If you’re just starting to learn French, mastering a few essential phrases will help you feel more comfortable in everyday conversations. Here’s a list of some basic French phrases every beginner should know:
1. Greetings and Introductions
- Bonjour! (bohn-zhoor) – Hello/Good morning
- Bonsoir! (bohn-swahr) – Good evening
- Salut! (sa-loo) – Hi/Bye (informal)
- Comment ça va? (koh-mohn sah vah) – How are you?
- Je m’appelle… (zhuh mah-pel) – My name is…
- Enchanté(e)! (ahn-shahn-tay) – Nice to meet you!
2. Polite Expressions
- S’il vous plaît (seel voo pleh) – Please (formal)
- Merci (mehr-see) – Thank you
- Merci beaucoup (mehr-see boh-koo) – Thank you very much
- De rien (duh ryang) – You’re welcome
- Excusez-moi (ex-kew-zay mwah) – Excuse me
3. Basic Questions
- Où est…? (oo eh) – Where is…?
- Combien ça coûte? (kohm-byang sah koot) – How much does it cost?
- Pouvez-vous m’aider? (poo-veh voo meh-deh) – Can you help me?
- Qu’est-ce que c’est? (kes-kuh say) – What is it?
4. Useful Phrases for Travel
- Je voudrais… (zhuh voo-dray) – I would like…
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît (la-dee-syon, seel voo pleh) – The bill, please
- Parlez-vous anglais? (par-lay voo ahn-glay) – Do you speak English?
- Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kom-prahng pah) – I don’t understand
5. Expressing Yourself
- Oui (wee) – Yes
- Non (noh) – No
- Peut-être (puh-teh-truh) – Maybe
- D’accord (da-kor) – OK
- Je suis désolé(e) (zhuh swee deh-zoh-lay) – I’m sorry
Conclusion
These essential French phrases will help you navigate everyday situations and make your interactions in French-speaking environments much smoother. Practice them regularly, and soon they’ll become second nature!
