous êtes prêt à payer.

Anglais : "That will be all."

 

Pouvez-vous me donner un reçu ?

Phonétique : /puvə vu mə dɔne œ̃ ʁəsy/

Utilisation : À dire lorsque vous souhaitez obtenir un reçu après avoir payé.

Anglais : "Can you give me a receipt?"

 

 

At the Restaurant in French
 

Une table pour deux personnes, s'il vous plaît.

Phonétique : /yn tabl puʁ dø pɛʁsɔn, sil vu plɛ/

Utilisation : Lorsque vous voulez réserver une table pour deux au restaurant.

Anglais : "A table for two people, please."

 

Je voudrais réserver une table pour ce soir.

Phonétique : /ʒə vudʁɛ ʁezɛʁve yn tabl puʁ sə swaʁ/

Utilisation : Pour faire une réservation dans un restaurant pour le dîner.

Anglais : "I would like to reserve a table for tonight."

 

Pourrais-je voir le menu, s'il vous plaît ?

Phonétique : /puʁɛ ʒə vwaʁ lə məny, sil vu plɛ/

Utilisation : Pour demander à voir le menu après vous être assis au restaurant.

Anglais : "Could I see the menu, please?"

 

Je suis allergique à...

Phonétique : /ʒə sɥi alɛʁʒik a.../

Utilisation : Pour informer le serveur de vos allergies alimentaires.

Anglais : "I am allergic to..."

 

Quel est le plat du jour ?

Phonétique : /kɛl ɛ lə pla dy ʒuʁ/

Utilisation : Pour demander quel est le plat spécial proposé par le restaurant ce jour-là.

Anglais : "What is the dish of the day?"

 

Je prendrai...

Phonétique : /ʒə pʁɑ̃dʁe/

Utilisation : Pour commander votre choix de plat dans un restaurant.

Anglais : "I'll have..."

 

Pourrais-je avoir l’addition, s'il vous plaît ?

Phonétique : /puʁɛ ʒ avwaʁ l‿adisjɔ̃, sil vu plɛ/

Utilisation : Pour demander l’addition après avoir fini de manger.

Anglais : "Could I have the bill, please?"

 

C’était délicieux.

Phonétique : /s‿etɛ delisjø/

Utilisation : Pour exprimer votre satisfaction concernant le repas.

Anglais : "It was delicious."

 

Pouvez-vous me recommander un vin ?

Phonétique : /puvə vu mə ʁəkɔmɑ̃de œ̃ vɛ̃/

Utilisation : Pour demander une suggestion de vin qui accompagnerait bien votre repas.

Anglais : "Can you recommend a wine?"

 

Je suis végétarien(ne).

Phonétique : /ʒə sɥi veʒetaʁjɛ̃(n)/

Utilisation : Pour informer le serveur de vos restrictions alimentaires, spécifiquement si vous ne mangez pas de viande.

Anglais : "I am vegetarian."

 

Asking for Help in French
 

I am lost.

Phonetic: /ʒə mə sɥi pɛʁdy/

Usage: When you don't know where you are and need help finding your way.

English: "I am lost."

 

I need a doctor.

Phonetic: /ʒ‿e bəzwɛ̃ d‿œ̃ medəsɛ̃/

Usage: To indicate that you need to see a doctor urgently.

English: "I need a doctor."

 

Can you call an ambulance?

Phonetic: /puvə vu apəle yn ɑ̃bylɑ̃s/

Usage: In case of a medical emergency requiring an ambulance.

English: "Can you call an ambulance?"

 

Where is the nearest hospital?

Phonetic: /u ɛ lopital lə ply pʁoʃ/

Usage: To ask for directions to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

English: "Where is the nearest hospital?"

 

My phone has been stolen.

Phonetic: /mɔ̃ telefɔn a ete vɔle/

Usage: To report the theft of your phone, useful to the police or your embassy.

English: "My phone has been stolen."

 

Can you help me find a hotel?

Phonetic: /puvə vu mede a tʁuve œ̃n‿otel/

Usage: When you need help finding accommodation.

English: "Can you help me find a hotel?"

 

Where is the nearest ATM?

Phonetic: /u sə tʁuv lə distʁibytœʁ lə ply pʁoʃ/

Usage: To ask where you can withdraw money.

English: "Where is the nearest ATM?"

 

Where can I buy an adapter?

Phonetic: /u pɥiʒ‿aʃte œ̃n‿adaptaˈtœʁ/

Usage: When you need an adapter for your electrical devices.

English: "Where can I buy an adapter?"

 

My train has been cancelled, what should I do?

Phonetic: /mɔ̃ tʁɛ̃ a ete anyle, kə dwɑʒ ʒə fɛʁ/

Usage: To ask for instructions or assistance in case your train is cancelled.

English: "My train has been cancelled, what should I do?"

 

I have lost my passport.

Phonetic: /ʒ‿e pɛʁdy mɔ̃ paspɔʁ/

Usage: To use if you have lost your passport, useful when visiting your embassy or the police station.

English: "I have lost my passport."

 

 

Accommodation in French
 

Do you have any rooms available?

Phonetic: /avɛ vu de ʃɑ̃bʁ də libʁ/

Usage: To check the availability of rooms in a hotel or hostel.

English: "Do you have any rooms available?"

 

How much does a room cost for one night?

Phonetic: /kɔ̃bjɛ̃ kut yn ʃɑ̃bʁ puʁ yn nɥi/

Usage: To ask for the price of a room for one night.

English: "How much does a room cost for one night?"

 

I would like to book a room.

Phonetic: /ʒə vudʁɛ ʁezɛʁve yn ʃɑ̃bʁ/

Usage: When you want to make a hotel room reservation.

English: "I would like to book a room."

 

What time is breakfast?

Phonetic: /a kɛl œʁ ɛ lə pəti deʒœne/

Usage: To know what time breakfast is served in your hotel or accommodation.

English: "What time is breakfast?"

 

Is the Wi-Fi free?

Phonetic: /lə wi fi ɛ til ɡʁatɥi/

Usage: To ask if Wi-Fi access is free in the accommodation.

English: "Is the Wi-Fi free?"

 

What is the Wi-Fi code?

Phonetic: /kɛl ɛ lə kɔd wi-fi/

Usage: To ask for the password of the Wi-Fi network in your accommodation.

English: "What is the Wi-Fi code?"

 

Can you book a taxi for me, please?

Phonetic: /puvə vu mə ʁezɛʁve œ̃ tɑksi, sil vu plɛ/

Usage: When you need a taxi and ask the reception of your hotel to make the reservation for you.

English: "Can you book a taxi for me, please?"

 

Could I have some extra towels?

Phonetic: /puʁɛ ʒ avwaʁ de sɛʁvjɛt syplɛmɑ̃tɛʁ/

Usage: To ask for extra towels in your hotel room.

English: "Could I have some extra towels?"

 

Can you help me with my luggage?

Phonetic: /puvə vu mede a mɔ̃te mɛ bɑɡaʒ/

Usage: To ask for help carrying your luggage to your room.

English: "Can you help me with my luggage?"

 

The heating is not working, can you check it?

Phonetic: /lə ʃofaʒ nə fɔ̃ksjɔn pa, puvə vu lə vɛʁifje/

Usage: When the heating in your hotel room is not working and you need someone to fix it.

English: "The heating is not working, can you check it?"

 

 

In Transportation in French
 

A ticket to..., please.

Phonetic: /œ̃ bijɛ puʁ..., sil vu plɛ/

Usage: To purchase a ticket for transportation to a specific destination.

English: "A ticket to..., please."

 

Which platform is the train to... leaving from?

Phonetic: /kɛl ɛ lə kɛ puʁ lə tʁɛ̃ ɑ̃ diʁɛksjɔ̃ də.../

Usage: To find out from which platform the train to your destination will depart.

English: "Which platform is the train to... leaving from?"

 

Is this seat free?

Phonetic: /sə sjɛʒ ɛ til libʁ/

Usage: To ask if a seat in public transportation is occupied or not.

English: "Is this seat free?"

 

What time does the train/bus arrive?

Phonetic: /a kɛl œʁ aʁiv lə tʁɛ̃/by/

Usage: To know the scheduled arrival time of a train or bus.

English: "What time does the train/bus arrive?"

 

Where can I rent a car?

Phonetic: /u pɥiʒ lwe yn vwatyʁ/

Usage: To inquire about where you can rent a car, useful at airports or near train stations.

English: "Where can I rent a car?"

 

I have lost my ticket.

Phonetic: /ʒ‿e pɛʁdy mɔ̃ bijɛ/

Usage: When you have misplaced your transportation ticket and may need assistance or to purchase a new ticket.

English: "I have lost my ticket."

 

Does this bus go to...?

Phonetic: /ɛs kə sə bys va a.../

Usage: To verify that the bus you intend to board goes to the desired destination.

English: "Does this bus go to...?"

 

How long does the journey take?

Phonetic: /kɔ̃bjɛ̃ də tɑ̃ dyʁ lə tʁaʒɛ/

Usage: To inquire about the duration of a journey by bus, train, or other means of transportation.

English: "How long does the journey take?"

 

Where is the bike rental?

Phonetic: /u ɛ la lɔkasjɔ̃ də velo/

Usage: To find a bike rental service, useful in cities offering bike-sharing programs.

English: "Where is the bike rental?"

 

I would like a public transportation map.

Phonetic: /ʒə vudʁɛ œ̃ plɑ̃ de tʁɑ̃spɔʁ ɑ̃ kɔmœ̃/

Usage: To request a map or guide of public transportation lines in a city or region.

English: "I would like a public transportation map."

 

 

Leisure and Tourism in French
 

What are the must-see tourist sites?

Phonetic: /kɛl sɔ̃ le sit tuʁistik a nə pa manke/

Usage: To ask for recommendations on the must-visit attractions in a region.

English: "What are the must-see tourist sites?"

 

Where can I buy tickets?

Phonetic: /u pɥiʒ aʃte de bijɛ/

Usage: To inquire about where to purchase tickets for attractions, museums, or events.

English: "Where can I buy tickets?"

 

What are the opening hours?

Phonetic: /kɛl sɔ̃ lez œʁ duvɛʁtyʁ/

Usage: To ask about the opening hours of a place such as a museum, attraction, or shop.

English: "What are the opening hours?"

 

Can you recommend a good restaurant in this area?

Phonetic: /puvə vu ʁəkɔmɑ̃de œ̃ bɔ̃ ʁɛstɔʁɑ̃ dɑ̃ sɛt zɔn/

Usage: To ask for suggestions of good local restaurants.

English: "Can you recommend a good restaurant in this area?"

 

Is there a guide who speaks language?

Phonetic: /i a til œ̃ ɡid ki paʁl lɑ̃g/

Usage: To inquire if guided tours are available in your language.

English: "Is there a guide who speaks language?"

 

How long does the tour last?

Phonetic: /kɔ̃bjɛ̃ də tɑ̃ dyʁ la vizit/

Usage: To inquire about the duration of a guided tour or specific attraction.

English: "How long does the tour last?"

 

Where is the museum?

Phonetic: /u ɛ lə myze/

Usage: To ask for directions to a specific museum.

English: "Where is the museum?"

 

Is the park open today?

Phonetic: /ɛs kə lə paʁk ɛ uveʁ oʒuʁdɥi/

Usage: To check if a park or other attraction is open on the day of your visit.

English: "Is the park open today?"

 

What is the best way to get to...?

Phonetic: /kɛl ɛ lə mɛjœʁ mwayɛn də sə ʁɑ̃dʁ a.../

Usage: To ask for advice on the best mode of transportation to reach a specific destination.

English: "What is the best way to get to...?"

 

Do you have audio guides?

Phonetic: /avɛ vu dez‿odjɡid/

Usage: To ask if audio guides are available in a museum, monument, or during a tour.

English: "Do you have audio guides?"

 

 

Emergency Situations in French
 

Call the police!

Phonetic: /kɔl ðə pəˈlis/

Usage: In case of a situation requiring immediate police intervention.

English: "Call the police!"

 

Call an ambulance!

Phonetic: /kɔl ən ˈæmbjələns/

Usage: To be said in case of urgent need for medical assistance.

English: "Call an ambulance!"

 

I need help immediately.

Phonetic: /aɪ nid hɛlp ɪˈmidiətli/

Usage: When you are in an urgent situation and need assistance quickly.

English: "I need help immediately."

 

There has been an accident.

Phonetic: /ðɛr hæz bin ən ˈæksɪdənt/

Usage: To report that an accident has occurred, whether it's a traffic accident, a household accident, etc.

English: "There has been an accident."

 

Someone stole my wallet.

Phonetic: /ˈsəmˌwən stəʊl maɪ ˈwɒlɪt/

Usage: To report the theft of your wallet to the police or a responsible party.

English: "Someone stole my wallet."

 

I'm stuck in the elevator / the restroom.

Phonetic: /aɪm stʌk ɪn ðə ˈɛlɪˌveɪtər / ðə ˈrɛstruːm/

Usage: When you are trapped somewhere and need help getting out.

English: "I'm stuck in the elevator / the restroom."

 

Is there a doctor here?

Phonetic: /ɪz ðɛər ə ˈdɒktə hɪər/

Usage: To inquire if a doctor is present in a public place in case of urgent medical need.

English: "Is there a doctor here?"

 

Help!

Phonetic: /help/

Usage: A cry for immediate assistance in a dangerous situation.

English: "Help!"

 

I don't feel well.

Phonetic: /aɪ doʊnt fil wɛl/

Usage: To express sudden discomfort or a health problem.

English: "I don't feel well."

 

Do you have a medicine for...?

Phonetic: /du jʊ hæv ə ˈmɛdəsɪn fɔr/

Usage: When you need a specific medicine for a symptom or condition.

English: "Do you have a medicine for...?"

 

 

Common Expressions in French
 

How do you say... in French?

Phonetic: /haʊ duː juː seɪ... ɪn frɛntʃ/

Usage: To learn how to say something in French, useful for language learners.

English: "How do you say... in French?"

 

What will the weather be like tomorrow?

Phonetic: /wɒt wɪl ðə ˈwɛðə biː laɪk təˈmɒrəʊ/

Usage: To ask about the forecasted weather for the next day.

English: "What will the weather be like tomorrow?"

 

Can you recommend a hiking route?

Phonetic: /kæn juː ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd ə ˈhaɪkɪŋ ruːt/

Usage: To ask for advice on the best hiking trails or walks in an area.

English: "Can you recommend a hiking route?"

 

Where can I find a good coffee shop / bakery?

Phonetic: /wɛə kæn aɪ faɪnd ə ɡʊd ˈkɒfi ʃɒp / ˈbeɪkəri/

Usage: To ask for local recommendations for a quality coffee shop or bakery.

English: "Where can I find a good coffee shop / bakery?"

 

How can I connect to the Wi-Fi?

Phonetic: /haʊ kæn aɪ kəˈnɛkt tuː ðə waɪ faɪ/

Usage: To ask for information on connecting to a Wi-Fi network at a location.

English: "How can I connect to the Wi-Fi?"

 

Can you take a picture of me, please?

Phonetic: /kæn juː teɪk ə ˈpɪkʧər əv miː pliːz/

Usage: When you want someone to take a photo of you, useful in tourist locations.

English: "Can you take a picture of me, please?"

 

Where can I buy a stamp?

Phonetic: /wɛə kæn aɪ baɪ ə stæmp/

Usage: To find a place to buy stamps, often needed for sending postcards or letters.

English: "Where can I buy a stamp?"

 

What is the specialty of this region?

Phonetic: /wɒt ɪz ðə ˈspɛʃəlti əv ðɪs ˈriːʤən/

Usage: To inquire about specific dishes, products, or traditions unique to a region.

English: "What is the specialty of this region?"

 

Where is the nearest beach?

Phonetic: /wɛər ɪz ðə ˈnɪərɪst biːʧ/

Usage: To ask for directions to the nearest beach from your current location.

English: "Where is the nearest beach?"

 

Where is the nearest supermarket?

Phonetic: /wɛər ɪz ðə ˈnɪərɪst ˈsuːpəˌmɑrkɪt/

Usage: To locate the nearest supermarket for grocery shopping or buying supplies.

English: "Where is the nearest supermarket?"