Basic French Words And Phrases

French is known as the language of love because of its melodic rhythm, smooth pronunciation, and descriptive nature. Even though French is one of the most beautiful languages to learn, many people are intimidated by the prospect of speaking it.

French, on the other hand, is one of the most easily learned European languages. Because French is a world language spoken by over 220 million people, learning it can provide you with access to a large portion of the world.

Furthermore, if you visit Paris and only speak English, the locals may regard you as disrespectful. They may also avoid you because they are apprehensive about speaking English, which they may not be fluent in.

That is why before travelling to France, it is essential to learn a few useful words and phrases. .

Basic French Words And Phrases

Here’s is a handy list of some of the basic French expressions, words, and phrases you’ll need to be polite in French.

Basic Greetings in French

1. Hello

This is one of the simplest and most important words to learn in French. Bonjour is the standard greeting in France that is equivalent to “Hello.” It’s a well-known and widely used way to say “Hello” in Paris, Lyon, and Nice.

Because there is no equivalent in French for “Good Morning,” you can also say Bonjour when greeting someone at the start of the day. n. A bisous à la française (French cheek kiss) or a handshake is also commonly used after saying hello.

Learn how to say “Hello” in French in different ways.

2. How are you?

Knowing the French for “how are you?” in addition to “Hello” is essential for showing respect and interest when communicating in France. “How are you?” in French is “Comment vas-tu?” which is the safest and most polite way to inquire about someone’s well-being. It can be applied in a variety of situations, including public speaking.

Learn how to say “How are you?” In French in different ways.

3. Nice to meet you

When you are introduced to someone in France, it is polite to express your feelings about meeting them. In French, you say “nice to meet you” with enchanté or enchantée.

Because the last e in the feminine form is silent, the masculine (enchanté) and feminine (enchantée) pronunciations are identical.

Native French speakers use the word enchanté / enchantée to express their delight at meeting someone.

Learn how to say “Nice to meet you ” in French in different ways.

4. Good morning

There is no French word for “good morning,” but there is a way to greet someone at the start of the day: Bonjour!

But keep in mind that Bonjour isn’t just a French way of saying “good morning” in the morning. It is also used throughout the day, from early morning to late at night.

Learn how to say “Good morning ” in French in different ways.

5. Good night

When you want to wish someone a good night in French, you say Bonne Nuit. This simple evening goodbye translates to “good night” in English.

It should not, however, be confused with the phrase Bonsoir (Good evening). While the phrase “good evening” is more formal in English, it is very common in French. bon soir is a phrase used to end a late-night conversation with someone who isn’t going to bed right away.

Learn how to say “Good night” in French in different ways.

6. Goodbye

The standard French phrase for “goodbye” is Au revoir.

This can be used to say farewell at any time of day and with anyone.

There are several ways to say “goodbye” in French, but Au Revoir is the best way to say “goodbye” for someone who is just learning the language because it is both informal and formal.

Learn how to say “Goodbye” in French in different ways.

Basic Courtesy Phrases in French

7. Thank you

The most commonly used word in French to express gratitude is Merci which means “thank you.” Merci can be used in formal and informal contexts, regardless of the reason for your gratitude.

Merci has a long history as well: during Roman times, it meant “wages” before coming to mean “a favour” or “a mercy.” The expression has come to mean “thank you” in modern usage.

Learn how to say “Thank you” in French in different ways.

8. I’m sorry

There are three key expressions to remember when learning how to say “sorry” in French. Apologies can be expressed in a variety of ways, but in France, the most common are:

• Désolé(e)! – I’m sorry!
• Pardon! – I’m sorry! Excuse-me!
• Toutes mes excuses! – My apologies!

Any of these three phrases can be used to express your regret. You can also use these to be polite if you accidentally bump into someone or make a minor error.

Learn how to say “I’m sorry” in French in different ways.

9. Yes

The word oui means “yes” in French. It’s easy to remember and use in any situation where you want to confirm something.

You can say oui in almost any situation that requires a positive response. This word has no sense of formality or informality because it is neutral.

Learn how to say “Yes” in French in different ways.

10. No

The French word for “no” is non. , keep in mind that “no” is a strong word in both French and English.

Will you simply say “no” in English if a friend extends an invitation? Instead, you’ll soften your “no.” It is critical to do so in both English and French.

Non merci for “no, thank you”  is more polite than simply saying no. This expression can be used to show more respect, but it can also be used with anyone in any situation.

Learn how to say “No” in French in different ways.

11. No problem

“No problem” is a casual way of saying that what you did or gave was not a big deal at all. It’s a way of saying “you’re welcome” in French, and it’s said as  pas de problème.

This is the most well-known and widely used French phrase for “no problem.” It means “no issue.”

Learn how to say “No problem” in French in different ways.

Love Language in French

12. I miss you

It should come as no surprise that French, as the language of love, has a wide range of expressions for how much you miss someone.

The French language has a variety of ways to say “I miss you” to family, friends, or your significant other, ranging from the simple to the obvious, subtle to utterly romantic.

The simplest way to say “I miss you” is to say Tu me manques.

Learn how to say “I miss you” in French in different ways.

13. I love you

In French, the standard way to say “I love you” is je t’aime, which is neither casual nor formal. You say je t’aime to express your feelings to a lover, friends, or family.

These short and sweet words are probably one of the most popular French expressions, a symbol of the love language.

Since French is the language of love, and Je t’aime is one of the most popular French expressions, it would be best to learn a few French endearments, such as:

• Mon amour – my love
• Mon chéri/Ma chérie – My dear/dearest

Learn how to say “I love you” in French in different ways.

14. Beautiful

There are numerous ways to describe someone or something beautiful in French, whether it’s a person, a painting, or a landscape. There are numerous ways to say “beautiful,” but let us begin with the most literal: belle.

• Belle/Beau – beautiful

The word ‘beautiful’ can be translated as belle or beau depending on who you’re talking to and what you’re talking about.

In French, there are gendered terms, and “beautiful” can refer to either a man or a woman, as well as a masculine/feminine word.

Learn how to say “Beautiful” in French in different ways.

Happy occasions and well-wishes in French

15. Congratulations

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, wedding, promotion, or holidays—there are specific ways to express your best wishes in French.

Félicitations is the standard French way of saying “Congratulations.” It is appropriate for use among close friends as well as in more formal settings.

Use Félicitations pour, followed by the action/event, to express what you’re congratulating the person on.

Learn how to say “Congratulations” in French in different ways.

16. Good luck

Bonne chance is the most common French expression for “good luck,” which is lovely because it truly means “good luck.” Bonne means good and chance means luck in this expression, making it simple to understand for English speakers. It can be used as an independent statement or as part of a longer one.

Learn how to say “Good luck” in French in different ways.

17. Cheers!

“Cheers!” is more than just a French expression. Instead of saying ‘cheers,’ the French say santé, which means ‘good health.’ This is usually followed by a clink of their drinking glasses. Alternatively, you may hear chin chin (this is the sound you hear as glasses touch each other) instead of santé.

Learn how to say “Cheers” in French in different ways.

18. Merry Christmas

The most common translation for “Merry Christmas” is Joyeux Noel. It is the appropriate expression to say to anyone you know whether family, friends, coworkers, hotel doorman, and your favorite bartender.

Joyeux is a pleasant, joyful, jolly, or gay adjective.

Meanwhile, in French, Christmas is simply referred to as Noel. A Christmas carol called The First Noel may remind you that this is the French word for “Christmas.”

Learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in French in different ways.