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If you’re looking for common French phrases to use in real-life situations, this guide is for you. Whether you’re traveling to Paris, starting to learn French, or just want to impress someone with a few useful lines, knowing some key expressions can make a huge difference. In this article, you’ll find essential phrases for greetings, shopping, travel, emergencies, and more — all grouped by category for easy reference.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
- 1. Basic Greetings and Polite Words
- 2. Introducing Yourself
- 3. Travel and Getting Around
- 4. Shopping Words
- 5. Eating at Cafés and Restaurants
- 6. Asking for Help
- 7. Talking About Feelings
- 8. Numbers and Time
- Tips for Memorizing Common French Phrases
- Final Thoughts: Start Using These Phrases Today
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Basic Greetings and Polite Words
These are the most common French phrases people use every day.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / Good morning |
| Bonsoir | Good evening |
| Salut | Hi (informal) |
| Merci | Thank you |
| De rien | You’re welcome |
| S’il vous plaît | Please (formal) |
| Excusez-moi | Excuse me |
| Comment ça va ? | How are you? |
| Ça va bien, merci. | I’m good, thank you. |
Use them when saying hello, asking for help, or being polite.
2. Introducing Yourself
These phrases help you tell others who you are.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Je m’appelle [name] | My name is [name] |
| Enchanté(e) | Nice to meet you |
| Je viens des États-Unis | I’m from the United States |
| Parlez-vous anglais ? | Do you speak English? |
| Je parle un peu français | I speak a little French |
| Pouvez-vous répéter ? | Can you repeat that? |
| Je ne comprends pas | I don’t understand |
3. Travel and Getting Around
These help you move around cities and ask for directions.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Où est la station de métro ? | Where is the metro station? |
| Je voudrais un billet, s’il vous plaît | I’d like a ticket, please |
| À quelle heure part le train ? | What time does the train leave? |
| C’est combien ? | How much is it? |
| Arrêtez ici, s’il vous plaît | Stop here, please (in a taxi) |
4. Shopping Words
Use these when buying something at a store or market.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Combien ça coûte ? | How much does it cost? |
| Avez-vous ceci en taille M ? | Do you have this in size M? |
| Je regarde seulement | I’m just looking |
| C’est trop cher | It’s too expensive |
| J’achète ça | I’ll buy this |
5. Eating at Cafés and Restaurants
These phrases help you order food or drinks.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| La carte, s’il vous plaît | The menu, please |
| Je voudrais un café | I’d like a coffee |
| L’addition, s’il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| C’était délicieux | It was delicious |
| Je suis allergique à… | I’m allergic to… |
Tip: In France, service is included, so tipping is not obligatory but appreciated.
6. Asking for Help
Important phrases in case something goes wron
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Appelez une ambulance ! | Call an ambulance! |
| J’ai besoin d’un médecin | I need a doctor |
| Où sont les toilettes ? | Where is the restroom? |
| J’ai perdu mon passeport | I lost my passport |
| Aidez-moi, s’il vous plaît | Help me, please |
7. Talking About Feelings
Use these to express how you feel.ons.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| J’aime ça | I like that |
| Je suis fatigué(e) | I’m tired |
| C’est intéressant | That’s interesting |
| Je suis désolé(e) | I’m sorry |
| Ce n’est pas grave | It’s okay / no worries |
8. Numbers and Time
Useful for giving addresses, setting appointments, and buying tickets.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Un, deux, trois… | One, two, three… |
| Quelle heure est-il ? | What time is it? |
| Aujourd’hui | Today |
| Demain | Tomorrow |
| Maintenant | Now |
Tips for Memorizing Common French Phrases
- Use flashcards with audio to practice pronunciation
- Speak out loud to get used to the rhythm
- Shadow native speakers from YouTube or audio clips
- Practice daily with real-life scenarios
- Use apps like Avatalks or Duolingo for AI-powered repetition
Final Thoughts: Start Using These Phrases Today
Mastering common French phrases opens doors to real conversations. You don’t need to memorize the dictionary — just focus on the phrases above, practice them regularly, and build your confidence. Whether you’re visiting France or learning for fun, these expressions will help you connect, navigate, and enjoy the experience more fully.
Ready to take the next step? Start practicing these phrases with an AI-powered tutor at Avatalks and make your French learning journey faster, more fun, and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the most useful French phrases for travelers?
A: Greetings like “Bonjour,” requests like “L’addition, s’il vous plaît,” and help phrases like “Où sont les toilettes ?” are all essential.
Q: Can I learn French just by memorizing common phrases?
A: It’s a great start, especially for beginners and travelers, but pairing it with grammar and speaking practice will help you progress further.
Q: Are these phrases used in Quebec or only in France?
A: Most are widely understood across the French-speaking world, though some slang and pronunciation may vary in regions like Quebec or West Africa.