Learning a new language can be an exhilarating and challenging experience. French, in particular, is known for its beautiful sounds and rich history. If you are a beginner looking to dive into the French language, here are some basic yet essential French words and phrases that will help you start building your vocabulary.
Bonjour – Hello
Bonjour, comment allez-vous?
This is the most common greeting in French, suitable for any time of day.
Au revoir – Goodbye
Au revoir et à bientôt!
Use this phrase when parting ways with someone.
S’il vous plaît – Please
Pouvez-vous me passer le sel, s’il vous plaît?
This is a polite way to ask for something.
Merci – Thank you
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide!
Express gratitude with this word. Adding “beaucoup” increases the intensity to “thank you very much.”
Excusez-moi – Excuse me
Excusez-moi, où est la gare?
Use this phrase to get someone’s attention or apologize for a mild inconvenience.
Oui – Yes
Oui, je voudrais cela.
A straightforward affirmation or agreement.
Non – No
Non, je ne comprends pas.
Use this to disagree or deny permission.
Peut-être – Maybe
Peut-être que nous irons demain.
Indicates uncertainty or possibility.
Je ne sais pas – I don’t know
Quand part le train? Je ne sais pas.
Use this phrase when you’re unsure about something.
Comment? – What?
Comment? Je n’ai pas entendu.
Use this to request clarification if you did not understand something.
Pourquoi? – Why?
Pourquoi est-ce important?
When inquiring about reasons or motives.
Quand? – When?
Quand partons-nous?
Use this to inquire about time-related matters.
Comment ça va? – How are you?
Salut Jean, comment ça va?
A casual way to ask someone about their well-being.
Bien – Good
Je vais bien, merci.
A positive response to “Comment ça va?”
Mal – Bad
Je vais mal aujourd’hui.
A negative response to “Comment ça va?”
Comme ci, comme ça – So-so
Comment ça va? Comme ci, comme ça.
Use this when things are neither good nor bad.
Parlez-vous anglais? – Do you speak English?
Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?
A useful phrase for English speakers in French-speaking areas.
Je m’appelle – My name is
Bonjour, je m’appelle Marie.
Use this to introduce yourself.
Je suis perdu(e) – I am lost
Je suis perdu, pouvez-vous m’aider?
Helpful if you need assistance finding your way.
Je voudrais – I would like
Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.
Use this phrase to express a desire or make a polite request.
Combien? – How much?
Combien coûte ce livre?
When you want to inquire about the price of something.
Où est – Where is
Où est la salle de bain?
Useful for asking the location of places.
By starting with these basic words and phrases, you will not only be able to handle simple interactions but also build a solid foundation for further learning. Remember, practice is key in language learning, so try to use these phrases as often as possible to become more comfortable with the French language. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)
