101 Basic French Words For Travel In France

Although France lies next door to England, a native English-speaking country, you may not always be able to get by with speaking English, especially if you wish to immerse yourself in the culture or walk around the French suburbs. So, before you plan a trip to Metropolis, it's a smart option to brush up on some fundamental French terms and phrases.

Learning a few introductory greetings and courteous phrases in the mother tongue will make the most of your trip and facilitate your interactions with the locals. Even if speaking the language isn't your forte or you're not too confident, this guide below will help you speak french like a native.

Below are a few that will allow you to communicate and will surely make your vacation worthwhile.

Why Visit France

France has been on each one of us's bucket list. Why not? It is known as one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

Every tourist will find that the country has a lot to offer. Whether you've come to learn about the city's rich culture and history through its museums and architectural marvels, or you've come on a romantic trip with your loved one in, you guessed it! The City of Lights, Paris, la France has something for everyone.

Paris, as well as Bordeaux, Lyon, Cannes, and Nice, France is known for its magnificent cities and luxurious lifestyle that will certainly capture your heart. It is home to world-famous art and movies; museums such as the Louvre and the Cannes Film Festival, as well as films such as La Vie en Rose and Amelie. Moreover, learning french through art and artists is a fun and engaging way to understand the language.

It should come as no surprise that France and fashion are sides of the same coin, hence prepare to see many shopping centres and boutiques around the region. It had to be, given that it is the birthplace of some of the world's most well-known fashionistas, like Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Dior, and LVMH.

It's also famed for its delectable cuisine, scenic towns, outdoor sports, and, most importantly, its love language, le français. So, even if you can't fly to this lovely nation just yet, you may begin to feel a connection by growing your French vocab and develop your accent right now!

Basic French Phrases To Visit France

Learning to approach people respectfully in French is the very first step toward feeling at ease in France. It will also enhance the level of service you receive and your interactions with the French overall.

Male and female expressions are generally different, just as there are various definitions of greeting in French depending on how well you know someone.

There are often articles associated with every word, be it an object, a material or a person; they are categorised into masculine and feminine. You can use le (the)/ un (a) for a masculine noun like un garçon means a boy. Likewise, you use la (the)/ une (a) for a feminine noun like une fille means a girl.

Similarly, when speaking to someone you know or addressing a child or an animal, you can say 'tu', which means you. However, you must use ‘vous’ while speaking to strangers, authorities or your seniors. It is a far more polite and formal way of addressing someone.
Remember, it's usually safer to use ‘vous’ as a general rule.

To start a discussion, here are some simple French words and phrases to use:

The Basics Phrases You Need To Know

Common courtesy is fairly serious among the French, so whether you're meeting someone for the first time or conversing with a stranger, it's key that you address them correctly and with the appropriate expression.

1. Bonjour: Good morning/ Hello
   Do not forget to say bonjour as you enter a shop or start a conversation with someone!

2. Salut: Hello (casual way of saying hello)

3. Bonsoir: Good evening

4. Monsieur/ Madame/ mademoiselle: Mister/ Madam/ Miss

5. S'il vous plaît: Please

6. Merci/ Merci beaucoup: Thank you/ Thank you very much

7. Excusez-moi/ Pardon: Excuse me
   Pardon is an informal way. You can use either if you bump into someone or make your way through a crowd.

8. Au revoir: Goodbye

9. Bonne journée!: Have a good day!

10. Je suis désolé(e): I'm sorry (an e is added if you identify as female)

11. Oui: Yes

12. Non: No

Making Yourself Understood In French

It is important to make yourself understood if you are a tourist and you are not familiar with the language.
Je is used as a subject and it stands for I.

13. Je ne comprends pas: I don't understand
14. Je ne sais pas: I don't know
15. Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English
16. Je ne parle pas français: I do not speak French
17. Je parle un peu français: I speak a little French
18. Répétez, s'il vous plaît: Repeat please
    You can say this when you have not understood what has been said or if the person might have spoken too quickly, you can say:
19. S'il vous plaît, parlez lentement: Please speak slowly

Introducing Yourself In French

20. Je m'appelle ...: My name is ...
21. Quel est votre nom?: What is your name?
22. Comment allez-vous?: How are you?
23. Je vais bien, et vous?: I am well, and you?
24. Je viens de ...: I come from ...
25. Enchanté(e): Pleased to meet you (an e is added if you identify as female).

Transportation Words In French

The transit system is usually the main mode of transport in the country, connecting the big cities so you will have no problem travelling from one end to the other.

Prices vary over distances and it is a fast and comfortable option. You can even travel within as well as to neighbouring countries. You might need to know certain terms to be able to get your way through!

26. Le bus: the bus

27. Arrêt de bus: Bus stop

28. Un taxi: a taxi

29. Je voudrais partir à la gare: I would like to go to the bus/train station

30. Train: Train
    The high-speed train of France is called Train à grande vitesse (TGV), you can simply say TGV.

31. Le Métro: Subway

32. Un Avion: Airplane

33. Une Voiture : Car

34. Un Billet: Ticket

35. Le Guichet: Ticket window

36. Quelle est l’horaire?: What is the schedule?

37. L'aéroport: Airport

38. La gare: Bus/ train station

Directions Phrases In French

39. À gauche: To the left.
40. À droite: To the right.
41. Tout droit: Straight ahead.
42. Où sommes-nous?: Where are we?
43. C’est loin/près d’ici?: Is it far/close by?
44. La Sortie: The exit
45. Nord: North
46. Sud: South
47. L'Est: East
48. L'Ouest: West
49. Ici: Here
50. Là-bas: There

Places Or Accomodation Terms In French

As you explore the country, you should have an idea of what certain places are called so that it's easy for you to maneuver around.

51. L'hôtel: Hotel

52. L'auberge: Hostel
    A hostel is usually cheaper than a hotel but you have to make sure that they are accessible and clean.

53. J'aimerais faire une réservation: I'd like to make a reservation

54. Je voudrais une chambre pour deux: I would like a double room.

55. À quelle heure est-ce qu’il faut régler la note?: At what time should we check out?

56. La plage: The beach

57. Les Magasins: Shops

58. Centre commercial: Shopping mall

59. L'église: Church

60. L'ambassade: Embassy

61. La poste: Post office

62. Le supermarché: Supermarket

63. La pâtisserie: Pastry shop

Asking For Help In French

As a foreigner, it is essential to learn how to ask for help if ever you find yourself in trouble, face an emergency situation or simply having issues in finding something. Keep reading to know how to deal with such circumstances!

64. Je cherche: I'm looking for
65. Où est: Where is...
    You can say either followed by the thing or place you might be looking for.
66. Où sont les toilettes?: Where is the restroom?
67. Où est l'hôpital/ la pharmacie?: Where is the hospital/ the pharmacy?
68. Aidez-moi: Help me
69. Je suis perdu: I'm lost
70. J'ai perdu ...: I've lost..
71. J'ai perdu mon porte-monnaie: I've lost my wallet
72. J'ai mal au cœur: I feel sick
73. Appelez une ambulance: Call an ambulance
74. Appelez la police: Call the police
    You might be able to properly explain yourself to authority figures as they usually understand English.

Food And Ordering In Restaurant In France

Home to one of the most popular cuisines, France will surely make your mouth water with its myriad choice of cheese and pastries, not to forget its unique dishes! However, most menus are not offered in the English language, so a few basic culinary vocabulary will make your dining experience more fun. Moreover, you can also learn french by following french recipes yourself!

75. Le menu, s’il vous plaît: The menu, please.

76. Quels sont les plats du jour: What are today's specials?

77. Je suis allergique à ...: I'm allergic to ...

78. Options végétariennes: Vegetarian options

79. Je prendrai: I'd like

80. L’addition: The bill

81. Est-ce que le service est compris?: Is the tip included?
    You should remember that tipping is not a common practice in many restaurants.

82. C’est trop bon!: This is so good!

83. Le Pain: Bread

84. Un Fromage: Cheese

85. La viande: Meat

Drinks Words In French

86. La carte des vins, s’il vous plaît: The wine menu, please.

87. Un verre de vin: A glass of wine
    You cannot visit France and not try a wine collection!

88. Du thé: Tea

89. Un café: a coffee

90. Une bière: a beer

91. Du jus de fruit: Some fruit juice

92. De l’eau: Some water

93. Boisson pétillante: Fizzy drink

Money Terms In French

If you are travelling to France, you are bound to use some euros to enjoy your stay. What better way to start understanding money terms in french than now!

94. Billet d'argent: Notes

95. La monnaie: Coins

96. Combien ça coûte?: How much does this cost?

97. Je voudrais payer en liquide: I would like to pay in cash.

98. Acceptez-vous les cartes?: Do you accept cards?
    It is important that you inquire before paying as many small restaurants do not accept cards. It is also a wiser option to carry cash with you.

99. Je vous dois combien?: How much do I owe you?

100. C'est trop cher: It is too expensive

101. La banque: The bank

Best Places You Need To Visit In France

A vacation to France will keep you busy with all the wonderful activities available.

Since you made it this far, we added 5 more beautiful places to visit in France along with their gorgeous names.

102. La tour Eiffel: The Eiffel tower
     One of the must-see locations in France is surely the Eiffel Tower, a real and amazing structural masterpiece. You can mount the Tower and look down on beautiful Paris.

103. Bordeaux: Bordeaux
     If you are a wine enthusiast, you may tour the winery in Bordeaux, which is also a city full of history and art.

104. Le Musée du Louvre: Louvre museum
     The Louvre, which houses the Mona Lisa, has some of the most renowned works of art in contemporary history.

105. La Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris: Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral
     Notre Dame Cathedral is a Gothic architectural marvel and one of the most amazing tourist sites you should see.

106. La plage de Saint-Tropez: Saint-Tropez beach
     You may also choose between the captivating beaches of Saint-Tropez and the ski resorts of Chamonix, or you can simply do both.

Now, Up To You To Practice You French!

Now that you have an idea of what le français consists of, it is time for you to practice saying these words. You can also improve your french with the tools that Speechling provides.

Remember as many as you can to make the most of your next trip to France!