How to Learn Key Phrases in French

Although the French have a reputation for being critical of foreigners who butcher their language, it's largely undeserved. Most will appreciate even the most rudimentary attempts to speak their language. Keep in mind that French is also spoken throughout Quebec.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• French Dictionaries
• French Phrase Books

1. Use "bonjour" (pronounced "bohn-ZHOOR") for "hello" and "au revoir" (oh ruh-VWAR) for "goodbye."

2. Introduce yourself by saying "Je m'appelle" (zhuh muh-PELL) and then your name.

3. Make copious use of "s'il vous plaît" (see voo PLAY) and "merci" (mehr-SEE) to say "please" and "thank you."

4. Say "oui" (WEE) for "yes" and "non" (NOH) for "no." Of course, nodding or shaking your head works, too.

5. If you're looking for something, say "où" (OOH), which means "where."

6. You can use "je voudrais" (zhuh voo-DRAY), which means "I would like," in many situations. Just point to whatever you want, remembering to tack on a "s'il vous plaît" at the end.

7. If all of the above fails, ask "Parlez-vous anglais?" (PAHR-lay voo zahn-GLAY), or "Do you speak English?" If your new French-speaking friend doesn't, he or she can probably find someone who does.

Tips & Warnings

• The phonetic spellings above are only approximations of the French pronunciations. If you pronounce these words while pretending to be Pepe Le Pew, you'll probably be pretty close.
• If you carry around a small phrase book or dictionary, you can look up words you don't know - and even point to them if you can't pronounce them.
• Don't underestimate the power of body language. Pointing, drawing, gesturing and pantomiming will all help you get your point across.

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[mabradford]

on 6/17/2009 I don't speak French so I let the funky English music do the talking talking yea...I don't speak French - ha ha ... but, I'm learning.

[andreas36]

on 6/15/2009 Hey there Guy,
The individual was only trying to be helpful. Maybe you should return to France, if you are there stay there............. stop poluting the " USA ".

P.S. Have a French Fry.... on me.

[Rickou]

on 11/21/2008 Just to make things clear about "Most will appreciate even the most rudimentary attempts to speak their language".

Would you appreciate if foreign people in USA or UK start to speak to you in their own language, as if you were supposed to speak it too ?

It's the same for us French people, you have to understand that English is not spoken by every country in the world !

In France we speak French (and also a few regional dialects !), and it's just normal that you ask politely before you start asking questions in your language.

English is a foreign language which is studied by a lot of students in secondary school, so you have good chances to find somebody who can help you, even with a rudimentary English.

But if you start speaking English without asking permission, that would be considered as a very rude attitude, and you take the risk that they answer in French even if they

on 8/8/2006 To say 'Where is...', you would say, 'Ou est...' which can be pronounced as, 'Oo ay...'.

on 8/8/2006 Some of the phrases put up by others would probably illicit some smiles, smirks, maybe even a snicker or two from French folks on the street. Case in point: the word "Tabernac" -- this is used in French-speaking Canada - not in France. Also, "Je suis bien" means "I'm comfortable", NOT "I'm okay". You'll want to say "Je vais bien" for that.

Want to get someone's attention? Make sure you use "S'il vous plaýt" up front, followed by "Monsieur" or "Madame" or "Mademoiselle".

Vocabulary is good - keep a list for a day or two of things you do, say and/or use in English, then learn those phrases and/or vocabulary words. Use post-its around the house for every-day items you may want to learn and make sure you practice every time you see it or use it.

Also, learning the conjugations of the "fab-five" of irregular verbs (ýtre, avoir, aller, faire, and prendre) is useful to have under your belt. A large portion of French expressions are made up of these verbs.

Take a look at various web sites (do a search for "French expressions") which can help you with pronunciation guides and/or with pronunciation audio files.