Basic French Phrasebook

French is a Romance language originating in France, but spoken in many other European countries including Luxembourg, Belgium and Switzerland.

In North America, French is spoken in Quebec, a few other parts of Canada, and parts of the US state of Louisiana. Other countries speaking French include former French colonies in North Africa and West Africa; in Haiti, Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean; in French Guiana in South America; in Tahiti and numerous other islands in Oceania.

It has long been the language of international diplomacy and communication, and although largely surplanted by English since World War II, it remains de rigueur for educated people in many societies around the world.

Greetings

Bonjour.
Good day.

Salut.
Hello. (Informal)

Bon matin.
Good morning.

Bonsoir.
Good evening.

Bonne nuit.
Good night.

Au revoir.
Good-bye.

Comment vous appellez- vous?
What is your name? (Formal)

Comment t'appelles- tu?
What's your name? (Informal)

Je m'appelle Nicolas.
My name is Nicolas.

Enchanté.
Very nice to meet you.

Comment allez vous?
How are you? (Formal)

Comment ça va?
How's it going? (Informal)

Bien, merci
Good, thank you.

Common Replies

Excusez- moi.
Excuse me. (Formal)

Désolé.
Sorry.

S' il vous plaît.
Please. (Formal)

Merci.
Thank you.

Basic Phrases

Je ne parle pas bien français.
I don't speak French well.

Parlez- vous l' anglais?
Do you speak English? (Formal)

Est- ce qu' il y a quelqu'un ici qui parle l' anglais?
Is there someone here who can speak English?

Je ne comprends pas.
I don't understand.

Où sont les toilettes?
Where is the bathroom?

Est- ce qu' il y a quelqu'un ici qui parle l' anglais?
Is there someone here who can speak English?

Emergency Phrases

Laissez- moi tranquille!
Leave me alone!

Ne me touchez pas!
Don't touch me!

J' appelle la police
I am calling the police.

Aidez- moi, s' il vous plaît!
Help me, please!

C' est une urgence!
It's an emergency!

Je suis perdu.
I am lost.

J' ai perdu mon sac.
I have lost my bag.

J' ai perdu mon portefeuille.
I have lost my wallet.

Je suis malade.
I am sick.

Je suis blessé.
I am injured.

J' ai besoin d' un médecin.
I need a doctor.

Puis- je utiliser votre téléphone?
Can I use your telephone?